Author: friendsofbec

Aftermath of local flooding update

Those of us that live locally are only too aware of the damage caused when the recent heavy deluge overwhelmed the drains in the area.  Severn Trent have given, and continue to give, advice on how to protect your property from these unusual occurrences when existing drains are unable to cope.

Bereavement Services are also trying to reduce run off from the cemetery, which lies on higher ground than some of the surrounding houses.

As a temporary measure they created a sandbag ‘wall’ along the most affected zone and to make a more permanent deterrent they have decided to build a ‘bund’ which will be planted with wild flowers.

Fortunately these occurrences are rare but they still cause a fair amount of damage and upset to those affected.

Scouts assist at June litter pick

The sun shone on 5 members of 96th Birmingham Scouts who joined FBEC members to collect 11 bags of litter around the cemetery on Sunday 3rd June.

Our new Chairman, Julia, kept herself busy by washing the section markers along the main drive and assisting a number of members of the public in finding family graves !

Our thanks to people who kindly donate to FBEC when they see us at work in the cemetery. Your support is greatly appreciated.

 

 

Flood Mitigation in Brandwood End.

I am sure everyone is well aware of the problems faced by residents around Birmingham during the recent exceptional flash floods. Locally residents in two roads adjacent to the cemetery were amongst those affected. The cemetery represents a large expanse of land slightly above the level of those two roads so in some locations residents were subject to a deluge of  floodwater during this unbelievably heavy downpour.

It is exceptionally difficult to know what to do about this issue but whilst investigations are ongoing you may, when visiting the cemetery, see sandbags along the boundary roads as a temporary mitigation measure. Bereavement Services Department will keep us updated.

 

 

GDPR- Data Protection

I am sure FBEC members must be aware of the changes that have been implemented related to privacy and data control. You can rest assured that FBEC have already put measures in place to comply with this new legislation but it is complex and we may need to contact all our paying members in future via e mail or letter. Please do answer our request if you wish to maintain a relationship with FBEC.

As for our web site- you can see a copy of our updated Privacy Policy on this site.

Our thanks, from the Committee of the Friends of Brandwood End Cemetery.

Tree work underway

Those of you that visit the cemetery may have noticed that recently some of the driveways were hard to travel along in a vehicle, as low branches had become a hazard.

This was especially true along the avenue of Redwoods, where the trees were crowding each other out and there was reduced light.  The Tree Officer has instigated a programme of removal of the lower branches (Crown lifting) throughout the cemetery and the photograph above shows what a remarkable difference can be made by more space and more light. One side of the avenue has been completed and hopefully the other side will follow soon.

NOTE- You may see a Tree Survey Officer in the Cemetery as BCC are completing their five yearly safety check of trees.

Farewell to Barrie Simpson

Today The Friends said goodbye to our much loved founder member, Barrie Simpson. The village square at All Saints Church in Kings Heath was full to capacity, as friends and colleagues waited for the arrival of his Funeral Cortege, complete with Police outriders and motor cycle followers. The service offered the opportunity for several people to share their memories of Barrie, who had packed more into his life than many could ever hope to. It also was an opportunity to recall, with humour, what a maverick personality he was. Anyone who met him will never forget the experience. RIP Barrie. Without your input FBEC would not have been where we are today.

                          

Cutting down illicit entry after hours!

 

Interesting to learn from local people that this grit bin was being used as an after hours form of entry to the cemetery ! It has now been moved!! One step….two step…and over! We also understand that the dark area adjacent to the gates is playing host to a collection of undesirables after hours so we have asked for the light nearby be repaired and operational. Fingers crossed. Our thanks to our neighbouring site, Woodthorpe Allotments, for pointing this out!