The theme for Holocaust Memorial Day (HMD) 2021 is Be the light in the darkness. It encourages everyone to reflect on the depths humanity can sink to, but also the ways individuals and communities resisted that darkness to ‘be the light’ before, during and after genocide.
Pleased to see that the new fencing to the rear of the lodge is completed and looking good. The idea was to avoid reinstalling larch lap panels, that the wind soon damages, and deter people from walking through the lodge garden to the rear burial section- but maintain an open aspect.
I think you will all agree that these new fences fulfil all of those requirements….but it appears someone or something is continuing their usual route ! Gathering by the snow prints I think its local foxes and pussy cats, but they have been very busy!
A beautiful sunny day in Brandwood End, made even more picturesque by an unexpected fall of snow.
Far too many photographs to view here, so view more in our Google Album.
Such a shame we couldn’t take any photos in the cemetery tonight after the sudden snow storm but here is the next best thing! These few photos were taken, by a local resident, around the adjacent Brandwood Pool site.
(Thank you Melany)
Maybe we will get some more snow tomorrow during cemetery opening hours?
I thought you might like to follow this link to some lovely February 2018 photographs. Not long to go!
Just a brief reminder that the areas of grassland/lawn on both sides of the main drive are Public Grave Areas and therefore hold a large numbers of graves. You will note the ‘boulder signage’ carries plot numbers.
If we haven’t said it already, a Happy New Year to all our members and those that follow our web site. 
The good news is that the lack of weed growth in the Winter has made the cemetery look really well groomed. The issues that we had with invasive ‘Mares tail’ growth appears to have disappeared- but don’t be fooled, they will most likely return with the Spring. This weed spreads its roots underground and means it is especially difficult to deal with, even with weed killer.
It is lovely to see that relatives strive to place wreaths on graves, even if they are slightly inaccessible. The message here is that care should be taken when planting ‘small shrubs/trees’ on family graves as they may well grow to become giants, and engulf both your cherished grave and those of others nearby.
We are so pleased to see the new fencing at the rear of the Lodge. The original fence was made of larch lap panels and was often the target of heavy winds and rot ! This fence is more durable and less intrusive. It should last for many years. Maybe we could entreat them to replace the builders fence around the chapels with this?
Took my daily exercise in the cemetery today and thought I would take a few photos of the extent of graves failing a stress test. These stones are in danger of toppling under minor pressure, so have been marked with blue tape and staked, to allow time for next of kin to have them correctly fixed by a Stonemason, and to warn the public to keep clear of them. In the older sections there are quite a few large stones needing action.
Safety tests have been undertaken on monuments in B8 and B10. Some headstones tested are deemed unsafe so Bereavements may be trying to contact grave owners. DO THEY HAVE YOUR CORRECT ADDRESS? Please try and visit to check your relatives grave if it is in those areas and make sure Bereavement Services at Kings Norton are aware if you have moved. These are quite old burial sections so some grave sites may have no living relatives. Graves that have been deemed in need of action have been ‘blue’ taped and attached to posts. Ultimately these headstones will be laid flat to avoid damage to them and unsuspecting passers- by unless grave owners rectify the situation. If you think your details are out of date you can e mail your present address to : brandwood.endcem@birmingham.gov.uk
Remember to include the grave number off your deeds!