Category: Information

Last Grave Gardeners Session of 2024

SATURDAY 14TH DECEMBER. MEET OPPPOSITE THE LODGE AT 11AM.
As you can imagine we will have to confirm this literally on Friday (So watch this feed in case we have to cancel) as things in the Cemetery are not as they usually are BUT there are many areas of the cemetery unaffected by the current fallen tree issues so we should be OK to go ahead.
We welcome anyone who fancies some outdoor exercise whilst helping to clear graves. Feel free to bring your own gloves and tools such as secateurs and loppers but please make sure you have stout footwear.
WE WILL NOT BE WORKING NEAR ANY OF THE FELLED TREES. THESE WILL BE LEFT TO THE PROFESSIONALS !
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Trees down in recent storm.

Many of you will already know that there were many trees brought down in the recent storm.  The cemetery didn’t escape unscathed and we think this is the worst time the trees have had- at least in the last 20 years.

We fear we have lost at least 10 very large trees, several large bows and many more smaller trees and shrubs. Some of the trees were deciduous and without leaves so it was fairly easy to see if there was any headstone damage. We are pleased to say that miraculously very few graves have been seriously affected but it is less easy to say what has happened under the large Conifers.

Until the trees have been removed, and that will take some time, you will not be able to get any reassurance as to the condition of memorial beneath them. As you can appreciate there are many trees down in many locations and the cemetery was shut on Sunday and early this morning to allow the inspection of the damage. We believe opening hours are now as normal but this may change as and when Tree Surgeons are operating in various areas.

It is noticeable that the main cause of the felled trees seems to be very turbulent wind in confined areas of the cemetery during the storm and the waterlogged soil after a huge amount of rain. The trees themselves generally appeared healthy. So sad as most of them were mature and part of the Grade 2 avenue plan.

Land Mine in Hollywood in 1940

We posted the query below on our facebook site and we have had such an interesting selection of replies that we have decided to reproduce them here to thank everyone and also so the enquirer can see them, as not everyone uses Facebook. Followers never disappoint us and we knew that the supporters of the Friends would help if they could. We have such local knowledge amongst residents, and whilst this query doesnt directly relate to Brandwood End Cemetery it is very interesting!

In November 1940 my mother lived in Hollywood, Birmingham. A land mine that was meant for Birmingham fell short and on their house (which was called Acorn cottage) . All of upstairs ended up downstairs. No one was killed, except my grandfather’s potato bury which he had just made ready for the winter went up in ready made chips. Do you know if there is anything in print in the newspapers of the time about this. It was opposite a barrage balloon site that was run by Wythall RAF and was on the Alcester road out towards Redditch.  Their family name was Clarke.

These are the replies :

My father told me the story of being in a pub in Hollywood when a bomb went off nearby. He was amused by an old guy sitting near a window when the blast blew the glass out. Undeterred, he finished his pint with the curtains flapping around his ears… I wonder if it was the same incident?

Try the Birmingham family history group, there’s a chance someone may know something. My Mum was friends with a George and Edith Clarke who lived out at Hollywood.

There is a history group of Wythall, Hollywood and surroundings on-line you could try them!

Civil Defence archives at Central library?

 I think this house belonged to my partners family . His father was playing in the garden close by at the time and has often recounted the story . If you send me a PM , we will see if we can help.

 Hollywood is in the country of Worcestershire, there may be records at The Hive, in Worcestershire.

Friends of Key Hill Cemetery & Warstone Lane Cemetery Est 2004. Birmingham

It would be helpful to have the Mothers full name and those who she was living with from 1939 to 1945 plus the full address.

Due to the Secret D Notice little was reported in newspapers for the Birmingham area.

Hollywood is in the country of Worcestershire, there may be records at The Hive, in Worcestershire.

BARRA’s records tend to cover Birmingham then in the county of Warwickshire.

As mentioned above we may be able to assist if names are given, but understand that the person who is enquiring, may not wish to divulge this  information publicly.( Member of BARRA since its formation)

https://www.thehiveworcester.org/

Football Connection to Brandwood End

I am sure we must have some followers who are also interested in Football? This gentleman is buried in Brandwood End in an unmarked grave. Like many, he has a back story and a serious football connection!
 
