In line with the high winds Saturday the cemetery gates were closed for safety reasons.
Unfortunately there were a few branches and at least one tree that have been affected again by the high winds. Luckily for us the Tree Surgeons were quick to act and have spent yet another few days in Brandwood End checking and making trees as safe as they can in these unusual conditions. Saturated ground and high winds can cause havoc.
Stay safe.
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.
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)
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.
