Icy, cold with snow on the ground and as I write this, blinding sunshine on a crisp beautiful day.

I want to take this opportunity to say a big ‘Thank-you’ to my friends at The Child bereavement Charity who I have been working with for a while now. They have helped me, my staff and so many others during the past year. You should take a look if you get a chance, at the wonderful publications they have available for children suffering bereavement. The care and support they give to parents, teachers, bereavement councillors, Military families – well absolutely anyone in need really is truly wonderful:

http://www.childbereavement.org.uk/AboutUs

This Thursday sees the next meeting of our Bereavement Group for the many excellent people who give their time in support. We are very lucky to have such a dedicated group of people.

I would also like to say a massive ‘Thank-you’ to Bermondsey’s Jimmy Jukes who in this terrible weather, has been out and about trying to keep old soldiers warm, clothed and fed – Well done mate and all who help you..!!

Obviously conducting funerals in this weather can be treacherous with difficult road conditions, but I am always brought back down to earth when I witness the pain of people in loss – what a leveller it is to what is important.

We are looking forward to opening a new branch in the near future – Watch this space for more information!

As ever, I was overwhelmed this past weekend when despite the awful weather conditions, a great number of people struggled into the Memorial Garden to visit the people they have lost. As ever I am full of respect for you all.

We have some beautifully positioned new benches in the Memorial Garden and they will be the last benches available for some time.

Until next time – please take care in these freezing conditions.

Barry

As I write to you today, it is the morning of 6^th 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 11^th 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 17^th 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 5^th December at 7pm

Well, I am about to leave on a funeral so I’ll say ‘Cheerio’ until next month.

Barry 

Hello Everybody,

Yet another Memorial Garden Service has passed – It was the 12^th one this year and was a great success. It was a beautiful evening – not too cold this year (unlike last year) and was made very special as ever by the thousands that attended – Thank you all.

The joint planting of a Memorial Tree, to commemorate all the soldiers who have passed through Southwark on their final journey home to their families, will be a lasting and fitting tribute to their memory. The tree has one pebble for each soldier lost at the foot of it and has a lovely bench around it where one can sit and reflect.

There is a dedication plaque that reads: 

This beautiful Pyrus Chanticleer  tree (Ornamental Pear), which blooms three times a year, is now hibernating for the winter but in the early spring,will bud and bloom with new life – such is the circle of our existence.

Our sincere thanks to Mayor Lorraine Lauder, Councillor Peter John, Councillor Annie Shepperd, Councillor Peter John and Deputy Ian Wingfield for their special contributions to the dedication of the memorial Tree planted jointly by Albins and Southwark Council.

I would like to personally thank all the staff of Albins, who gave so much of their time, in particular to Greg who planned the service with me, my sons who assisted me in running it – well quite frankly every single member of staff – Bless you all.

I would like also to say a big thank you to our special guests The Lord Lieutenant Sir David Brewer and his good lady wife Lady Brewer, who promised me that a Lord Lieutenant or Deputy will be in attendance at every future Memorial Service – What a great honour!

Thanks also to our special guests from the MOD:

Group Captain Mike Heffron

Lt. Col. Mike Vernon and

Major Marcus Elliot-Square

Also our grateful thanks go to The Rt. Revd Christopher Chessun, The Bishop of Southwark and all of the Ministers that gave so much to the service.

As I look from my office window, I see the beautiful holly wreaths that families have also hung along the fence. This year I see that people are putting photographs on them in memory of their loved ones. It never ceases to amaze me the honour and love you show to the people you have lost.

I always think that the lovely lights around the trees in our garden, which have always been important to me, remind me that there is always light at the end of the journey.

May I take this opportunity to wish you all a Peaceful & Sincere Christmas and New Year.

I will personally be opening the Memorial Garden and chapels on Christmas morning between 10am – 12pm – Do stop by and say ‘Hello’.

Oh – I nearly forget to tell you that I am going to be a Grandfather for the ninth time..!!

My son Jon and daughter-in-law Jane are expecting their fifth child in the early summer – How the Dynasty grows!!

Godspeed until we chat again.

Barry

It’s me – still alive and well in deepest Bermondsey. Can you believe it’s November already?

I do love the autumn and as 11/11/11 approaches, we are thrown into a time of remembrance and mourning. Significantly for us this year and just as we leave for Afghanistan to bring another soldier home to his family, we are planting the most beautiful tree in our garden in memory of all those lost in conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan. This will be officially opened in conjunction with London Borough of Southwark, at our Memorial Service on Wednesday 7^th December, starting at 7pm.

Please be sure to come – All are welcome and remember it’s your attendance that makes it special. We are hoping for decent weather this year for this very special service.

Our new fleet has now been with us for the last month and is settling in nicely as we get used to the new technology. The vehicles are really wonderful - the photos can be viewed on the website page “Our fleet”. A big thanks to my sons in the work leading up to them coming.

We are just a few days away from moving across the road to Neptune Street with our International Department which will be moving from Bayswater, so it’s a very exciting time for everybody here.

