Category: Uncategorized

Sunshine all the way!

Today’s litter pick was attended by a small select crew ! There were just 5 of us but we still managed a haul of 13 bags of litter- mainly from under hedges on the periphery of the site. 99% of the litter consisted of flower papers, blown into the undergrowth.

Can we ask visitors again,  that if they are leaving flowers at a grave they do not visit frequently, can they please remove the flower paper and place it in one of the bins. We notice that many people jam it down between the grave stones but I am afraid the wind seeks it out. Or we have to pick it out !

The sun was shining today and the cemetery was quite busy with families tidying graves and washing headstones, before the winter.

Many areas of Pigeon feathers and show that the Birds of Prey that frequent the area have been busy.

Our next Litter Pick will be in the ‘Winter’ month of December so watch this site for details. Until then, we urge you to visit the Cemetery, if you do not already, and enjoy this beautiful green open space which offers an opportunity for exercise, relaxation and quiet contemplation. Remember there is our Civilian Garden of Remembrance at the Broad Lane end of the site, which is always a welcoming space with benches for seating.

Can we remind you that we will be holding our usual Service of Remembrance in Brandwood End, at the Cross of Sacrifice on the main drive, on Sunday the 12th November. Everyone is welcome and we start at 10.50 prompt to enable the Celebrant to say a few words before the 2 minutes silence. This is a very short event and should be completed by  11.30am.   We look forward to seeing as many of you there as possible. If you are not a member of the Friends, please consider joining us to show your support for the work we do in Brandwood End. You can access an application from this web site or contact us on 0121 605 4316 for a hard copy.

Hedgehog Documentary showing

Such a lovely evening at Park House !

It was smiles all round at the public showing of our ‘Help for Hedgehogs’ film, made by the pupils of St Albans RC Primary and Woodthorpe Primary schools, under the direction of our Community Film Maker -Rachel.

Our initial grant application for funding for a Hedgehog related project included the documentation of the year long project in the form of a short film.  Heritage Lottery have funded our work and everyone was excited to see the film, which is the culmination of a number of events in the cemetery and in both schools.  The film will be posted soon, but we still have to show it in both schools. The following photos give you an idea of what a lovely evening we had.

Final Hedgehog Film showing

If you have been supporting our ‘Help for Hedgehogs’ campaign in Brandwood End Cemetery you may know that pupils from St Albans RC Primary and Woodthorpe Primary have been learning how to record this project on film! On Monday the 5th June from 7-8pm we will be showing the results of their efforts at Park House, in Kings Heath Park. The film showing will be accompanied by some hedgehog related activities suitable for all ages and also a few snacks and drinks.If you are coming along can you register via this link to help us with numbers.

 

A sea of Croci (Crocuses?)

We never fail to be amazed at the areas of replanted Croci ……..replanted by squirrels from the main drive following a very hard day of FBEC ‘planting’ ! Stumbled on yet another small patch and another larger impressive outcrop whilst litter picking today.

Storm Doris created some problems!

Storm Dorris swept through Brandwood End leaving a trail of felled tree branches behind. Luckily there were no injuries to people….but not so to monuments.  The recently celebrated ‘Alabaster’ grave came very close to being felled as a large branch fell from an adjacent conifer. You can see the damage to the grave behind it!

The larger branches that were obstructing paths have now been removed but evidence of large boughs still litter the site. A generally lucky escape as things could have been a lot worse.

 

 

 

 

 

New storage facility for Brandwood Ground staff

At last! Ground staff at Brandwood End have been waiting a very long time to have a new, purpose built, secure storage facility in their yard at the Cemetery. There have been  a few false hopes raised in the past…..but today, whilst on site, I notice that contractors have actually started.  Hurray for them as this is definitely needed!