The Friends recently relaunched their refreshed Tree Walk leaflet and on Saturday 20th July at 11am, Malcolm Jacques will be leading a walk around the trees highlighted.
This will be a ‘stroll’ and most of the areas will accessible to wheelchair users but we warn that the roadways are uneven. All will be welcome but can we ask that any under 16year olds be accompanied by an adult. We would suggest suitable footwear for uneven ground.
If you would like to reserve a place can we ask you to e mail us on friendsofbec@gmail.com,
June has ended up being a really busy month for the Friends. The started off with a Gardening session trying to clear some annoying Mares Tail weeds. I have to say, even we were surprised at the difference a few hours work by half a dozen people made. Thank you Volunteers.
We followed that up with a mornings litter picking and 12 volunteers managed a bag each. We are so pleased to see that the actual litter is mainly flower paper and not ‘dropped’ litter. Can we remind you again to take the paper off any flowers that you leave on loved ones graves. Well done everyone.
We still have several other events to attend, supporting other local groups and lots of preparation for our own July events! Watch this space……
A busy weekend for FBEC. Gardening on Saturday 1st and then our quarterly Litter Pick on Sunday 2nd June. This is a quarterly event and usually well attended. Remember to bring stout footwear and gloves and anyone under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
We have had a few windy days lately so no doubt there will be lots of flower paper blown around the cemetery so please come along and help us keep it tidy for visitors.
Meet opposite the Lodge, just inside the main gate, at 10am. we finish at 11.30 am.
We will be holding another Grave Gardening session on Saturday 1st June and welcome everyone, with or without green fingers! We do suggest that you wear boots and bring gloves and whilst we do have gloves and tools, we understand if you prefer to bring your own. The most useful will be loppers, shears. secateurs rakes and brooms. We will be working in the Civilian Garden but meeting at the Cross of Sacrifice on the main drive at 11am. The session runs till 2pm but feel free to go when you wish.
On the 13th April 2024 we not only celebrated the 125th anniversary of the opening of Brandwood End Cemetery but we also remember the first burial in Brandwood End. A five year old small boy called Charles Downes who died of Diphtheria.
Three teams working in the cemetery recently. Three ladies trying to give the Rhododendrons a chance on the main drive as they were choked with brambles.
Team two were freeing our recently planted perimeter trees from a tangle of very long and strong brambles.
Team three were tidying the Civilian Garden and laying rock salt on the paths to clear weeds.
Thanks to Malcolm for taking charge. We also have to add our thanks to Gill for treating the pathways in the Civilian Garden of Remembrance with Rock Salt to get rid of the weeds.
Saturday 13th April 2024 will be the 125th anniversary of the opening of Brandwood End Cemetery.
A Brief History
On 13 April 1899 George Tallis, Chairman of the Cemetery Committee, opened Brandwood End Cemetery, which was administered by Kings Norton Rural District Council. With the extension of Birmingham’s boundaries in 1911, the cemetery came under the administration of the Birmingham City Corporation. The cemetery was gradually extended over the years and is now some 53 acres, 2 of which were sold in 1919 to the Jewish Community. A portion of this small fenced area is now a burial area for Muslim members of the local community.
The grounds are a fine example of a Victorian landscaped cemetery with avenues of Scots Pine, Cypress and Wellingtonia. This magnificent planting earned the cemetery a Grade II listing in the Register of Parks and Gardens of Special Historic Interest in England in 2001.
The cemetery has Gothic style mortuary chapels, which were added to the statutory list of Buildings of Special Architectural or Historic Interest in 1997.
Happy Birthday Brandwood End !
Today the Friends held their 19th annual AGM. Where has that time gone?
What a lovely morning with some of our supporters. It was made even better by cake and coffee (Provided by Vice Chairman Coral) with a chance to chat and also a chance to thank members and everyone that supports us.
Our committee members are now:-
Chairman Julia Griffin
Vice Chairman Coral Howard
Secretary Jane Edwards
Treasurer Julian Pritchard
Philip Brown, Gill Price, Tricia Winspur, Lisa Fair and observer Malcolm Jacques. (Some of our committee members appear in the lead photograph. )
We have had a very busy year and trust that this will continue into what will next be our 20th anniversary AGM.