The A.W. Lymn Centenary Foundation is pleased to introduce the
new board of trustees
Following a meeting on 12th April 2016, Nigel Lymn Rose and Jackie Lymn
Rose are pleased to welcome Jonathan William Baker, Anna Cecilia Burrows
and John Stanley Bennington Hayes as fellow trustees to The A W Lymn
Centenary Foundation upon the recent retirement of Tim Cullen. Tim had
served as an independent trustee for the nine years since formation of the
Trust and his consistent hard work and advice has been much appreciated.
The Foundation was formed in 2007 as part of the centenary celebrations of
A W Lymn, The Family Funeral Service, and was created to support local
individuals, groups, communities and good causes in Nottinghamshire and
South Derbyshire, being the trading area that the company serves.
Anyone wishing to make an application for funding can do so in writing or
by email giving a brief description of what is required, who is to be helped
and why it is thought that the Foundation should assist. Applications should
be sent to The A.W. Lymn Centenary Foundation, Robin Hood House, Robin
Hood Street, Nottingham, NG3 1GF or [email protected]
following which the Trustees will consider the merits of each at their next
quarterly meeting.
This month began with some great news in the form of
National Association of Funeral Directors exam results. We
have always supported the NAFD Diploma in Funeral
Directing, and as all of our staff will be aware, new staff are
not considered to be a ‘Funeral Director’ at A.W.Lymn until
they have gained their qualification.
It has changed greatly over the years since George F Rose, our Chairman, passed the first
examination in 1955- he is now the only surviving member of that group. This year, Colum
O’Shea from West Bridgford sat and passed his final exam to gain his Diploma in Funeral
Directing, and we all congratulate him wholeheartedly on this. It is a great achievement,
and given Colum completed his full four year training course with the company, is
something that every member of staff and department who helped him along the way should
look at with a great sense of pride and satisfaction.
We also received results for the Diploma in Funeral Arranging and Administration, the
qualification which is achieved prior to the Diploma in Funeral Directing above. Lara
Cabourn, Ellie Carr, Mark Collishaw, Sarah Hall and Kim Nichols all sat and passed their
oral exam- the nerve racking experience of arranging a funeral with a full qualified and very
experienced examiner was not too much for any of them! Lara, Ellie, Mark and Sarah also
sat and passed their written examinations. We congratulate them all on their fabulous
achievements, and wish those who have achieved their Dip FAA good luck with the Dip FD
course.
Once again various changes in staffing have taken place, with Sharon Baguley joining the
Nottingham Office as Administrator. Sharon has a very long association with the Funeral
Profession, starting with work in her family’s business in Sherwood, Nottingham. Sharon
will be taking over the day to day running of the Nottingham Funeral Office, to assist the
three Funeral Directors to do more of what they are trained to do, and to allow Julia to
return to a more normal SFD role, her auditing, and assisting me with troubleshooting
across the business. We are also joined by Freya at City Flowers who will be covering for
Michelle as she starts her Maternity leave.
The SFD’s met earlier this week, and were all very positive about their own areas, and had
various ideas for how we can continue to improve. They will each return with feedback for
their own area, and I know they will receive a positive response from each of you. One area
we hope to improve company-wide is uniform. Particularly in the warmer weather it is
important that you are all aware of the company policy, and have the right items of
uniform. Please remember that you must always wear a jacket when dealing with clients, or
driving a formal funeral vehicle, and smartness and cleanliness of all uniform is
paramount. If you have any items that are looking a bit tired, or simply ready for clean,
order a replacement, or get them to the dry cleaners.
Thank you all for your support, as always.
A.W. Lymn Radcliffe on Trent staff ‘Going the extra mile’ for local families
Two recent examples of staff at A.W. Lymn being on hand to give ‘over and above service’
on recent funerals.
