Voted by the people

It is truly unique event and it occurs every year.

The Albins Memorial Service in their Memorial Garden on the edge of Southwark Park, draws together over a thousand worshippers, clergy, military leaders, and local VIPs from the Pearly Kings to the Leader of the Council and Simon Hughes MP.

All the familiar elements were there this year: the Christmas tree with stars in memory of departed loved ones, the Ark containing the cremated remains of previous year's stars, a tribute to the military (Albins organise the repatriation of all British servicemen and women who die overseas), Father Alan leading us in a selection of Christmas carols, prayers led by the leaders of the churches, a welcome by Barry, and the whole event skillfully narrated by his sons, John and Simon, wonderful refreshments afterwards including hot soup  and Elaine's famed bread pudding, and a dramatic firework conclusion.

This year Christopher Chessun, our bishop, the Bishop of Southwark was the guest speaker. He spoke movingly and simply from his own recent family experience of bereavement, and pointed us to Christ with characteristic simplicity and clarity.

New this year was the contribution by four of Barry's young grandsons. Each brought a short reading. The youngest drew warm applause from the crowd as he said: 'I love you so dearly but don't shed a tear for me; I'm spending my Christmas with Jesus.'

The whole event ended on a patriotic note with a rousing rendition of  Rule Britannia as the fireworks lit up the sky over Rotherhithe (right).

Over refreshments a Southwark blue plaque, 'Voted by the People,' was unveilled on Albins HQ, recognising the firm's service to the bereaved people of Bermondsey for over 200 years.

Simon Hughes, MP, spoke well and truly in introducing the award when he said that Barry, his family, and his whole team had endeared themselves to the people of Bermondsey and Rotherhithe, not just for their legendary efficiency and professionalism, but for their kindness and compassion which, in your blogger's opinion, was once more powerfully demonstrated by the event that we have experienced tonight - a truly generous gift to the people of our area. Thank you Barry and everyone at Albins.