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.
Staff were on duty at the gate of the cemetery today as they prepared for the arrival of a funeral hearse. They still have had no instructions relating to public access or allowing limited access for loved ones to visit graves. Please remember that ground staff do not make the decisions and they must abide by instructions from their superiors.
One plus of an ’empty cemetery’ is that staff have been able to get lots of work done so we are looking forward to the day we will be able to enter….using safe distancing of course! Keep safe.
Whatever you are celebrating – be it Passover, Easter or simply spring – stay as well and as safe as possible and may you always receive the special blessing that comes with the love and support of family, friends and neighbours – we are thinking of you all.
In these unusual times we are thinking of our friends at 202 Field Hospital, as we are sure they will be in the front line and busy!!
For the last couple of years we have enjoyed working with them in the cemetery as they helped clear graves of shrubbery and place poppy crosses. We hope they all keep safe.
As part of our campaign to keep this page interesting, now we have no access to the cemetery, here are a few unusual headstones and memorials we have spotted in Brandwood End.
In common with many organisations FBEC will not be able to hold its AGM in April. Members will receive their invitation to renew their membership and a report from the Chairman with the latest Newsletter in the next few weeks by e mail or post.
Our Annual Accounts will be published on this web site as soon as the current situation allows, but at present we are not able to get them independently audited.
Our existing committee have agreed to stand until the 2021 AGM.
In view of the current situation it would be helpful if members could renew their subscription by standing order, which they need to set up themselves at their bank, as cheques may not be banked for some period due to restrictions. Details are on the renewal form. Please quote your surname as the reference.
‘Access to all cemeteries and crematoria in Birmingham will be closed to the public. This is due to an increased number of people that have been congregating at cemeteries in groups and the need to observe social distancing.’
The above statement was published on the City Council web site today. Our apologies for not advising our supporters sooner but we were not informed of this decision. We were therefore unable to post a warning and I am afraid the first we knew was when a number of posts appeared on Facebook.
This is such a shame as this is normally such a quiet place for contemplation and reflection. We would have thought this was an ideal place for people to exercise, as it is a 53 acre site and very easy to find a solitary area.
There are more details about funerals, burials and cremations on the BCC web site.
Great to see the main drive has been cut and most areas now on schedule. The Cemetery is looking good !
Our thanks again to the BCC grass cutting crews and also to Tony and his ground staff for trying their best, under financial constraints and the unusual conditions at this time, to keep Brandwood looking as if someone cares!
It is only a week or two since we mentioned our neighbouring site at Jasmin Fields. On a recent visit we were met with a number of trail bikes indiscriminately tearing up the grass.
This nature reserve is rich in wild life and now one of the main paths through the woodland has been turned into a quagmire and the area adjacent to the canal , crisscrossed by bike tracks.
The bikes appear to have travelled along the tow path from the Yardley Wood area. Lets hope they don’t become frequent visitors as they damage they do is extensive.
Please join the Friends for their first Litter Pick of 2020.
10am, meet at the Lodge. We have the bags and the pickers, but please do wear suitable footwear and clothing. Gloves are advisable.