Here we are already in June!

I have just returned from achieving a life- long ambition of mine. Myself and a group of six friends completed the Mille Miglia Run across Italy for charity and I’m so pleased and proud to say we were able to split the donations received between our charity The Albin-Dyer Foundation, The Evelina Hospital Appeal and Child bereavement UK. So a job well done but I have to tell you it was very tough driving! 
If you follow on from this page you will see Tom’s account of our trip together with some photographs – Hope you enjoy them!

I am glad to say that the maintenance work on our Memorial Garden is now complete and people who may visit regularly will notice that it has now been repainted and is looking really lovely keeping our promise to everybody that it will be kept in an excellent condition for all to enjoy.

I am very happy to welcome our new apprentice Harry Morey who will be joining us next week on a four year apprenticeship and he’ll be great!

Once again I would like to wish all the staff that have begun their summer holidays, a restful and happy time.

Until next time, my very best wishes to you all.

Barry

The Mille Miglia Adventure

We have been planning the journey for sometime so we very well prepared. Barry kindly donated his recently acquired Morgan. Our support vehicle was a Mercedes minibus provided by John Donovan. As there were seven in the group we were able to share the driving between us.

The Mille Miglia (1,000 Miles) first race took place on 26 March 1927 with seventy-seven starters — all Italian — of which fifty-one had reached the finishing post at Brescia The first Mille Miglia covered 1,618 km, corresponding to just over 1,005 modern miles. The winner, Giuseppe Morandi, completed the course in just under 21 hours 5 minutes, averaging nearly 78 km/h (48 mph)

Stirling Moss and his co driver completed the course in 1955 in a time of 10h 8m in their Mercedes 300 SLR with the now famous number 722, setting the event record at an average of 158 km/h (98 mph) which was the fastest ever.

The race was banned after two fatal crashes. The first was the crash of a 4.2-litre Ferrari 335S in 1957 that took the lives of the Spanish driver Alfonso de Portago, his co-driver/navigator Edmund Nelson, and nine spectators, at the village of Guidizzolo very close to the finish. Five of the spectators killed were children, all of whom were standing along the race course. Portago desperately wanted to win this race and waited too long to make a tyre change. The crash was caused by a worn tyre.

Since 1977, the event was revived as the Mille Miglia Storica, a parade for pre-1957 cars that takes place over three days in May every year.

We set off from Bermondsey on Saturday 1^st June and made our way to Brescia ready for the start of the tour on Monday 3^rd June. We drove the route over four fantastic days taking in the challenging but breathtaking Italian scenery. Our route was as follows:

Day 1  Brescia to San Marino

Day 2  San Marino to Rome

Day 3  Rome to Florence via Siena

Day 4  Florence to Brescia

Having now driven the route we still marvel at Stirling Moss’ feat of completing the journey in record breaking time.

We returned home on Friday 7^th safe and sound but exhausted.

The experience was one that we would all cherish and to be able to raise money for charity capped a memorable adventure.

Tom

Well after the last very sad diary news and looking to the future, I am pleased to announce that we have now officially opened our new branch in Mottingham.

It is a beautiful branch that I know Denise will be caring for passionately. Our old shop directly opposite is shortly to open as a masonry showroom so that anybody interested in memorials will be able to make an appointment to visit. You may remember that this branch was run by Rose who has been with Albins for over 20 years and has recently retired – We wish her a very long and happy retirement. However she will still be handling our masonry work on a part time basis.

I was very proud to carry out my first uniform duty as Deputy Lieutenant to Sir David Brewer The Lord Lieutenant of London, for the Greenwich, Deptford and Rotherhithe Sea Cadets on 23^rd April. It was a lovely evening at which I was treated with great honour and respect – What a great group of people they are!

Enthusiasts of our Memorial Garden will notice that we are doing our annual maintenance work, but this year we are changing the colour of the walls and repairing all the tops of the walls to keep the garden in the manner you’re used to. I must thank Tom and his team for his industrious work as the lawn looks beautiful. Please note there are beautiful new benches available there and while I’m talking of the garden, I’ll take the opportunity of reminding you all of our Christmas Memorial Service date which this year is Wednesday 4^th December starting at 7pm. Everybody is welcome.

