A reminder that you can be involved in this interesting and worthwhile project on a number of dates. The next session is tomorrow, Wednesday 10th May. Meet on the Main Drive. We should be evident. Be aware that the project may not go ahead if the weather conditions are very wet or windy due to safety concerns.
We are pleased to announce that our Vice Chairman, Coral Howard, who has been a committee member since the inception of the Friends, has recently been awarded a prestigious Scouting award. We offer our sincere congratulations.
The Silver Wolf is the highest award made by The Scout Association “for services of the most exceptional character.” It is an unrestricted gift of the Chief Scout. The award consists of a Silver Wolf suspended from a dark green and yellow neck ribbon.
During the early years of the development of the Scout Movement throughout the world, it was the practice of the Founder, Lord Baden-Powell, to give the Silver Wolf to Scouters in any country who had done outstandingly valuable work for the Movement.
Coral has been involved in various capacities in the Scouting movement for many years and received her award initially at Highbury Hall and Later at Windsor.
We are indebted to Valerie Smith, who has yet again created an amazing screen of ‘flowers of our nations’ for the Royal Celebrations. Thistles, Roses, Daffodils and Shamrocks adorn this amazing piece of work.(There are even tidy gold crowns peeping out) . It’s rounded off by our 2 beautiful Spring Flower tubs which together make the entrance drive to the cemetery look welcoming.
BAT WALK 19TH MAY 2023. 8.30PM -10PM
Meet at the farm gate on Bayston Rd, opposite Kinsey Grove. You will need stout shoes and a torch would be useful.
Everyone is welcome and all under 18’s must be accompanied by an adult.
Earlier this week there was a major issue attached to the cemetery as the workmen involved in the new drainage works accidentally damaged a Gas main ! We understand that a number of houses were evacuated for a short period but all was soon under control.
Accidents Happen !
Unfortunately one of our Heritage Oaks has had to be removed as its roots were causing a major issue in an area of flooding by obstructing pipes. A large flood alleviation project has been happening in the area and has involved a large woodland area of Jasmin Fields Nature Reserve and the lowest section of the Cemetery, adjacent to Broad Lane.
This area was previously an overgrown bramble patch so we are trusting that there will be some effort made to improve the look of this corner. We hope we have managed to keep a large section and a decision as to what to do with it will be made in the near future but we will be working with the Ranger to try and create a ‘slice’ indicating a time line for this ancient tree.
There was an interesting walk last week led by Ian Binnie from the Gallipoli Association. Lots of information on our 8 Gallipoli graves and thanks to Edwina Rees, Julia Griffin and Pat Franklin for their research and input. We were joined today by the nephew of one of those remembered, who fbec were able to contact following a previous Facebook post. Such interesting stories.
Please note the hours that the Cemetery is open during the summer months. We are pleased to see that BCC have decided to keep the later evening opening, as it was very popular during Covid as it enabled people who were at work to visit graves on their way home
Just a reminder– There have been no Bereavements Services staff based in the Lodge at Brandwood End for a number of years. The red phone box opposite the lodge is no longer in operation.
Contact for ALL Cemetery offices will now be via central number 0121 216 2000 and email to bereavement.services@ birmingham.gov.uk