Many of us with an interest in Brandwood End Cemetery have been waiting for some time for improvements to be carried out to the gates at both entrances. We are pleased to report that both gates have now been repainted and look fresh and cared for. These gates are large and intricate and the preparation and repainting must have represented a major task. Our thanks go to Bereavements Department who have facilitated this.
Sadly high winds and recent snow fall contributed to one of the Corsican Pine Trees on the main drive in the Cemetery being uprooted. Luckily the tree fell away from the main drive area but did damage an adjacent Deodar Cedar as it fell removing branches from one side. Work is being undertaken to remove the trunk but as you will see from the photograph this was a very large tree.
Members of FBEC will be at St Albans Catholic Primary School PTA Christmas Fayre on Friday the 14th December. The event
will run from 3.15pm till 5pm at the school in Bayston Road and FBEC will be promoting membership of The Friends and encouraging local people to visit the site and take our Tree Walk.
This event is supported by New Vision, who aim to bring together voluntary groups in the area and increase each individual group’s membership by promoting community awareness.
Father Christmas will be arriving on site at about 3.30pm.
Children from St Albans Catholic Primary school joined members of FBEC, Bereavements Department staff and the BCC Woodland Management team in a joint project to plant 23 colourful and interesting trees within Brandwood End Cemetery. An area of land adjacent to the main drive has been selected to create a ‘Diamond Woodland’ to enhance the entrance and also surround a future ashes burial area. We were lucky with the weather, which was just as well, as the children had a strenuous task which they set to with vigour. St Albans have supported us in previous projects and can always be relied upon to work hard on site. Penny Smith represented BCC and, with the aid of some pupils, cut the opening ribbon. Everyone enjoyed the event and we would urge those of you who visit the cemetery to look to your left as you enter to see the fruits of our labour! They will undoubtedly produce some beautiful colour in years to come.
Councillor Barry Henley, on behalf of Birmingham City Council, joined Brian Rai of FBEC to lay wreaths at the Cross of Sacrifice in Brandwood End Cemetery. This year our Remembrance Sunday event actually fell on the 11th of November and our short ceremony took place at 11am to include a 2 minutes silence. They were joined by a number of members of the public and members of the Friends.
Can we draw your attention to over 300 poppy crosses placed in the grassland area near the Cross of Sacrifice which represent members of the Armed Forces who lost their lives and are buried within Brandwood End Cemetery
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Friends of Brandwood End are working with Bereavements staff on plans to recreate a garden area adjacent to the Lodge on the main drive. The process will be a slow one due to time and money constraints but all parties are working towards making this an area where people will be able to sit and take some time out when visiting the cemetery. The design has been agreed and basic ground work and fencing has started. It is hoped the major work will be done during the spring and that the garden will be available for use in the summer of 2013.
At 10.30am on Wednesday the 14th of November a planting event will take place in Brandwood End Cemetery to establish a small woodland area . Thirty Children from St Albans Primary School will be assisted by Cemetery staff, members of FBEC and helpers to plant 24 trees close to the main entrance gates. If you would like to help please come in suitable footwear and clothing. Spades will be available. There will also be a short opening ceremony as this area will be used for the burial of ashes in future. This will be attended by a representative of Birmingham City Council.
Our usual Litter Pick will be taking place this Saturday, the 1st September but in addition to this we will be trying to continue our weeding project in the Civilian Garden of Remembrance. If you think you can help with either event please meet at the Lodge in the cemetery at 10am.
Rain stopped play at our recent community event. In common with many larger events the Summer Event organised by New Vision Community Group was rained off. Members of FBEC manfully soldiered on with gardening and handing out information to participants who were taking a 4 site challenge. The challenge involved them visiting Broad Lane Allotments, Brandwood Pool, Jasmin Fields Nature Reserve and Brandwood End Cemetery. Each site had its own activities but unfortunately most of them had to abandon their plans due to torrential rain. Never mind….perhaps we will all try again next summer!