Deutsche Bank volunteers join FBEC members in a 2 minutes silence at the Cross of Sacrifice today before continuing with their grave clearance task.
Author: Jane Edwards
Even larger Remembrance attendance this year.
The rain stayed away but the public came. Over 180 members of the public and representatives of the City Council, West Midlands Police, the Heritage Fire Service, West Midlands Ambulance Service, 202 (multirole) Regiment and many other organisations laid wreaths at the Cross of the Sacrifice on the main drive. Members of St Dunstans Scout, Cub and Beaver sections both made and laid their own wreaths and presented their colours. Our thanks to everyone who attended.
Our thanks again to Deacon David Fairbotham for his thoughtful words and Trumpeter Pete Haw for his magnificent rendition of the Last Post and Reveille.
Grave Gardeners Session
Reminder to our lovely team of gardeners. the next Grave Gardening Session is this Saturday the 8th November .Meet at the lodge at 11am.
Why not join us for some chat and a workout?
Nat West Bank make an impression!
A small team of Nat West staff made a huge impression on two areas where graves have been hidden for years.
Well done to them as they achieved a lot in their day with us. Lets look forward to their next visit.
REMEMBRANCE SERVICE 2025
This years REMEMBRANCE SERVICE will take place in Brandwood End Cemetery on
Sunday 9th November at 10.45am
Deacon David Fairbotham will lead a short service. This will be followed by the laying of Wreaths by local Councillors, WM Police, Fire Service and other organisations, at the Cross of Sacrifice on the main drive and also at the WW1 memorial.
New Commonwealth War Grave Headstone
CWGC have recently installed two headstones in Birmingham for previously non-commemorated First World War casualties. Sadly, there was no response to the appeal for relatives to come forward.
Signalman Scrivens at Birmingham (Lodge Hill) Cemetery, Private Bentley at Birmingham (Brandwood End) Cemetery.
Private Bentley will now be included in the Poppy Cross for every Grave project in Brandwood End Cemetery, which aims to place a poppy cross on those lost due to enemy action. This project includes Military personnel and Civilian bombing victims. Volunteers will be placing over 360 crosses during the next 2 week,
Cemetery looking spick and span…..
The Friends would like to give a shout out to our volunteers that have done the usual seasonal oiling of our benches in the Civilian Garden area on the main drive. Can we also highlight the grass in that area, which is box cut and keeps this burial area looking amazing- as you can see in the photograph below. Thanks also to Ray for trimming the top of the hedge. Many hands make light work…….or Civilian Gardens beautiful!
We also spotted the great design on the entrance lawn. Well done to whoever was on the ride on mower that day!
We understand that the cemetery has now had its final cut for the winter.
Resurfacing in the Cemetery
Good news this week as contractors have undertaken some resurfacing of the roadway adjacent to sections 32-38.
It is good to see that these repairs were not the usual patching but full replacement of the uneven surface.
Blessing of the Graves 2025
The 2025
BLESSING OF THE GRAVES will take place on November 2nd at 2pm in Brandwood End.
Grave Gardeners continue their sessions.
Just a reminder that if you fancy joining our small team of Grave Gardeners they are still meeting monthly to tidy various graves and areas if the cemetery. They always meet at the Lodge at 11am and finish between 12.30 and 1pm.
You dont have to come every month, just when you want- and you dont have to stay the full session. Its up to you! Some members come for the company and some for the benefit to their fitness but some just come because they want to help keep Brandwood End looking cared for.
Why not give it a try?
Saturday November 8th, Sunday December 14th