Birmingham Parks have won Gold yet again at Chelsea for their beautiful display. We believe this is the 11th year running that this has been achieved. The Friends and other volunteer groups were asked to provide photos of their Volunteers hard at work in City parks and cemeteries and we are pleased to see that our contributions had pride of place within the garden as a rolling display. Well done to everyone, especially the growers at Cofton Nursery, who often support the Friends with some of their fantastic blooms.

8pm Friday 19th. At this time we are still going ahead as rain has stopped.

Don’t forget the Bat Walk is this coming Friday the 19th. Meet at 8.30 (sharp) by the farm gate entrance to Jasmin Fields on Bayston Rd, opposite Kinsey Grove. Stout shoes recommended and a torch is possible. Under 16’s must be accompanied by an adult. There is a fair amount of walking on uneven ground so I am afraid this is a difficult event for pushchairs/wheelchairs and those that are unsteady on their feet- so not really suitable.

It will be led by Brum Bats and the Ranger and starts at Jasmin Fields,  visits the canal towpath, progresses through the cemetery and ends at Brandwood Pool off Sunderton Road.

If you have a Bat Detector  please bring it along but there will be some available. In the event of heavy rain then I am afraid it is likely the event will be cancelled as Bats arn’t keen on rain either ! I can be contacted by text on 07811393259 if in doubt.

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.

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 !