Longstanding invasive ivy has been cleared from the walls, guttering and behind the window Perspex screens of the Lodge on our Main Drive.

The rear garden and boundary hedge has been cleared and replanted.

 

 

 

 

This is a real improvement to this side of the building and yet again gives another example of the ‘above and beyond’ efforts made by Tony Purcell and his Brandwood Cemetery team of Ground Staff .  Thank you gentlemen and well done.

*Can we make it clear that this has been a long term project started before lockdown, and a labour of love undertaken in their own time. At present everyone is concentrating on essential work so similar projects are all on hold.

 

What a difference six months makes!

On the 27^th Nov 2019 during National Tree Week, the Friends were joined on site by the Lord-Lieutenant of the West Midlands (John Crabtree) along with his wife Mrs. Diana Crabtree and pupils from year 6 at St. Alban’s Catholic Primary School.

The planting event was organised by Birmingham Trees for Life Charity and the Friends – part of a planting of 10 more trees as part of our on-going replacement tree project.

Today’s picture shows just one of these 10 beautiful trees- Browers Beauty – Malus Toringo- now in full blossom !

 

 

 

 

We are pleased to report that our Chairman had reason to go into the cemetery today and found the grass was now cut and all looking good. Can we add another thought here, that due to financial cuts we are sure that Birmingham has reduced their cutting regime in Parks and Cemeteries. As grass cutting has just commenced this will be the first season in 2020 that this change will be noticeable. The plus side is that this cutting schedule is beneficial to flora and fauna.

 

CHANGE TO CEMETERY OPENING TIMES

Access will remain between 4.30-6.30pm weekdays, but weekend opening will now be 12 noon – 4pm only.

 

At time of posting, the Friends are receiving lots of enquiries about the lack of grass cutting in the Cemetery.

We can only presume that the cutting is affected in the same way as roadside and parks are. This is probably due to staff shortages within the City grass cutting team with staff members in isolation.

Please try to be understanding and we are sure that this will be rectified as soon as is possible. Can we reiterate that Ground staff have no control over the main cutting of the grass, which is done by a grass cutting team, but everyone concerned will be trying to get the cemetery spick and span as soon as the present situation allows.

 

Can we just reiterate the published opening times at Brandwood End during these unusual times. They are 4.30-6.30pm , seven days a week. I understand, from some visitors, that they have been told by Bereavement staff that the gates may be open additional hours on days when there is not a funeral but obviously that is subject to staffing and circumstances.

We know there were some issues over the weekend about access but this is new to everyone, so please be understanding.

 

This busy Woodpecker can often be seen in the Cemetery. Here he is on a feeder in a back garden adjacent to the cemetery.

Several members have shared beautiful photos of plants, trees and wildlife in Brandwood End. Here are some taken by one of our members.  Thank you Wendy!

In 2012 a member of our committee visited a cemetery in New Orleans. Due to the land being ‘swamp land’ the deceased can’t be buried underground as they could either resurface when the ground was flooded due to storms or washed away.

People are buried in these family tombs instead. The tomb would initially hold one person, then their child would be placed in front, then the grandchildren in front again and so on. Each time someone was buried in the tomb those who had previously been buried would be moved back one space to make room.

Interesting to see different burial practices, and the reason for their design. Our thanks to Kerry for sharing this.

As Secretary of the Friends can I just make an appeal to all our followers. Bereavement Service Office and Ground staff are under extraordinary pressure at this time, as are Funeral Directors. They have to deal with loved ones who are having to comply with unusual regulations in hospital, and then at burial. This is not pleasant for them so please, don’t be abusive or rude. We know that everyone is under strain, but they can only do what they can, and have to abide by/implement any restrictions that remain in force. We all appreciate the NHS but they are not the only people struggling to cope at this time. If you can applaud bin men, then surely you can understand how difficult it must be to have to impose unwanted restrictions/deal with mourners….and not least, dig increasing numbers of graves. Please, think on and support this normally helpful crew!

Can we ask again that you do not ring Kings Norton Office, but if your call is urgent please e mail them on this e mail.   kings.norton@birmingham.gov.uk