We are also having a re-vamp of all the paintwork at Head Office just to be the very best we can be!

It is a good opportunity after the tragedy of the loss of Dave Wallace last month, for me to say how proud I am of all our staff who stuck so genuinely together in loss and proved so many things to me. Dave has left us the sadder for his parting, but the stronger for the trust in each other and I know that every family we help has the genuine care of each member of staff they deal with. You can’t buy that – it is part of a wonderful ethos that has grown over many years and for which everyone is responsible. I lead Albins, but in truth I am simply the guardian. No one can own something so unique and it must go on well past me as my sons and their future generations become the constant guardians.

We welcome a new member to our staff – Paul Cross (who’s surname you may recognise as he is the brother of another member of our staff Jamie)  and is a lovely young man. We’re very pleased to welcome him on board!

As the holiday season approached I wish all my staff the rest and happiness they all deserve on their breaks and I leave you with a beautiful quote that could change the world if we remember it well:

That men do not learn very much from the lessons of history, is the most important of all lessons that history has to teach.

Until next time, take care

Barry

Knowing that you were all supporting us and his family was a huge comfort.

God bless you all.

“You cannot replace the irreplaceable”

It is with the greatest of regret that I write this month’s diary page as I have to announce the sad and tragic loss of our dear work colleague Dave Wallace who was a true brother to us all.

Dave had planned with family, other members of staff and friends, what was to be a very special day out at Wembley to see Millwall. Having enjoyed a fabulous day, as Dave was leaving the ground and walking down what was the Old Wembley Way, he began to feel faint and collapsed. The emergency staff and doctors worked relentlessly to try to save him but the damage was too severe. We believe he suffered a massive heart attack and he died on his way to hospital or shortly after arriving.

Dave was a South London boy born and bred. A tall, handsome gentleman who we would often say was the grumpiest and funniest man any of us knew. He had worked with us in one shape or form over the last ten years and his departure has left a dark cloud over Albins as one of the kingpins of our organisation is now missing. Dave would always be in the firm by 6am getting the maps ready for the day, checking all the music for the day’s funerals and preparing his hearse.

Dave also served the highest number of days in Iraq and Afghanistan for the company and completed tireless trips all over the country with fallen personnel. In March 2012 along with many of his colleagues, Dave was awarded the Ministry of Defence campaign medals by Air Commodore Chris Bray, Head of Military Operations at the Service Personnel and Veterans Agency, for his work supporting repatriations of Service Personnel. Dave received both the Operational Service Medal for Afghanistan with Clasp Afghanistan, and the Iraq Medal.

He was overwhelmed by his award saying:

“Having spent many periods in Iraq and Afghanistan, often at the most difficult of times, to receive this medal overwhelms me and my family. To serve those who serve us is humbling – thanks so much”

Dave's dedication to his work was further demonstrated when he and a colleague commenced a further deployment to Afghanistan immediately after the medal presentation to care for those tragically killed in an explosion.

Dave sadly leaves a partner Sandra and their daughter Gracie May and our hopes, thoughts and prayers are with them at this very sad time. Sandra and Gracie have lost the most wonderful man and his mum, dad and family are as you will imagine distraught.

We at Albins will be eternally grateful that ‘Wally’ as he was known to all of us here, came into our lives and into the company we all love so much and his place at the breakfast table will be forever vacant.

May God bless and keep him on his final journey when everyone at Albins, as we do for many people, escort him and protect him as he is laid to rest.

Please pray for him.

Barry, Family & Staff at Albins.

Remember me with smiles and laughter

for that is how I will remember you all.

If you can only remember me with tears,

then don’t remember me at all.

 I dedicate this month’s diary page solely to Wally and will catch up on other information with you in the coming months.

 BARRY

MEMORIES OF A SPECIAL PERSON 

WALLY WITH HIS MATES

WALLY MEETS PRINCE ANDREW

WALLY ON DEPLOYMENT

WALLY AND GRACIE

WALLY AND SANDRA

REST IN PEACE - WE WILL ALL MISS YOU

DAVE WALLACE

2 DECEMBER 1966 - 13 APRIL 2013

Well what a torrid month - Weather to suit all occasions but not at the right time as ever!

