CHECK OUT OUR WALKS AND TRAILS AS WELL AS EVENTS WE HAVE SCHEDULED IN THE CEMETERY IN 2026. WE ALSO HOLD REGULAR LITTER PICKS AND GARDENING SESSIONS . DETAILS BELOW.
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WHY NOT ENJOY A RUN, JOG OR WALK, AWAY FROM THE ROAD TRAFFIC, IN THE PEACEFUL SURROUNDS OF THE CEMETERY? THE FRIENDS HAVE CREATED 4 WALKS. ALL ARE TIMED AND DISTANCE MEASURED TO HELP YOU DECIDE WHICH ONE SUITS YOU.
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For a historic walk you can take yourself…….
Follow our main drive walk from the link below, or follow it on your mobile device at any time.
BRANDWOOD BENCH BY BENCH WALK
Enjoy a stroll ‘Bench by Bench’ through the cemetery as you follow our BENCH BY BENCH route.
Sit and enjoy the peaceful surroundings and varied views across this 53 acre site.
(A link will follow shortly)
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LITTER PICKS
Children are most welcome but must be accompanied by a responsible adult. Dress appropriately for the weather and bring some gloves. Bags and pickers will be provided. No previous experience required.
We hope to see you at the next litter picks on Sunday 1st March. See our main blog for confirmation of dates. Please note that these dates can change at short notice so watch our blog.
GRAVE GARDENING EVENTS 2026
Come and help us remove shrubbery and reveal memorials and graves. We have the tools but if you can bring your own loppers. secateurs and gloves it is always safer to work with equipment you are familiar with. All we need is the people power. The next event will take place at 11am till 1pm.
Any questions please contact us on friendsofbec@gmail.com
proposed future dates are Sunday March 22nd, Saturday April 25th, Sunday May 17th. Please check our main blog as these dates are subject to change at short notice.
Meet opposite the Lodge on the main drive.
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2026 AGM will be held on Thursday 16th April. St Dunstans Conference Centre, Kings Heath
Our 2025 AGM WAS HELD ON THURSDAY 10TH APRIL.
ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP FEES WILL ALSO BECOME DUE ON 13TH APRIL 2026. Please note that we have changed our bank and are now with the Co op Bank. Existing members should have been advised. Direct transfer payments and Standing Orders can be accepted by this account.
The Friends have appointed a new Chairman- Jane Edwards
Vice Chairman remains Coral Howard
Treasurer remains Julian Pritchard
Secretary Role to be filled
Committee members: Lisa Fair, Tricia Winspur, Gill Price, Philip Brown, Vanessa Houghton.
OUR 20TH ANNIVERSARY YEAR.
2025 was the 20th anniversary of the FBEC becoming constituted and registered as a charity and we have been undertaking a number of special projects. Initially we focused on a much neglected Section 16 and making sure that enough shrubbery was removed to make every headstone accessible. As part of our historic records, and with the help of a team of Volunteers, we also photographed every headstone and have been able to create links to some of those that have an interesting story to tell.
As a second project we worked with various local organisations, Bereavement Services and the City Tree Officer to raise funds to plant some new trees in the cemetery to replace those lost through age, storm and disease. A few years ago we lost 69 Poplars to age and disease the most of an avenue of Cherry trees. More recently storms felled 21 mature healthy trees and several others were damaged as a result of falling branches. We are pleased to say that we managed to raise enough funds to be able to purchase 15 new trees and hold a Tree Planting event on February 9th this year. We have featured the day on both our Face book site and this web page so why not have a look?
REMEMBRANCE EVENT 2026
Sunday November 8th. 10.45am at the Cross of Sacrifice on the main drive. Members of the public will join local Councillors and representatives of local organisations for a short service and the laying of wreaths. This is always a well attended event so we do ask that people arrive promptly.
Heritage Open Event 2026 September 12-20 
The Friends are hoping to participate again in this event in 2026 and we have already secured a session with Rachel from caring for Gods Acre as her talk with Josie last year was so well received. Watch this space.
CAROLS IN THE OPEN AIR
Following the success of our Carols with St Albans RC Primary last Christmas 2023 . 2024 and 2025 we hope to repeat the event in December 2026. Watch this page for a date.