F.A. Albin & Sons Main

Barry’s Diary - March 2011

29.03.2011

Hello Everyone

So another month has passed and here we are again. As I write this, I am extremely happy to announce some very happy news concerning a group of very special ‘new arrivals’.

Firstly the news that my PA Laura has just become a very proud Grandmother for the first time, with the arrival of her new Grandson Sonny, born to her son Danny & his wife Claire and arriving safe and sound weighing in at 8lb 2oz.

Danny Collins another member of staff has just become a Dad for the second time with the arrival his new Son Joseph, a little brother for Dylan. Congratulations to Danny & Coral on their new arrival. It has been a difficult year for Danny when he suffered the loss of his dear father and I hope the future has many golden years for them all.

The next arrival is a new baby girl Amelia, born to Dom and Patricia and a little baby sister for their son Nathan. Many congratulations to them all.

Congratulations also to Greg’s sister who has also given birth to a new baby girl Sophia. I have known Greg’s family for many years and am very happy to hear the news of a new arrival.

All babies and parents are very happy and doing extremely well...!!!

Many congratulations also to Steve and Dawn Gamble who had a joint 40^th birthday party at the weekend. Wishing them both many happy years ahead.

I am also very proud to say that Marylou my newest Granddaughter will be christened this coming Sunday – a lovely moment in life I think, long to be cherished and remembered.

As the spring has just arrived and the lighter nights are extending, I notice that all the trees outside are budding now and the world seems a brighter place as the circle of life continues.

Unfortunately on a much sadder note, we continue to suffer losses in our work in Afghanistan and two of our staff are at this time escorting a soldier home whose life was lost a few days ago in Afghanistan. As ever, although very proud of the honour of our duties, our hearts and prayers go out to all the families concerned.

As April approaches I am also reminded of my late father’s death in late April last year. May he rest in peace.

On Sunday I attended the wonderful event at Kings Stairs Gardens. As you know the saving of this beautiful area is very close to my heart. I certainly hope that Thames Water can now see that this is a completely unsuitable site for their project. We desperately need to keep this space as it is now.

On my office wall opposite my desk hang two certificates I am very proud of. One stating ‘London’s Official Cockney King – Sir Barry Albin-Dyer of Bermondsey’ and the other ‘London’s Official Cockney Lady – Lady Jacqueline of Bermondsey’. – They are so lovely and many thanks to Jimmy Jukes and the ‘Cockney Royalty’ for these great honours.

I would like to take this opportunity to wish Fr. Mark from St. Mary’s Rotherhithe, every happiness in his new home which he will be moving into shortly.

So here it is – Your first early warning of the Memorial Garden Service for 2011. It will be held on Wednesday 7^th December starting at 7pm, with all the usual trimmings so please mark your calendars and be there – its success as ever depends on you all.

Until next time

God Bless

Barry