Work continues to progress at our new Mottingham Branch and we very much look forward to shortly opening the old branch as a masonry showroom, expanding our level of service to clients.

We will be sponsoring The Southwark Park Bowls Club competition on 28^th July for The Barry Albin Cup – If some of you could pop along that would be fun – A great group of people!

As you know, The Albin-Dyer Foundation was set up for and sponsors local people, but once a year I like to do something special abroad for people in need who are far less fortunate than all of us. My old friend Steve Ali went back to his home village in Bangladesh where people have suffered dreadfully from the floods, famine and poverty and for the one weekend in the year I was able to sponsor the feeding of the whole village. You will see in the photos below the little hand-made sign thanking us all here and the little faces of the hungry children just break your heart.

Well the spring is approaching and I guess all of you can’t wait for brighter weather with lighter mornings and evenings.

There will be news next month of something special I am doing and we are going to link that with supporting my Albin-Dyer Foundation, Child Bereavement UK and the Evelina Hospital.

As the Catholic world waits for the announcement of a new Pope, we can only sit and hope that this brings a change to all our thinking whatever our religion and realising that loving one another is the only real and true value in this world – Enough philosophy anyway!

We have just finishes collating our films in the museum so it is really almost ready to go.

Oh…..Many congratulations to Danny O’Callaghan and his partner Jay on the birth of their lovely daughter Eve – Wishing them all every happiness, good health and success.

I look forward to writing the next diary page in much better weather.

I was very interested to read part of the blog put together by Gary Jenkins who is the vicar of St James and St Anne's churches, part of the Bermondsey Group Ministry along with St Mary Magdalen and the Salmon Youth Centre. Gary writes as follows:

"I have been reading about two Bermondsey characters, one living, one dead.

The first, Alfred Salter, as local readers will know, gave up a glittering medical career at a top research institute and came to Bermondsey as a GP in 1898 and stayed until his death in 1945.

Alfred and his wife, Ada, devoted the whole of their adult lives to uninstinting service of the people of Bermondsey. They were Quakers and very early members of the Labour Party. Both served on the borough council. He was MP for Bermondsey West and she represented Bermondsey on the London County Council.

All this time 'the Doctor' was a familiar sight cycling around Bermondsey on home visits and there was always a queue of patients waiting to see him back at his home-cum-surgery in Storks Road.

All this activity was motivated by a deep Christian faith which led him to embrace two causes less close to most people's hearts: an absolute Christian pacifism and a total repudiation of the demon drink. Neither stance was exactly popular but the doctor retained his constituents' respect as a man of principle who said what he thought whether it was popular or not.

When he died huge crowds flocked to St James for his memorial service and to this day the work of the Salters is remembered in the memorials in the Tube Station (close to the site of their home), in the Ada Salter Memorial Garden in Southwark Park and in Alfred Salter School. Less happilly the Thameside statue of 'Dr Salter's daydream' has been the victim of metal thefts and it is good to hear that moves are afoot to place a new one there, and this time Ada is going to be included too (quite right too).

The second book is by and about a character who is very much still alive and very much out and about in the area on a daily basis, Barry Albin-Dyer of Albin's funeral directors.

'Don't Drop the Coffin' is Barry's account 'from graveside punch-ups to gangland style funerals' of the ins and outs of the funeral trade as practised by the 'the UK's oldest family firm of funeral directors.'

Death comes to every family and so funeral directors, like clergy, get to meet all kinds of families in all kinds of situations. Barry brings out that sheer diversity of his work brilliantly and he offers some wise words on the way about the process of bereavement.

If anything funerals are getting more elaborate and complex and people are now more inclined to' customise' the event, adding things that have a particular resonance with the deceased. That can make funeral directors' lives a bit more interesting (clergy, too).

One fairly recent trend I have noticed in the past few years is the increased use of horse drawn hearses.