John Charles Shaw – born 1830 Penistone a market town in the metropolitan borough of Barnsley West Riding of Yorkshire – died on the 23rd November 1918 aged eighty eight. His wife Louise had purchased the burial plot at Brandwood End Cemetery, Kings Heath Birmingham. Full obituaries appeared in the Birmingham and Sheffield press,
Educated at Penistone Gramma School – based on evidence took football played at Penistone to Sheffield in 1853 – First Captain of Sheffield Football Club – the world’s oldest football club founded1857 and Founder of Hallam Football Club 1860. Member of first representative side – London v Sheffield 1866. Captain of winning Hallam Club for Youdan Trophy 1867 – the world’s first organised knockout challenge cup. President of Sheffield Football Association – first provincial association in the country 1869 – oversaw the amalgamation with the Football Association in 1877.
Source kind permission of Hallam Football Club
Penistone History Archive
1866 was the year that saw the first representative soccer match between London and Sheffield and John Charles Shaw was selected to play in this first encounter. 1867 saw the Youdan Cup competition take place, with twelve Sheffield clubs taking part in this, the world’s first knock-out tournament, which was eventually won by Hallam. The Sheffield Football Association was formed shortly after the Youdan Cup.
What is highly significant is that John Charles Shaw is a major contributor in almost all of the initial stages of football development in Sheffield. He is connected not only with the establishment of the Sheffield Football Club, Hallam Club, and Youdan Cup, but also the founding of the Sheffield Football Association with its Players Insurance Fund, and the historic links with London and Birmingham.
http://www.playingpasts.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/JCS-part-3-image-4.jpg.png
http://www.playingpasts.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/JCS-part-3-image-5.jpg.png-300×169.jpg
The Youdan Trophy. The world’s first knock-out challenge cup competition. Won by the Hallam Club and held aloft in triumph by the captain, John Charles Shaw.
The following year saw the Cromwell Cup, the world’s second oldest competition. Won by the Wednesday Club and held aloft in triumph, by the victorious captain John Marsh, both captains, former pupils of Penistone Grammar School. Source: by permission of Hallam Football Club.
John Charles Shaw’s grave at Brandwood End Cemetery –
Section B2 C/E Grave 1326 – the empty space in the middle plot.

Remembrance 2024

Todays Remembrance service was well attended with well over 150 people attending. The leaves quietly falling off the trees during the two minute silence in some way added to the atmosphere and the Buglers performance was top rate as usual.

Wreaths were laid by a number of organisations including the Police, Fire Service, Ambulance Service and local Councillors.

If you follow this link you can find an album of photos taken by committee members.

Death of Dr Julian Litten

It is with great sadness that we report the death of our long serving Patron Dr. Julian Litten.
Dr Litten had been involved with the Friends of Brandwood End Cemetery since our inception 20 years ago next summer.
He kept in touch with our activities and regularly suggested funding streams and ideas to help us progress our cause. He was a knowledgeable and charismatic and we will miss his support and interest.

HERITAGE WEEK BEGINS IN BRANDWOOD END

Take part in some of the Heritage Open  events in Brandwood End Cemetery. Add them to your diary now…

  • WEDNESDAY 11TH SEPTEMBER 2024- 2PM Join Ian Binnie as he takes you on a Tour of the memorials to those killed in 1944. (The 80th anniversary of D Day and other crucial battles). Ian will present biographies of several men and women who served and died and are buried in Brandwood End. There is no need to book this event. (THE TOUR WILL LAST APPROX. ONE HOUR. MEET BY THE LODGE, ON THE MAIN DRIVE. )
  • THURSDAY 12TH SEPTEMBER AT 7.30PM ‘Over by Christmas 1944’ A ZOOM event. To receive a ZOOM link please e mail Ian Binnie on warwickfus@btinternet.com
  • SATURDAY 14TH SEPTEMBER 11AM TILL 2 PM Who Lies Beneath? Join the Friends for an open event in the Civilian Garden of Remembrance (in Section 33) to learn more about those bombing victims buried in this communal peaceful space and see our recently installed Memorial stone carrying their names. We will be joined by local WW2 Air Raid and BARRA Historian, Matt Felkin, who will happily share his records and knowledge with visitors.

friendsofbec@gmail.com