I am looking forward to attending a number of charity dinners, one this evening with the RAF, a special ‘Ship York’ evening at The Hilton, Docklands on 19^th November and another on Friday 25^th November at Millwall Football Club in aid of Homes 4 Heroes Pride & Passion – All great fun and for very good causes.

Well there’s no other news this month – no births or marriages and thankfully no deaths or ‘get wells’ to mention.

I look forward to seeing you all on 7^th December and please remember to wrap up warmly.

Until then – Be good or be careful.

God Bless

Barry

Can you believe it’s October already? This is as ever, my favourite time of year with the wonderful colours of autumn and the hazy shade of winter on the horizon.

It is a proud month for us as we see the arrival of our new fleet of hearses and limousines which are quite outstanding. Historically, whenever we have had a new fleet going back as far as I can remember, we have had a set of photographs taken of them in Southwark Park, Gomm Road. This we will do again in the coming weeks so look out for the photos here in November.

As our Christmas service approaches, Greg and I have been busy making preparations for what we hope will be our best ever evening. Please make sure you have the date marked on your calendars – Wednesday 7^th December at 7pm.

Our new International building just 100 yards or so away is nearing completion now and we hope to move by 20^th November. At this point I would like to thank my dear friend Tom Amato, who has taken over all responsibility for the new building and has worked so hard to see it through. As ever, I would also like to thank and remember the whole staff of Albins who are dedicated, loyal and very special people. I never forget they are my greatest asset and dearest friends.

Don’t forget, if you want a copy of my new book ‘Square Pegs in Round Holes’ you can find it on Amazon.co.uk or you can contact us by e-mail and we can arrange to have it sent to you.

I look forward to catching up again with you next month.

Until then, take care.

Barry

As I write to you this morning, we are on the edge of very high winds and wet weather. Looking from my window, leaves are falling in their hundreds in the Memorial Garden and Steve and Tom are fighting a losing battle trying to collect them.

As you will have seen by now, my new book ‘Square Pegs in Round Holes’ is available. If you want to obtain a copy, either visit  www.Amazon.co.uk  or please do not hesitate to e-mail us and we can arrange to have one sent to you. Alternatively, you might like to pop into the office to collect one from us here.

Our new building in Neptune Street is nearing completion and we will be undergoing our move towards the end of October. It will make for a much more streamlined organisation in distance.

We are very proud to say that we offer some help and sponsorship to young Jay Britton, who has been accepted into The Royal Academy of Music on a two year Masters Degree. She has been singing for us and on funerals for many years now. She has a huge talent and we are very lucky to have her working just for us at this present time.

Jay Britton

I would like to say a big ‘Thank you’ to all the staff. It has been a long and difficult summer for which I am hugely grateful to them all. They remain not just employees, but friends and are highly valued.

 We look forward to the arrival of our new fleet of cars over the next few weeks, keeping Albins at the forefront with the best funeral cars available.

Just a gentle reminder that we’re not so far away from that Christmas month when our Christmas Memorial Service will be held on Wednesday 7^th December, starting at 7pm. This year we will be planting a special tree on behalf of ourselves and Southwark Council, at the beginning of the service, in remembrance of all the soldiers that have died in recent conflicts. As ever, I know the people of Bermondsey, Rotherhithe and South London will turn out in their hundreds as you always do. Even last year when we had that terrible snow and many just could not make it, the numbers were still good. So we hope for better weather this year and look forward to seeing you all.

Kind regards

Barry

Well it’s August again – holiday time!

Good news from our International Branch is that Willem has been blessed with a new baby girl Erin – Mother and child are doing well and many blessings to them all.

Jackie & I spent a few days in Ireland two weeks ago on a short break with friends and Jackie, whilst ‘Irish Dancing’ with our friend Tom, had an unfortunate accident and snapped her Achilles tendon and had to have an emergency operation. You will be pleased to know that the operation went well and she is at home recovering well but is completely depressed at not being able to be at work. We miss her very much and hope she’ll be well very soon.

Also, I am pleased to have my PA Laura back in the office this week after having had an unpleasant operation on her jaw – (so the two ladies in my life have left me stranded!! )

I hope they will both continue to get better as they are vital cogs in our lives here at Albins.

We will shortly in conjunction with the Council, be planting a beautiful tree in memory of those fallen in the Afghanistan conflict. This will be officially dedicated and opened at our Christmas Memorial Service on 7^th December, starting at 7pm.

I must take a moment to remember the tragedy and loss suffered by the Norwegian Nation last week – so many young people losing their lives. Our thoughts and prayers go with them all and particularly to our local Norwegian Church and Pastor Fr. Holt who have been long time friends of Albins. Please hold them in your prayers.

I am happy to announce the launch of my new book – ‘Square Pegs in Round Holes’. You may have noticed the link on the Home Page. The book is available through Amazon. If you prefer to pay for the book by cheque you can contact us directly and we will make arrangements to send the book to you.

I do hope you enjoy it..!!

Until next time,

Best wishes

Barry

Can you believe another month has passed?

It is really nice to be able to say that our new building which will house our International Repatriation Company and manufacturing assembly is now out of the ground  -  Just a week or two ago it looked like there was never going to be any progress and suddenly the roof is going on..!!