Recently I succumbed to Barry's invitation to ride with the horses, then I discovered that the journey was an hour long, and that a cassock is no protection against a January wind, so I swapped the carriage for a nice warm limousine after a mile or two, but I did enjoy the view as we clip-clopped down Jamaica Road"

 Ta Ta for now!

Barry

Can you believe we’re in January and the darker shade of winter approaches? Some say the most depressing time of the year, but for me it’s the most encouraging because I know from that darkness will come new life as the seasons change the world yet again and winter rolls over to an ever purposeful spring.

I would like to send many congratulations out to Fr. Michael Branch who has taken charge of St. Peter the Apostle Church in Woolwich. Michael is a wonderful young priest and I am absolutely sure he will be extremely happy there as will his new parishioners in his new parish. Good luck Fr. Michael.

We also welcome Rev. Gary at St. James’ Church who is replacing Rev. Stuart Wilmot and I am sure Gary and I will become similar friends. Canon Gary has joined us from a parish in Reigate and I’m sure is going to bring a lot to us all. We wish him and his family every happiness in their new move.

On a personal note, I am just about to go for my second fitting for my Deputy-Lieutenant’s uniform so look out for the picture coming soon.

Not unusually for this time of year we have found ourselves in a very busy period and I can only thank all the staff for their never ending loyalty and dedication to duty. They all have to work many hours without complaint and I am very proud of them. We never forget that every death is so special and every funeral unique.

I would like to take this opportunity to send Ricardo who is the owner of the Tentazioni Restaurant,  which is just opposite the doctor’s surgery in Mill Street, our very best thoughts and prayers. Ricardo was seriously injured in a road accident on Friday and our thoughts and prayers also go to his parents, family and friends.

Our thanks go to Andrew & Tom who last week completed a very difficult search and rescue course for our Mass fatality Team – Well done guys for the fantastic work and many congratulations on passing the course!

You might be interested to know that we have purchased the old car show rooms opposite our Mottingham branch and have just started work to transform the property into a beautiful new funeral home to service the families in that area. More news as we go along.

On behalf of myself, my sons and family I would like to wish you all out there a very peaceful and happy New Year.

Barry

The Albin family have a policy of constant reinvestment in the business. We strive to operate our business with the best vehicles, offices, chapels of rest, clothes, facilities, training and the end result is a high quality of service – something we are very proud of.

Albins have been entrusted with very high profile bespoke funerals, military funerals, and funerals of all religions and of course you can spend as much as you wish on a funeral.

People are understandably very concerned by the cost of a funeral. ‘Can I really afford to pay for a quality Funeral Director like Albins?’ is a question we are often asked.

Well you can, because Albins will tailor the cost to suit your specific needs.

We are keen to ensure that we are able to meet the needs of everyone. What people often don’t realise, is that Albins carry out D.W.P. funerals, council local authority funerals and funerals for local hospitals, all at the same very high standard.

We also offer package funerals and a very basic cost budget funeral. Just explain to us your needs or budget and we will help. In some circumstances we will allow you to pay off for a funeral and we will handle and advise on any grants that may be available. You will be pleasantly surprised at the help you could receive and we will of course fill out the forms and claim these grants for you. Please don’t be afraid to talk to us and we will do our best to help. It can be a lot cheaper than you think.

Another way to protect your money or savings against inflation is a pre-paid funeral plan. You pay now and the cost is guaranteed for the future. A very sensible idea with great peace of mind. Your money is placed safely into a Trust Fund against the cost of your funeral long into the future.

Why not pick up the phone and speak to an arranger at any of our branches below.

Barry Albin-Dyer OBE JP DL

Head Office:               020 7237 3637          Jackie, Joanna, Denise or Lynn

Deptford:                     020 8694 1384        Elaine

Mottingham:                020 8857 0330        Rose

Barking:                      020 7476 1861        Debbie

Sidcup:                       020 8308 0015         Michael

Welling:                      020 8856 7514         Christine

Walworth:                    020 7313 6990         Shirley

It seems like only yesterday that I was writing last year’s Christmas web diary page!

