These photographs were taken by a member of our committee today as she was doing her own solitary litter pick.( 2 bags collected)
Don’t you think they reflect this strange time ? Front gates covered in notices/instructions and rainbows on display. Thanks to Kerry Tinkler for the photographs.
Just a quick update. The opening times are changing , the Cemetery will be open from this Weekend 10am – 5pm and the week days from Monday 4pm to 7pm. Please spread the word to anyone you think may be thinking of visiting. Thankyou.
The Friends of Brandwood End Cemetery should have been holding their quarterly litter pick this Sunday coming but, under the present circumstances, we have decided to cancel it. It is probable that it would involve a group of more than 6 people, most of whom would fall into vulnerable categories! We hope to be able to ask for your support for our next litter pick on Saturday 5th September.
Members of the committee will be visiting the cemetery as and when possible and litter picking but fortunately, due to lockdown and reduced visitors, there is very little litter.
If you are visiting a grave can we ask you to remove any flower paper from flowers you may be leaving and take it with you. As the flowers dry in the sun they become light weight and the wind carries the paper around the cemetery.
If you are leaving artificial flowers please ensure they are well secured, as in high winds these blow around the area and then get cut by the ride on movers into confetti !
Finally, can we ask you not to leave any unattended lighted candles, even in jars, whilst everywhere is tinder dry.
The Friends thank you for helping them keep Brandwood End a welcoming and safe place for all.
Munjac Deer have been making themselves known in and around the area of the cemetery and the pool. They were heard more than seen a lot in the past, but sightings have been rare of late. The deer you can see in the picture below is a Roe deer and is considerably larger with a longer neck and a distinctive white rump- but several years ago one of these was spotted and photographed in the cemetery by Dean our Ranger. How it got there, we have no idea but it is unlikely we will see one again! (The female does not have the antlers that appear here)
The Muntjac is much smaller, similar size to a Labrador dog, and can be recognised in the cemetery at night by it’s distinctive single ‘bark’. In the last week there have been close encounters during daylight with one by Brandwood Pool and also in the cemetery. Wildlife is enjoying lockdown, with reduced footfall making them more inclined to be about in daylight hours in this relatively urban area. Lets hope someone can get a photo of one ……but they are very quick!
Between the 26th of May and the 4th of June 1940 over 300,000 British and allied troops were evacuated through the combined efforts of the Royal Navy and 700 ‘Little Ships’. The evacuation was ultimately a success rescuing a far greater number than the 45,000 expected. In excess of 330,000 troops made it home.
Please follow this link to the Royal British Legion site for an insight to the events from those involved.
Please nominate FBEC to receive a £1,000 award by using the link below. 500 selected charities will each receive a £1,000 award.
Type in the charity number on the form: 1114333 to make a nomination
One charity nomination per person
The current awards phase ends Sunday 24th May.
Our thanks to Ged Hickman for starting the ball rolling on facebook with nominations for the Friends of Brandwood End Cemetery. He even kindly has provided everyone with our Charity Number.
Please click on the link and nominate us.
To mark the 75th Anniversary of the end of the Second World War, the UK Royal Mail has created a set of 12 stamps to reflect the mixed emotions people felt as news of the war’s end became known. Collectively the stamps cover the concepts of Celebration; Return and Remembrance.
We thought this information may be of interest for some of our followers.
This year we are commemorating 75 years since the end of the Second World War.
VE Day took place on 8 May 1945, the day after Nazi Germany surrendered. It marked the end of nearly six years of conflict in Europe during which time many thousands of people had contributed to the war effort and served their country.
For many, VE Day was a day of celebration. Bunting was hung in the streets and people danced with friends and neighbours. Many people gathered outside Buckingham Palace to catch a glimpse of King George VI, who gave a radio broadcast at 9.00pm, and the future Queen Elizabeth II.
However, for some it was a day of mixed emotions. Many people had lost friends or family members to the conflict and were grieving. Meanwhile, the conflict in the Far East continued and many people were still serving overseas. Japan did not surrender until 15 August 1945 when VJ Day (Victory over Japan Day) was announced.
Brandwood End contains one hundred WW2 Military graves, as recorded by the Commonweath War Graves Commission. These graves are generally marked with similar headstones that are easily recognisable.
We also have a large number of civilian graves, as there were many bombing raids across the City. Some civilians lie in family graves but many are buried in our Civilian Garden of Remembrance.
Every year, in the weeks running up to Remembrance Sunday, the Friends and supporters place Poppy Crosses on 350+ graves in the cemetery, to remember those lost in conflicts from WW1 to present day.
Please note- There are additional opening hours for this Bank Holiday- Friday the 8th May.
Brandwood End will be open from 9am till 4pm Friday Kings Norton will be open from 1-6pm Friday.
Normal opening for Brandwood End remains 4.30-6.30pm weekdays and Noon till 4pm Weekends, but is subject to change at short notice.
Please spread the information about Friday to anyone you think may be considering a visit.