I would like to say a big ‘thank you’ to Tom who has struggled to get this building going – Well done Tom.

Looking around the Memorial Garden this morning, I thought it was at its most beautiful stage of the year. Although I love the colours of autumn, this morning the garden struck me as being particularly special.

We are at present preparing to purchase a beautiful tree as a memorial to remember the fallen soldiers lost in Iraq and Afghanistan. There are so many types to choose from and we want something that’s particularly beautiful year in and year out.

We run a unique bereavement training programme here at Albins for many of our nursing homes, London Bridge Hospital, military teams and of course in house staff. It is particularly demanding but usually beneficial and I am always amazed at how much the young have to give to this industry. I would love to see the industry open its doors to younger people and make training easier for them all as it is a very difficult profession to get a start in.

On 20^th August we are having a memorial plaque put up on our bell tower in past and living memory to some of the lovely people who have worked for us over the years – Tom Shallice, Mick Collins and Freddie Collins. Also on that day or maybe at a later stage, we are also placing a memorial plaque on the building in everlasting memory of the late, great Fred Albin. The car park entrance will be closed on that Saturday morning between 10am – 12pm but the Memorial Garden will remain open as usual as will the business.

Sadly we said goodbye today to Harry Bennett an old friend of the garden who died recently. God rest his soul.

So those of you about to go on holiday have a lovely, restful time. Those of you not going away – enjoy every moment you have throughout the summer.

Until next time

Take care

Barry

I am starting on a very happy note this month with the news of yet another new arrival at Albins – Baby Vinnie Giovani Mancini, born on 31^st May to Greg & his wife Nicola – a baby brother for their daughter Frankie. Both Mum and baby are doing well and Greg is at present taking a little leave to be with them.

On a much sadder note, we continue our work with the fallen military personel in Afghanistan. As many times as I have dealt with these deaths, I never cease to be amazed by the strength of the families and never have the audacity to say that I could understand how they feel. It is impossible to put yourself in somebody’s shoes like that. All that I do know is that it just doesn’t get any worse. Our thoughts and prayers go out to them all.

I would like to take this opportunity of putting a photo on here of my Mum & Dad holding me on a day out at the seaside – Don’t I look fashionable..!! Big chubby cheeks (nothing has changed there then) and almost too heavy for my Dad to hold. It’s nice to look back.

The Memorial Garden is looking beautiful and my thanks go to Tom, Steve and Maureen who constantly give to its beauty.

My trip to Sweden was a huge success and I enjoyed meeting fellow professionals from a number of countries.

On my return, I spoke at The Child Bereavement Charity Conference – What a wonderful organisation and group of people. I will certainly be keeping very close links with them in the future and will help wherever possible.

When I asked my little grandson Jon Barry who he would most like to meet – his amusing reply was ‘Luke Skywalker’ and it lead me to think how real film characters can become, but that’s not just to children – I guess living in an imaginary world of film is often a lovely way to relax.

Our lovely cars are purchased from a company called Wilcox & Co. Both Paul and Peter the Wilcox brothers have been long time friends of this firm and my family and it is with great sadness that after a short illness, Peter passed away a few weeks back. Our thoughts and prayers go with him and his family.

Well as the staff head off for their summer holidays one by one, I would like to take this opportunity of thanking them all for their hard work in the last year and wish them a happy and relaxing time with their families.

I would like to say a big thank you to Lynn’s dad Dennis Jenkins for the beautiful ‘Bermondsey’ sign and the stick which he has kindly donated to me.

Until next time, take care

Best wishes

Barry

Can you believe another month has passed and here I am talking to you again and bringing you up to date with the Albins news?

They tell me that we are to be awarded the Freedom of The Borough which I find overwhelming and a huge honour, but to be honest I haven’t officially heard yet – it’s all hearsay so I’ll keep you posted.

We send our very best wishes to The Royal Couple for their wedding – to be undertaken in the best of British tradition!!

Well done to all who competed in the London Marathon and managed to pass by our Head Office in Culling Road. The money raised must have been phenomenal. Special congratulations to Jackie’s daughter Alex who managed to complete it in around six hours.

In our Memorial Garden we have just laid astro turf grass matting around the decking of the water feature and it looks quite wonderful, along with our newly renovated gold fountain.

Both Greg and I are already into the planning of the Christmas Memorial Garden Service which I will remind you will be held on Wednesday 7^th December – gates opening at 6pm for the start of the service at 7pm. I hope you will be joining us on that special evening whatever the weather.

I am off to Sweden and Norway next week for a few days as a guest speaker for the Funeral Industry. Evidently my books sell very well over there and they loved the television programme ‘Don’t Drop the Coffin’ so wish me luck..!! It will be quite daunting to speak in another country in such a fashion about my life and work in the industry.

I am pleased to announce that later in the summer I will be having two new books published – ‘Square Pegs in Round Holes’ a book about my life and business experience and also ‘Up & Down Like Tower Bridge’ which is a book about the history of the Company with pictures and local stories. I will let you know more nearer the time.

Until next time, best wishes to you all.

Barry