Some time ago the Friends received a concerned message from a member of the Jewish Community, who had observed vehicles driving across the grass and through the hedge to reach their burial area. We are pleased to say that Bereavement Services Ground Staff have blocked this route in a very ECO friendly way…………..
Gosh! Three months have flown by and its time for our next litter pick. Why not join us, hopefully in the sunshine, as we stroll and chat around the cemetery collecting litter as we go. Meet by the Lodge on the Main drive at 10am. We provide bags and pickers but would advise you to wear suitable footwear and gloves. You can stay as long as you want…..but we are usually finished by 11.30am.
The Friends of Brandwood End have been members of the National Federation of Cemetery Friends for many years and endeavour to attend their Annual AGM’s that take place in varying areas of the UK. They have their own web site which we thought some of you may find interesting. Through them we are able to keep in touch with developments at other cemeteries around the country.
http://www.cemeteryfriends.org.uk/
Can we issue a gentle reminder to all our members that the annual membership of FBEC is now due. It remains unchanged at £6 (£3 unwaged). All members should have received their renewal reminders with the AGM notification and this year there is an option to pay by annual standing order. Please contact us on our e mail friendsofbec@gmail.com for more details.
FBEC depend on our membership fees to produce our 2 newsletters each year, postage costs and to print the information we display in our Cemetery notice boards, so we do hope we can count on your continued support.
Anyone who may be considering becoming a supporter of FBEC, please refer to the information on this web site.
Remembering Canon Ernest Edward Maxwell Phair (Buried in Brandwood End) and the 1,201 passengers and crew of RMS Lusitania who drowned when it was sunk by a torpedo from the German U Boat U20 18 km due south of Old Head of Kinsale Lighthouse, Cork, Eire, 7th May 1915.
The notices are posted…..the accounts are complete….the report is ready. All we need now are some members to come along and hear what we have been up to and what is on the cards for FBEC in 2015/16
Following a meeting with Bereavement Services Managers we understand that efforts are being made to find funds to remove the damaging shrubbery that seems to reappear on the brickwork of the Chapels. This is always a costly operation as it requires special equipment but it is hoped that it will, yet again, improve the appearance of the building and prevent further damage whilst we wait till restoration funding becomes more readily available.
The concept of a bespoke fence to surround the chapel area, rather than the existing ‘builders fence’, is being investigated as a measure to improve the overall appearance of this area when entering the cemetery.
Bereavement Services site staff are now cutting the grass surrounding the Chapel buildings and clearing weeds on pathways.
They are also involved in removing Ivy from graves, a project FBEC hope to continue to be involved in.
The Great War memorial bench has now been re sited close to the new memorial (on the old Oak Tree Island). It has been joined by an interpretation lectern explaining the part that Birmingham played during the Great war.
The bench is now clear of over hanging trees and less likely to be damaged by bird droppings.
The small area of Commonwealth War Graves, recently hedged by FBEC and St Albans pupils, has been planted with Primula Vulgaris and is looking especially good.
FBEC has been in existence for 10 years now, and the time has come for our 2015 AGM.
We welcome everyone with an interest in Brandwood End Cemetery to our short AGM which will be held at:
St Bede’s Church (Corner of Bryndale Avenue and Doversley Road) 7.30-8pm
Thursday 16th April 2015
Come along and hear what has been happening in the last year and what is planned for 2015/16- We welcome your support.
The Friends of Brandwood End always like to promote awareness of other local sites. Billesley Common is a marvellous area of woodland and open space that lies within walking distance of the cemetery. Even if you can’t make this event we would recommend you take the walk.
