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Danny Lee Barton
Funeral Arranger
Years with Albins: 3
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Barry's Diary
Barry’s Diary - January 2012
06.01.2012
Hello Everybody
As I write to you today, it is the morning of 6th January and we are well and truly into 2012! I hope Christmas and the New Year were comforting and peaceful for you all.
As I look from my office window across the Memorial Garden, I see the long line of beautiful holly wreaths, still fresh as they blow and sparkle in the wind and they lead me to remember the warmth of our Christmas Service. We are certainly going to enjoy the beauty of them through most of January.
As I speak to you we are deploying with the death of another soldier in Afghanistan and the thought of this brings me completely back to Earth again as my attention moves from the wreaths to the new tree in the garden which was planted in memory of all the soldiers that have been lost. The tree is sleeping now throughout the winter months, but will burst into bud in the spring with new hope – much like life itself.
Talking of new life, we are pleased to announce the birth of a baby boy, Danny Beau born to Danny and Jenny Barton and a new little brother for Lexie. All are safe and well and we send our congratulations to them all..!! Danny has been working with us for the last two years, but I’ve known him since he was a young boy so it’s nice to have that family connection.
This summer brings the convention and meeting of FIAT/IFTA, the World Organisation of Funeral Operatives. You may remember I was President of FIAT/IFTA a few years back and as history repeats itself, my son Simon is now the UK representative. This convention is to be held in Ireland in June and we are so much looking forward to meeting old friends and progressing the industry forward.
We will be having an official opening of our International Branch at our premises in Neptune Street in March, but the staff are fully operative there and doing really well. Their Managing Director Emerson is off at the moment visiting his family in Brazil having had a very difficult year personally, with the loss of his brother. Our thoughts and prayers are with him at this time.
Laura is just finishing off the collating of our museum information and it is all looking rather splendid. A little briefing to the staff and all should be well.
Tomorrow is my Granddaughter Olivia’s 11th birthday – Happy birthday darling! How time flies – It only seems a few weeks ago I was holding her as a babe in arms. How lucky I am to have so many healthy and happy Grandchildren, especially as I was the only son in my family.
I would like to say a big thank you at this time again as my eyes stray to the garden, to Leonard a ‘Friend of the Memorial Garden’ who comes in every day in all weathers and diligently clears the fallen leaves etc. in the garden – God bless you Leonard, you are a tremendous help to us and hugely valued!
As the clock bells chime in the garden, it brings my attention to a beautiful 17th century carriage clock that has been generously donated to us by Joe Eagle. We have had it renovated and it sits proudly in our reception now.
I would like to assure you that our plans for next year’s annual garden service, which is going to be very Christmassy – much more than usual, are in motion. Please note the date for your calendars – Wednesday 5th December at 7pm
Well, I am about to leave on a funeral so I’ll say ‘Cheerio’ until next month.
Barry