Once again I am overwhelmed by all of you who came to the Memorial Garden Service last Wednesday. You helped to make it a truly memorable evening and continue in all weathers, to support Albins and the people you love – First class people from a first class area! (I think our new garden toilets were much appreciated on the evening!)

I am very grateful for those who came and indulged us as we were presented with an MOD Commendation. In the coming years as the Afghanistan mission winds down, so will of course the military content of the service, but with our special memorial tree, flag and ‘Last Post’, we will never forget. My thanks go also to all the clergy who supported us as they do every year.

Just a note to remind the hundreds and hundreds of you who come to our service, that next year it will be held on Wednesday 4^th December, as always starting at 7pm with the gates opening at 6pm – A note for your new diaries!

As in past years, I will be here on Christmas morning between 10am-12pm to open the Memorial Garden and Chapels of Rest, so that families, who have suffered a loss, may view and be with the people they love. If you pop into the garden, do give me a wave as seeing you all makes my Christmas special.

I want to wish Shirley every success in our new branch in Walworth. We have only been open a few weeks, but have already taken in several funerals. It is a beautiful premises and we are very proud of it.

To all the staff at Albins who are all friends and family to us, on behalf of myself, my sons and family, may God bless you all for the work you do.

Christmas when you have lost somebody, can be heart wrenching, but we have to live every minute of the lives we are given. It is all we have left and something to honour those we have lost. Remembering can bring such pain and heart ache but also comfort too. My thoughts, hopes and prayers go with all the families we have served over the years.

Just looking as I am at this moment, at the fence along the Memorial Garden where your holly wreaths hang in a long line, it brings comfort to me as I hope it does to you all.

May I take this opportunity to wish you a peaceful Christmas and a prayerful and comforting New Year?

Sincerely

Barry

88 BRANDON STREET LONDON SE17 1ND

We are pleased to announce that F A Albin & Sons has opened a new branch in Walworth on Saturday 24^th November 2012.

The branch is located at the corner of Brandon Street and Browning Street.

The head office of the Albins UK funerals business is located in Bermondsey and will operate from six shops of which Walworth will be the largest.  

The new branch will be managed by Shirley O’Callaghan who lives locally, and knows the area very well. Shirley is a very much respected member of the community and is looking forward to the opportunity. 

We are very excited by the prospect of serving the Walworth area particularly in view of the long established connections with the clergy and local families that we have built up over the many years that we have been in business.

F.A. Albin & Sons have been Funeral Directors for over 200 years, remaining a family business throughout and providing a level of service and personal care, respect and dignity only to be expected from a company with such a proud record.
Throughout our time serving the community we have always tried to uphold the traditions of those that have passed before us and will continue to do so.

It’s that time of year again – just one month away from our annual Christmas Memorial Service on Wednesday 5^th December starting at 7pm. Please don’t be late as there will be a special presentation being made to us just before the start of the service (so I am informed) and you know I always believe that any recognition we receive belongs to Bermondsey as well.

This year I am very proud to say that we will be collecting donations on behalf of Child Bereavement UK, a wonderful organisation supporting parents and children in loss and running teaching and training programmes of which we support.

I shall be here at the office on Christmas morning between 10am – 12pm when the Memorial Garden and Chapels of Rest will be open and look forward as ever to saying Hello and Merry Christmas to anyone who is visiting.

Christmas of course is the saddest of times in loss and although remembering past wonderful Christmases can bring a heavy heart, they can also bring such joy in their remembrance. They are special moments marking the passing of time and for many will bring laughter and tears. That is why the service is so important in keeping those who can no longer be with us, close to our hearts at these times. So please come and support the Christmas Service this year – without you it would be nothing and as ever I respect you for your attendance and the love that you bring.

I am very proud to announce the opening of our new shop at 88 Brandon Street, Walworth, SE17 1ND, on Saturday 24^th November between 10am – 12pm. Do stop off and say hello – you will be most welcome.

On a much sadder note, as I write this we are again in Afghanistan repatriating the two fallen soldiers who died last week. Our thoughts and prayers are as ever with their families and may they Rest in Peace.

Until next time,

Take care & keep warm!

Best wishes

Barry