Author: Jane Edwards

More mature tree losses

Unfortunately two large Beech trees on the Broad Lane boundary were damaged by a serious shed fire some time ago. The  two trees have been fatally affected and despite the efforts of the Tree Officers  we have been told that one of these will have to be removed and another drastically cut back.

Brandwood End Cemetery is now close to 115 years old and many of the trees pre date the opening in 1899 as they made up part of the original farm tree stock.  It is always sad to see a mature tree come to the end of its life, for whatever reason, but we must try to ensure that these trees are replaced with suitable stock so that future generations can enjoy this peaceful green space.Oak Tree Island and Cross 008 (800x600)

 

Latest development of WW1 Memorial Island

We reported on this blog that Bereavement Services were hoping to create a WW1 Memorial Garden on the site of what was formerly known as ‘Oak Tree Island’. As you can see from our photograph, the actual Memorial is now in place. We watch with interest as the area develops.

IMG_7371It would be lovely if this could be completed by the time we hold the Heritage Open Event on September 13th- but time is possibly against us.

This is a beautiful Memorial and the creation of this area will complement the rest of this peaceful cemetery.

Heritage Open Event – Saturday 13th September

Cross of Sacrifice at Brandwood End CemetaryThe Friends of Brandwood End Cemetery and BCC Bereavement Service staff invite you to join them at a WW1 Heritage Open Event on Saturday 13th September between 11am and 2pm.

The days’ activities include:  grave walks led by FBEC members, memorabilia, photographs and a short talk by Doug Smith about the effects of the Great War on everyone involved. Join us for a cup of tea and a slice of ‘trench’ cake!

We would be very interested to see any WW1 family memorabilia that you may wish to share with us, especially anything linked to Brandwood End.

The first walk will start at 11am prompt. If you require any further information please contact us on friendsofbec@gmail.com

‘Roadworks’ at last!

For many months now we have been awaiting the commencement of work on the pot holes along the cemetery drives.  Earlier this week our Chairwoman got really excited as, from her house, she could hear the sound of heavy plant engines so she rushed round only to find it that was a large drain cleaning machine! Disappointment…. but then the helpful driver informed me that he would be followed within a couple of days by the whole kit and caboodle. Today it all arrived and work has begun.

IMG_7348 (800x600) IMG_7349 (800x600) IMG_7351 (800x600)Take care when using any of the drives as preparation work involves removing the road surface in some areas.

FBEC and the staff at Bereavement Services have received many complaints about the appalling condition of the drives and, whilst the work carried out will be limited, this must be a step in the right direction.

1914 Trail

On Saturday the 9th of August the Park Ranger Service will be leading a walk starting at Brandwood End Cemetery. There will be a very brief talk about the Cemetery and the part it played in the Great War and then the trail will head off to investigate other significant areas locally. For full details please use the link below. The walk will start at the Lodge on the main drive at 10.30am prompt. 

http://events.birmingham.gov.uk/events/1914-trail/Superintendent's Lodge (1)

From Brownhills to Brandwood

Recently The Friends received a request relating to a possible WW1 soldier’s grave within Brandwood End Cemetery. After initial investigations this story developed even further, so if you are interested in the story of everyday people and the effects WW1 had on their lives then follow the link below.  Our part in the story comes very near to the end but, as you will see, could be very significant!

Poppy

‘Trimming’ in the rain!

I am pleased to report that we have been able to give the hedge surrounding the Civilian Garden of Remembrance a well needed trim today. Its great to see how well established it has become and we hope that our recent hedge around nearby War Graves will follow suit!

IMG_7322 (800x600) I am afraid heavy rain throughout this exercise meant that we had to be very quick collecting hedge cuttings and possibly missed some, so take care.

We are always looking for help maintaining this garden area and especially removing the grass/weeds that grow under the hedges. If you could help FBEC with this – please contact us at                        friendsofbec@gmail.com 

 IMG_7323 (800x593)I am sure the pupils of St Albans Primary School will be proud of their planting efforts as their hedge has helped create a private and peaceful area for quiet reflection.

Watch this space!

Yesterday the large Oak tree on ‘Oak Tree Island’ was felled and today the stump was ground out in readiness for the installation of a World War One Memorial on the site.

The tree had fallen foul of a serious fungal disease which had weakened its trunk and made it a danger. Time moves on and trees don’t last forever but we will all be sad that it has gone. A replacement tree on the same spot would not be suitable as there may be fungal spores within the soil.Brandwood End (1)

Oak Tree Island has long been used as a ‘signpost’ to other areas of the cemetery from the main drive. Hopefully the memorial to be installed at this point will take on this role.

Archivist needed!

FBEC are looking for an interested member of the public to take on the volunteer role of ‘Archivist’. This will not be a very time consuming role but we feel that it is important that we keep material such as news cuttings and photographs etc in an orderly fashion for future reference.

It would require a person with access to a computer, a scanner and the internet ……and also an interest in preserving information.

If you think you can help us please contact FBEC via this web site or e mail friendsofbec@gmail.com for more information.

Jane Edwards (Chairman FBEC)

Monyhull Community Event

Lots of local residents attended the Community Event at Monyhull Church today and members of FBEC  spoke to many people about the future of the chapels and the condition of the cemetery in general. It is obvious that local residents are concerned about the deteriorating condition of the chapels and are keen to know if a solution is in sight.

The Brandwood Centre, Jasmin Fields Nature Reserve, Brandwood Pool and  Brandwood Forum were also represented at the event and were able to gather a few additional volunteers to help at future events on their sites.

20140705_145805 (800x600)In these times of financial constraints it is even more vital for local volunteer groups to support each other and share man power and equipment. Working together we can also spread the word about the very varied volunteering opportunities each group may have to offer.

Today’s event showed yet again what a varied and vibrant area Brandwood is !