Arlene Douglas, funeral arranger was pleased to incorporate in the order of service, a
poignant message from the Queen received on the occasion of a local couple’s 60th Diamond
Wedding Anniversary. Reassuring the family that this would not appear boastful, Arlene
contacted Buckingham Palace to check if the message could be used.
After gaining permission, Arlene was able to
arrange for the message to be incorporated
into the service sheets for the funeral of the
husband who sadly recently passed away. The
treasured framed message from the family
home was lovingly dismantled by our printer
for inclusion and painstakingly re-assembled
for the family, who were delighted with the
end result.
Arlene is pictured with the treasured message,
even more significant is that it is dated the
year of the Monarch’s 90th birthday
celebrations.
On a separate occasion, senior funeral
director Brian Miles received a request
from close family members to photograph
the drivers from a recent funeral with one
of the two Rolls-Royce Phantom
limousines booked for the occasion.
Well done Arlene
The family had included several special
features in the funeral service, held at All
Saints Church Cotgrave, followed by
committal at Holly Gate Lane Natural
Burial Ground Cotgrave, including the
release of doves at the graveside and a
specially designed Book of Remembrance,
all of which they filmed during the funeral
as a lasting and poignant memory of the
day.
Driver bearers at the funeral (front left to right) David Hills, Paul Ferrie and Rob
Lippitt were pictured with the limousine as part of the family’s recording of the day.
Congratulations to Frank Don, full-time
driver bearer based at A.W. Lymn Derby on
his recent Institute of Advanced Motorists
(IAM) Pass
Well done Frank (pictured working on a recent
funeral at Bramcote Crematorium) on his recent
IAM pass. The company encourage staff to gain
IAM Membership and fund the training - Fiona Hall at A. W. Lymn Spondon is the contact
for IAM questions or applications - any staff member who is interested in applying should
contact Fiona.
Latest trade hire across the water
As trade hire bookings continue to perform well, the latest of
several trips to the Isle of Wight, working on a funeral for
Co-operative Funeralcare at East Cowes and Isle of Wight
Crematorium, took place recently.
Pictured is hearse driver Mark Stone who drove the new
Rolls-Royce Phantom hearse on the Red Funnel ferry from
Southampton to Cowes.
Welcome to City Flowers maternity cover
florist Freya Barlow
Freya has joined Kerry and Jo in City Flowers,
covering the role of Michelle Chisholm who will soon
be on maternity leave. Freya will continue throughout
Michelle’s absence. She is 33, grew up in Leicestershire
then studied illustration in Brighton and worked as a
stylist in London. Now in Nottingham as well as
working at the florist, Freya also DJ’s and runs her
own nights. She looks forward to finding out a bit
about you all too. Best wishes in her new role.
Welcome to new lister Lesley Eaton
Lesley, who has recently joined our team of listers, lives in
South Normanton with her husband Andy, 12 year old son
Alex, 3 dogs, 3 fish and 1 hamster. Originally from Grantham,
she has been married for 23 years and they have owned their
own business, a Hallmark greetings card shop in Belper, for
12 years. Lesley has worked as a funeral arranger and most of
her work history is in management accounting for Powergen
plc, Balfour Beatty and Pendragon plc . Hobbies are spending
time with her family and dogs and she is a member of Rock
Choir singing rock, pop and gospel. Best wishes in her new
role.
Family ‘thank you’ messages received
To Donna and team - A.W. Lymn Beeston
‘’Just wanted to say a heart felt thank you for the way you
conducted the final journey and for going way beyond the call of
duty.’’
To Richard and team - A.W. Lymn Beeston
“Thank you for helping with all the arrangements, it made it a little more bearable to see
things run smoothly. Thank you to all other members of the Lymn staff who also played a
part in what was a tough day.”
To Ben Percival, A.W. Lymn The Craftsmen in Stone
“Dear Ben, Thank you so much for all the work you put into my father's memorial. Couldn't
be more satisfied, a wonderful job. It is absolutely perfect. It has surpassed our greatest
expectations. Your attention to detail has been superlative. Also, your patience and
understanding in such delicate and emotional matters went above and beyond. Please pass
on our sincere thanks and appreciation to all involved. It goes without saying that we will be
definitely highly recommending you and your 'team'.”
