Category: Events

Tree work in cemetery adjacent to Sunderton Rd.

Our local BCC Tree Officer has been considering the plight of the exceptionally large Poplar Trees that lie directly behind some of the houses at the lower end of Sunderton Road. He has made the decision that these trees, although still beautiful, are nearing the end of their life and will unfortunately have to be removed for safety reasons. This removal will be happening soon- as health and safety issues take priority- but it is his intention to replace the trees with smaller more suitable species within the next year or so.

This work will compliment the tree husbandry being carried out in the cemetery to remove lower branches and dead limbs. It will also give an opportunity to plant new young trees to take over from the existing stock, some of which were planted over 100 years ago.

Aftermath of local flooding update

Those of us that live locally are only too aware of the damage caused when the recent heavy deluge overwhelmed the drains in the area.  Severn Trent have given, and continue to give, advice on how to protect your property from these unusual occurrences when existing drains are unable to cope.

Bereavement Services are also trying to reduce run off from the cemetery, which lies on higher ground than some of the surrounding houses.

As a temporary measure they created a sandbag ‘wall’ along the most affected zone and to make a more permanent deterrent they have decided to build a ‘bund’ which will be planted with wild flowers.

Fortunately these occurrences are rare but they still cause a fair amount of damage and upset to those affected.

Scouts assist at June litter pick

The sun shone on 5 members of 96th Birmingham Scouts who joined FBEC members to collect 11 bags of litter around the cemetery on Sunday 3rd June.

Our new Chairman, Julia, kept herself busy by washing the section markers along the main drive and assisting a number of members of the public in finding family graves !

Our thanks to people who kindly donate to FBEC when they see us at work in the cemetery. Your support is greatly appreciated.

 

 

Farewell to Barrie Simpson

Today The Friends said goodbye to our much loved founder member, Barrie Simpson. The village square at All Saints Church in Kings Heath was full to capacity, as friends and colleagues waited for the arrival of his Funeral Cortege, complete with Police outriders and motor cycle followers. The service offered the opportunity for several people to share their memories of Barrie, who had packed more into his life than many could ever hope to. It also was an opportunity to recall, with humour, what a maverick personality he was. Anyone who met him will never forget the experience. RIP Barrie. Without your input FBEC would not have been where we are today.

                          

Annual BOSF(Birmingham Open Spaces ) Conference

This years BOSF Conference took on a different look as the two afternoon sessions meant that members had the chance to learn more about, and take part in, different activities carried out in Parks. The morning session involved speakers from several organisations  and also gave delegates the chance of having ‘just a minute’ to champion their own group. The venue this year was also a change from the norm and being held at The Mac in Cannon Hill made it easy for our Chairman and Secretary to attend!

                                  

Afternoon practical sessions varied from learning about the technical equipment that the Tree Officers use to determine the health/stability of a tree to learning about green wood working. Also available were workshops to help with event organisation and health and safety assessment.

BOSF Conferences offer individual Friends groups the chance to get together and network…..as well as offering a hearty lunch and cake !!

R I P Barrie Simpson.

It is with regret that we have to announce the sudden passing of our deeply respected long term friend and colleague, Barrie Simpson, whom we all held in great regard.  

He was such an integral member of FBEC that his loss will be very keenly felt, but he will continue to live on in our thoughts especially when working in the cemetery.

Of late we have observed Barrie’s decline, but his ability to find ways of communicating at committee meetings revealed his continuing perseverance and determination to be engaged in what he held dear. The photograph above is how we will all remember Barrie !

As this wonderful man passes from our lives to being indelibly marked on our minds and in our hearts, we are all reminded of the massive hole he leaves in FBEC.

 

Great British Spring Clean Results!!

A big thank you to all our supporters who turned out to help at our litter pick today, especially local Councillors and staff from Idverde (who came complete with a truck to remove the 27 bags of litter we collected).

After 90 minutes we had collected a surprising amount of litter, mainly from the edges of the cemetery and sadly a fair bit of it had been thrown over garden fences from adjacent houses!

If your garden backs onto Brandwood End Cemetery please DO NOT throw your disguarded Christmas trees, building waste and soiled nappies over your fence into our beautiful cemetery. It is not pleasant having to collect your waste……but collect it, we did!

Well done everyone!!

New date for Great British Spring Clean- LITTER PICK

Pleased to say our litter pick that was cancelled due to snow is now back in the diary!

SATURDAY 24TH MARCH  10-11.30AM- BRANDWOOD END CEMETERY

Please join the Friends in this ‘Keep Britain Tidy’ annual Litter Pick.  We will provide the pickers and the bags, but you will need stout footwear and gloves. Meet on the main drive near the Lodge. (Under 16’s must be accompanied by an adult)