Issue - meetings

This report introduces a new Memorial Policy for Epsom & Walton Downs.

The Conservators received a report presenting a Memorial Policy for Epsom and Walton Downs. It was noted that an amended Annexe 3 to the report (fees for memorial bird and bat boxes) had been published as a supplement to the agenda, and replaced that originally contained within it.

The Conservators considered the Policy and noted that the proposed design of memorial benches did not include a back. Officers informed the Conservators that this design of bench had been selected to best fit the nature of the Downs’ environment, and was also used at Nonsuch Park. It was also proposed that memorial plaques would not be permitted on the benches, in keeping with the natural environment of the Downs.  The sponsor of each bench would be shown its location and invited to attend its installation on the Downs.

The proposed charge of £300 for installation of a bench was considered, and the Conservators were informed that this would cover all costs incurred. The one-off charge for sponsoring a bench would be reviewed annually to reflect any increases in costs. It was noted that the period of sponsorship for a memorial bench would be 10 years.

A maximum number of 12 benches would be permitted on the Downs, at locations agreed with the Downskeepers and detailed in the terms and conditions of sponsorship. The Downs Manager informed the Conservators that a high demand for benches was not currently anticipated. It was noted that a party had expressed an interest in sponsoring a bench in 2015, and that they would be contacted to enquire whether they would still wish to do so.

Following this consideration, the Conservators:

(1)          Approved the Memorial Policy for the Downs, terms and conditions of sponsoring a memorial bench on Epsom and Walton Downs and the fees for memorials on Epsom and Walton Downs.

(2)          Agreed to review the Memorial Policy and fees and charges in October 2017.