To Sharon Allen, A.W. Lymn The Craftsmen in Stone
“Thank you for the lovely pot and flowers. We were very pleased. It was put in a lovely
place.
We would like to show our appreciation to the stonemason’s staff for all their help and
consideration. The stonemasons did a grand job. Thank you.”
To Ben Percival and Dean Spencer (Spud), A.W. Lymn The Craftsmen in Stone
“Just opened up my email and what a nice surprise...Ben & Dean have done the re-gilding
on the gravestone. It looks beautiful and I am so happy, this was also in time for the first
anniversary - That in itself was wonderful.’’
To Stacey & team – A.W. Lymn Nottingham
‘’Just to say many thanks to Stacey and everyone involved in the
funeral arrangements for my husband. It was dealt with sympathy,
kindness & professionalism. Thanks for making such a sad day so
memorable.’’
To Kirsty & team – A.W. Lymn Nottingham
“Thank you to everyone of you for your care and compassion
shown after the loss of our dear father.
The service from start to finish was a great tribute to him and
Kirsty you are wonderful, with many, many thanks”
This is to reward a member of our staff who has “gone the extra mile” and
provided a level of service beyond simply satisfactory that is so often the
norm today. Each month any member of staff can be nominated by any other
member of staff and the nomination that receives the most votes will win the
“Best Practice Award” and a prize of £50.00
Congratulations to May’s
winner Lorraine Saxton
‘Best Practice of the
Month Award’
nominations for June
are:
Nomination One:
Rebecca Diamond
nominates David
Summers
For going completely out of
his way with his endless
help with the phones. All
my questions were
answered before I got time
to ask them - thanks David
Nomination Two: Matthew Lymn Rose & Nigel Lymn Rose
nominate Deanna Dale
When Brian York in the coffin workshop contacted staff re a special one-off
coffin offer, Deanna Dale successfully offered and sold this to a family within
two hours.
Nomination Three: Matthew Lymn Rose nominates Mark Stone
hearse driver, for spending two consecutive nights away from home on a
traveller funeral in Southampton and a trade hire in the Isle of Wight.
This month’s winner is…
Mark Stone
We look forward to receiving your nominations for July 2016 by 10th June 2016 – please
send this to [email protected] with reasons for your nomination.
Don’t just take our word for it – here are comments received this month about the service we
deliver for our families (first set of initials Funeral Arranger, second set of initials Funeral
Director).
Average client rating
this month
9.5
Drivers
Excellent – 111 | Good - 10
Satisfactory - 3
City Flowers
Excellent – 67| Good - 6
Satisfactory - 1
Arnold
The service provided was very good
throughout both in relation to the
arrangements and at the funeral its
self. RK/RK
Everything beginning to end and
advice given. Excellent and
professional, felt at ease. EC/RK
Personal service, friendly staff. EC/RK
The total professional the compassion
shown and the efficiency of everyone at
Lymn’s contributed to my dad having a
funeral that could not have gone any
better. EC/KLP
Faultless, seamless service. RK/AA
Aspley
Very attentive to every request I make.
KV/RK
Beeston
Very friendly and helpful. RJM/RJM
The funeral directors were very kind
and understanding at an upsetting
time. TLS/DMT
Beeston
Very caring. RJM/DMC
Their kindness and understanding.
DMC/GA
A very personal and moving service
and sincere reading of verses.
RJM/RJM
Sympathetic, friendly and
understanding approach. A
thoroughly professional service.
JLR/JLR
Prompt reply to emails by Richard,
never arranged a funeral before so
nothing was too much trouble for
Richard. It took a lot of stress off me.
