Ahead of working to remove shrubbery in the cemetery, 202 Multi-role Medical Regiment took place in a ‘Two Minute Silence’ at the Cross of Sacrifice. They were joined by a number of local people who were passing through the cemetery. They then placed Poppy Crosses by the screen walls and on graves in the small War Grave Area before heading out to clear Holly and self setters from grave areas.
Four hours later we had lots of revealed graves and lots of bags of shrubbery!
We were so pleased to welcome 202MMR back to Brandwood End today. We welcome help with the removal of the huge amount of shrubbery they always manage to clear from graves. Holly from the main drive and self setters from some sections, revealing graves covered for many years.
To see more photographs of this great event please follow this link.
Join the Friends as we listen to some of St Albans R C Primary pupils brighten our day with Christmas Carols.
A great success today as twelve volunteers worked in the Civilian Garden, cleared graves and shrubbery, cut hedges and planted bulbs and pansies. A really good days work and our thanks to all those that gave their time. We were lucky with the weather so let’s hope it is as good for our next session on December 16th from, 11am – 2pm.
Our thanks to Julia and Gemma who spruced up the 3 raised planters we installed near the Lodge. It was goodbye to the Geraniums that have served us well over the summer and instead we welcome a riot of Winter Pansies. Well done team! 
Whilst taking part in today’s Gardening sessions our volunteers uncovered a number of buried headstones whilst removing Holly and shrubs. This shrub removal is part of a longer project over the winter to uncover many more buried headstones.
The new flood drains adjacent to Sunderton Road did their job well in the recent downpours but a possible problem was spotted. The rewilded area to the rear of the drains needed cutting back and leaves removing. Step forward the Friends. This morning they cleared the leaves and brambles, carefully avoiding any wildlife habitat that had been created. Well done to all.
Our thanks, yet again, to Valery and her crochet skills as the latest Lodge screen appears!
Valerie’s colourful crochet brightens everyone’s day and really complements our raised flower beds.
Final reminder for our Gardening Day coming up on Sunday. Come and join us 11am till 2pm. Boots and gloves are advisable. Meet near the Cross of Sacrifice. 
Our thanks to M P Steve McCabe who spent a morning with The Friends and members of Bereavement Services staff in Brandwood End. We all had a very enjoyable and useful tour of the cemetery and were able to highlight all the good work undertaken by the Friends with the support of the staff.
It was a great opportunity for the M P to meet with the staff who are at the sharp end of maintenance and also staff and resource shortages. Tony and Tony go above and beyond when they get the chance to work in Brandwood End but unfortunately there are not enough hours in the day to do all that needs to be done.