We would suggest that you wait till the snow and cold weather has gone but we know that there are many people who visit regularly irrelevant of the weather, so please take care.

There is an additional hazard because of the heavy weight of snow and ice on branches has which has meant that some trees have shed branches and the increased wind hasn’t helped. Also with the thaw large sections of snow are falling from high branches.

Come and join our Grave Gardeners as they help to clear years of shrubbery shrouding graves. WE ARE A small friendly group who chat whilst WE work ,where you can do as much or as little as you want.

We have the tools, gloves etc but you will need stout footwear and suitable clothing. A kneeler may be useful.

The photographs below show just a few of the volunteers (community  and corporate groups) that have pitched in to clear shrubs, take photographs, create data bases, litter pick, marshall events, lead walks, plant trees, liaise with schools, apply for grants, research, honour the fallen and generally keep the community involved and informed.

We can’t forget Bereavements Service staff both on the ground and in Kings Norton office. Without their co operation we would not be able to achieve as much as  we do.

Seasons Greetings to you all and let’s hope that 2026 is as productive as 2025 has been.

You can see the coppice that lies behind the volunteers and the outline of a number of graves hidden within the shrubbery.  When the team arrived there was none of the predicted wind but the drizzle soaked through your clothes! That drizzle later became torrential rain, but the team were determined to clear the whole coppice.

As you can see by the photograph below, they totally cleared the coppice and uncovered  lots of graves that had been hidden for many years.

The rain stayed away and the temperature was just right to enable the choir to sing with gusto. We had some lovely traditional carols and some more modern ones- with innovative additions!

Our thanks to all the pupils and staff for starting off Christmas for everyone again this year. This is becoming an annual event!!

The venue will be signed in the cemetery.  The Civilian Garden is near the Broad Land ‘walk in’ gate.

Wednesday 10th December 2pm.

Thank you to the ‘Foster family’ (on the left) who were supporting their daughter in her volunteering journey with us for her Duke of Edinburgh award.

The Civilian Garden is signed to the left off the main drive as you head towards the Broad Lane entrance (from the direction of the chapels). This will be an outdoor event so we would suggest that you dress for cold weather!

For the last few years we have welcomed St Albans and their Carols have been more and more popular, so spread the word.

We have the litter pickers and bags. All we need is the man power!