RJM/RJM
Kindness & reassurance displayed at
all times. Nothing was too much
trouble and it took the stress off the
family. DMC/DMC
Bingham
Very professional & efficient – not
overly sentimental so allowed us to
make decisions without getting
upset. BM/BM
Dominic was extremely professional
in all aspects and made a difficult
time much easier and worry free.
DTL/BM
Friendly, down to earth and helpful.
MM/BM
Bulwell
How caring and understanding Kim
was. KLN/TK
Yes support throughout the entire
arrangements and continuous
communication and explanations.
KLN/KLP
Kim Nicholls (Bulwell) very
professional, kind & very, very
helpful – she was a star 20/10.
CM/RK
Advice given. RJM/RJM
Carlton
They were very professional and were All the staff at Carlton Lymn’s were
friendly but also respectful. DMC/KH very friendly and helpful but
especially Mark Ridout. He was
Calm, professional caring, quickly
amazing and has a very calming
responded to requests, tactful.
manner. Thank you Lymn’s.
DMC/DMC
NMR/NMR
The way it was all handled with no
worry to the family. We were able to
relax knowing a good job was being
done. DMC/GA
RR Classic Hearse. KLP/NMR
Went above the call of duty.
DMC/DMC
Friendliness of staff who put you at
ease and offered help and advice
from start to finish, couldn’t have
done anymore to help. MJC/SB
The care, dedication & respect that
was shown. RJM/RJM
Conscientious, caring, attentive to
detail at all times. RJM/NLR
Consideration & courtesy.
MJC/NMR
Both Mark Colishaw & mark Ridout
provided a very caring service,
particularly when problems arose
regarding the Coroner’s office
causing stress & delay. MJC/RK
Clifton
We were very impressed by the service
of Lesley Ball at the Clifton office. She
was excellent throughout the funeral
arrangements. LAB/DTL
A very sympathetic and professional
service. LAB/RK
Cotmanhay
Overall service excellent. MS/MS
Derby
At intial meeting, warm friendly
approach, excellent service. Needed to
repatriate deceased to Derby from
Wales, process made very easy.
PR/PR
Whole service was brilliant, Pippa was
brilliant she travelled on the bus with
us and was very friendly. PR/PR
Hucknall
Everything was so good. CM/RK
Very caring & helpful. CAB/CAB
Ilkeston
The friendly approach of the funeral
director who made the whole process
easy to deal with. SF/SF
We very much appreciated Matthew
directing my Dad’s funeral as we know
how busy he must be. This special,
personal touch was a comfort.
SF/MLR
Long Eaton
Cannot fault. LJC/LJC
Mansfield
We felt Lymn’s provided an efficient
but also a very respectful service for
my late father. DC/DC
Mansfield Woodhouse
Everything was very efficient and
professional and very
compassionate. JWB/JWB
The service and attention to detail.
DC/DC
Kind, friendly, helpful,
understanding. SEJ/AA
He was very polite, very sympathetic
answered all my questions in plain
English, offered advice. When I didn’t
know what to do, very smart in dress,
couldn’t have been more helpful at a
time when I was at a low ebb. As we
were held up for so long waiting for
the Death Certificate to come from the
Coroner’s office I was rather dubious
about going to see my father at the
funeral chapel and I expressed my
concerns about this to David Combe.
He said he would look at my dad on
the morning prior to my visit to view
and give me his professional opinion
as regards my seeing dad. He told me
he was sure that I would not be upset,
suggested that my husband should go
in first to make certain. So that is want
happened, and my husband came out
assuring me that all was ok. So I went
into see dad and apart from being
obviously upset at the occasion I have
to admit that dad looked like my dad
he had a small smile and looked
extremely peaceful, 100% better that
he had in the hospital when I saw him
moments after he’d died. I didn’t want
my last sight of him to be like he was
in hospital so I was pleased that I had
gone to see him at Lymns. DC/DC
It was all lovely. SEJ/JWB
Impeccable timing at Church &
presentation also. AA/AA
The fact that Elaine came in on her
day off to allow us to visit our baby
boy. SEJ/JWB
Everyone very caring – the lady we
dealt with even telephoned me one
Saturday to see how I was.
