The Richmond Burial Ground Trust met on Tuesday 1 April 2025 to discuss the progress of chapel repairs, site management, and the annual financial statement. The Trust approved the annual statement of accounts and agreed that remedial tree work should proceed, subject to a bird nest survey.

Chapel Repairs and Future Use

Stephen Fielding provided an update on the ongoing building work at the chapel, which began on 3 March. He reported that the walls have been secured and that underpinning and piling work, approved and covered by contingency funds, is required due to crumbling foundations discovered during trenching. The chapel is expected to be fully functional by late May or early June. The Trust is exploring commercial options for the chapel's use, with the hope it could serve as a base for a local group or charity. Further adaptations may be funded through additional fundraising. Information boards have been installed, and an online booking system is under review. Councillor Chris Varley will liaise further with Stephen Fielding regarding these developments.

Site Management and Volunteer Efforts

John Salisbury reported on site management activities, noting that volunteers have cleared areas around the chapel. The Conservation Volunteers (TCV) visited in March, providing wood chippings for paths and clearing a glade and meadow area. Remedial tree work is still pending, and additional funds may be required. Information and ecology boards have been installed, and the Richmond Society will be informed.

Discussions around the tree work indicated that the contractor would charge a day rate, with an additional £1500 potentially needed if more days are required, which is not currently in the budget. For the upcoming year, TCV will provide five days of volunteer support. TCV can also organise corporate volunteer days with larger groups at no cost to the Trust, which could help offset maintenance expenses. The provisional budget includes maintenance costs, but the full amount may not be necessary if corporate volunteers contribute significantly. Path reinstatement is scheduled for the summer months and will cost £298 from the total budget of £2048. The Trust agreed that the oak and ash trees should be removed, but a bird nest survey will be necessary before this can occur in the summer.

The Trust noted the update, approved five days of volunteering, and agreed that the tree work should proceed, contingent on the survey results.

Crypt Repair

John Salisbury reported that Facilities Management has not yet completed the crypt repairs, and the Trust is actively chasing them, particularly due to safety concerns. John Salisbury will continue to seek quotes for the work. The Trust noted this update and acknowledged that an extraordinary meeting might be necessary to approve additional costs for the crypt repair.

Annual Statement of Accounts

Stuart Black, Principal Finance Officer for Environment and Community Services, presented the Richmond Burial Ground Trust's Statement of Accounts for the 2023-2024 financial year. He summarised the financial position, noting an expenditure prediction of £10,000 to £12,000 for the coming year, with more detailed information to be provided at the next meeting. The Trust approved the Statement of Accounts.

The meeting was chaired by Councillor Julia Neden-Watts. Stephen Fielding and Councillor Chris Varley were also in attendance.