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 centenaryfoundation@lymn.co.uk following which the Trustees will consider the merits of each at their next quarterly meeting.

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.

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.

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.

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. 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.

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.

Well done Arlene

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.

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.

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 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.

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 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”

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.’’

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.’’

We look forward to receiving your nominations for July 2016 by 10th June 2016 – please send this to rob@lymn.co.uk with reasons for your nomination.

This month’s winner is… Mark Stone

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.

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).

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

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 Carlton All the staff at Carlton Lymn’s were very friendly and helpful but especially Mark Ridout. He was amazing and has a very calming manner. Thank you Lymn’s. NMR/NMR RR Classic Hearse. KLP/NMR Consideration & courtesy. MJC/NMR 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 Both Mark Colishaw & mark Ridout provided a very caring service, particularly when problems arose regarding the Coroner’s office causing stress & delay. MJC/RK

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 Advice given. RJM/RJM They were very professional and were friendly but also respectful. DMC/KH Calm, professional caring, quickly responded to requests, tactful. DMC/DMC 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 Went above the call of duty. DMC/DMC The care, dedication & respect that was shown. RJM/RJM Conscientious, caring, attentive to detail at all times. RJM/NLR

Average client rating this month

9.5

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 Appropriate conversation re: a bird (a Robin) which landed in front of the hearse, this added a real personal touch. LJC/LJC I cannot praise Louise enough from your Long Eaton office, she was absolutely brilliant at my husband’s funeral. As she was at my daughters, 4 years before. I can’t thank her enough, for everything she did. LJC/LJC

Mansfield We felt Lymn’s provided an efficient but also a very respectful service for my late father. DC/DC The service and attention to detail. DC/DC 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 Kindness & compassion shown from first contact to final funeral of support to family since. DC/DC Co-ordination offered between the Doctor, the Mortuary & the Coroner – all of which made errors in their procedures. DC/DC David was of a very caring & caring nature, put everyone at ease. DC/DC Adam Humphries who gave the service everybody liked him. DC/DC

Mansfield Woodhouse Everything was very efficient and professional and very compassionate. JWB/JWB Kind, friendly, helpful, understanding. SEJ/AA 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 Opening up Wilford Crematorium on a Saturday was just amazing it was mum’s birthday & she would have been delighted. Being 74 that day 16th April 2016. It was well conducted & not rushed Matthew had said take your time & opening up Wilford on mum’s birthday was so magical we’ll never forget that. TK/MLR

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 Friendly & personal service. Patient & efficient. SJH/BM Sarah Hall was so very tolerant of my 6yr old grandson who accompanied me and when viewing my mother, she showed so much empathy! SJH/DTL Very caring and professional. CJO/CJO Wollaton The overall arrangements were very good & we were pleased how it all went. JK/JK Friendly approachable. JK/JK Can’t possibly pinpoint any particular aspect. Everything was done superbly, compassionately and professionally. TSR/JK Didn’t feel rushed felt that we were important, made helpful suggestions. JK/JK Whole service very good at difficult time. TSR/JK ‘ Caring attitude, listened to my requests not overly ‘sombre’. TSR/JK

Wollaton – cont. Professional. Caring & very efficient. JK/JLR Very sympathetic and sensitive handling of parents on a weekend (Voluntary time) by Tracey. TSR/GA Friendliness. JK/JK Everything felt personal to me and my family. Didn’t feel ‘rushed’ into making decisions. Everyone very kind & supportive. JK/JK Could do better The only thing we were unhappy about was being ushered out of the service quickly and was unable to listen to the final piece of music. Print error on Poem on service sheet. No condolences offered.

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 Radcliffe on Trent Nothing was too much trouble, she was very understanding. ABD/DTL Spondon I was made at ease and comfortable and treated with care at all my calls and visits/ FH/KH All aspects excellent. FH/HP 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

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 rob@lymn.co.uk – deadline: 10th June 2016

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 Rolls-Royce Phantom limousine at Bramcote Crematorium and promptly placed colleague Rob Lippitt under Robin Hood House arrest!

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.

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 Rolls-Royce 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.

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 rob@lymn.co.uk by: 10th June 2016.

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A range of quirky coffins featured in the Nottingham Post, available through A.W. Lymn

Two plumed black horses and a horse-drawn 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.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