SEJ/JWB
Nottingham
Very friendly & personal service.
JRC/RK
The courtesy a respect – efficiency
given to all who attended. SB/SB
Compassion shown from all staff
members either on the phone or in
person & Kirsty was wonderful.
KLP/KLP
Personal & friendly. Professional at
the appropriate times. NLR/NLR
Next sure, but the way we could call
you out to arrange the funeral.
TK/TK
Kindness & compassion shown from
first contact to final funeral of support Opening up Wilford Crematorium
Appropriate conversation re: a bird (a to family since. DC/DC
on a Saturday was just amazing it
Robin) which landed in front of the
was mum’s birthday & she would
hearse, this added a real personal
have been delighted. Being 74 that
Co-ordination offered between the
touch. LJC/LJC
Doctor, the Mortuary & the Coroner – day 16th April 2016. It was well
conducted & not rushed Matthew
all of which made errors in their
I cannot praise Louise enough from
had said take your time & opening
procedures. DC/DC
your Long Eaton office, she was
up Wilford on mum’s birthday was
absolutely brilliant at my husband’s
so magical we’ll never forget that.
David was of a very caring & caring
funeral. As she was at my daughters, 4 nature, put everyone at ease. DC/DC
TK/MLR
years before. I can’t thank her enough,
for everything she did. LJC/LJC
Adam Humphries who gave the
service everybody liked him. DC/DC
West Bridgford – cont.
Always someone available and very
helpful over queries raised “nothing
was too much trouble” and advice
appreciated (A big thank you to Colum
& Sarah at West Bridgford). CJO/CJO
Wollaton – cont.
Professional. Caring & very
efficient. JK/JLR
Radcliffe on Trent
Nothing was too much trouble, she
was very understanding. ABD/DTL
Very sympathetic and sensitive
handling of parents on a weekend
(Voluntary time) by Tracey.
Friendly & personal service. Patient & TSR/GA
efficient. SJH/BM
Friendliness. JK/JK
Sarah Hall was so very tolerant of my
Everything felt personal to me and
6yr old grandson who accompanied
me and when viewing my mother, she my family. Didn’t feel ‘rushed’ into
showed so much empathy! SJH/DTL making decisions. Everyone very
kind & supportive. JK/JK
Very caring and professional.
Could do better
CJO/CJO
The only thing we were unhappy
about was being ushered out of the
Wollaton
service quickly and was unable to
The overall arrangements were very
listen to the final piece of music.
good & we were pleased how it all
went. JK/JK
Print error on Poem on service
sheet.
Friendly approachable. JK/JK
Spondon
I was made at ease and comfortable
and treated with care at all my calls
and visits/ FH/KH
Can’t possibly pinpoint any particular
aspect. Everything was done superbly,
compassionately and professionally.
TSR/JK
No condolences offered.
All aspects excellent. FH/HP
Didn’t feel rushed felt that we were
important, made helpful suggestions.
JK/JK
Ollerton
Comforting without being patronising,
very helpful and knowledgeable.
DS/DS
Made a difficult time for us very easy,
nothing too much trouble, very helpful
gentleman. DS/DS
His efficiency, professional manner –
a true gentleman. DS/DS
He helped to make the day bearable.
DS/DS
Osmaston Park
Very friendly, helpful and supportive.
Mark (Allenton) was amazing we
couldn’t have done it without him.
MC/MC
West Bridgford
Colum &Sarah provided us with us
excellent service all round, with a nice
personal touch – putting us in touch
with Steve Wakeling who provided
excellent service to us & a fitting
tribute to Dad that made the service
really special to us (the family).
CJO/CJO
Whole service very good at difficult
time. TSR/JK
‘
Caring attitude, listened to my
requests not overly ‘sombre’. TSR/JK
Taming the stallions - horse-man Tyler pictured
with the horse hearse during a recent funeral at St.
Christopher’s Church Sneinton.
Dominic the ram - A few years ago Dominic Lister
arranged a farmer’s funeral from East Bridgford using
the Routemaster London Bus. The farm breeds
Teeswater sheep and other rare breeds. All this year’s
lambs’ names begin with D. Pictured is Dominic apparently named because of his similar hair style.
Dominic has never had a ram named after him before.
Brake! A grandstand view of a
recent near miss traffic ‘bump’
across the road from the
A.W. Lymn office in Stapleford.
Under-arrest - A.W. Lymn driver bearer
Neville Carridice, also a security guard at
Nottingham Forest FC, Notts. County FC
and Notts. Cricket Club, reverted to his
other role as he was handcuffed to a RollsRoyce Phantom limousine at Bramcote
Crematorium and promptly placed
colleague Rob Lippitt under Robin Hood
House arrest!
If you have any amusing or amazing shots of colleagues as they go about their daily duties,
which are appropriate for publication in ‘New Horizons’ please send them to
[email protected] – deadline: 10th June 2016
A.W. Lymn Centenary Foundation supports The Friary, Nottingham
The Friary is a well-respected registered charity which operates in the Nottingham area. Every year
the charity caters for 15,000 visits from local people who are suffering the effects of homelessness,
substance misuse, financial destitution and social isolation.
The Friary delivers a wide range of services with open access drop-in sessions being delivered 3
times per week, 52 weeks of the year and each drop-in is accessed by over 100 local people in need
of support.
Sam Crawford business manager, on behalf of The Friary:
‘’On behalf of the trustees, staff and visitors, I would like to express grateful thanks to The A.W.
Lymn Centenary Foundation for the generous donation of £500, this support is very much
appreciated.
Donations such as this are vital to help the Friary provide services that are devoted to empowering
homeless and vulnerable adults to rebuild their lives by offering practical services, advice and
emotional support.’’
Fitting send-off for well-known Cotmanhay
businessman
The Rolls-Royce Phantom hearse and four RollsRoyce limousines to transport mourners, ensured a
fitting send off for a well-known and much
respected member of the Cotmanhay community
at a recent funeral service held at Saint Mary's
Church, followed by burial at Park Cemetery
Ilkeston.
The funeral was arranged by A.W. Lymn Cotmanhay and conducted by Funeral Director Mick
Schofield.
Name the Colleague
May 2016 ‘New Horizons’ ‘Name
the Colleague’ … and the winner
is…
Congratulations to Sharon Allen
from A.W. Lymn The Craftsmen
in Stone who successfully
identified the A.W. Lymn
colleague pictured a few years
ago. Sharon is pictured right.
Thanks also to Lesley for sharing
her memories.
Anagram: A CALMLY SHEEN Answer: LESLEY CANHAM
Thanks to all entrants who took part in the competition.
A.W. Lymn proud to
support Bramcote
Crematorium’s Spring
Service of Remembrance
A.W. Lymn is now offering
DNA Memorials as an
option to all clients
Two plumed black
horses and a horsedrawn hearse carriage
at a recent A.W. Lymn
Nottingham Funeral
Later Life Matters event
takes place on 28th June
2016 in West Bridgford.
A.W. Lymn will be on hand
to answer any questions
Kerry Bishop - City
Flowers Manager taking
part in Cancer Research
UK's Race for Life
A range of quirky coffins
featured in the
Nottingham Post,
available through A.W.
Lymn
__________________________________________________
_To receive the ‘New Horizons Breaking News' email updates during the month as they
happen, simply visit our website www.lymn.co.uk and click on the subscribe button at the
bottom of the home page.
I hope you have enjoyed reading this edition of ‘New Horizons’. If you have any suggestions,
contributions or photographs for the July edition, please email them to [email protected] by:
10th June 2016.