Bermondsey remembers

Through the streets of Bermondsey it came, Barry's sixteen car cortege bringing Mr Bermondsey to his final resting place in the Albin Memorial Garden.

On the way it stopped outside Barry's home in Rotherhithe, outside Albin's old office in Old Jamaica Rd, at the Blue for a special act of commemoration attended by hundreds, past St James's School where he was chair of governors for many years, finally arriving at Holy Trinity, Dockhead where the funeral service itself took place in a packed church with hundreds watching from outside on large screens.

As the cortege made its way through the streets, St James bellringers rang a half muffled quarter peal in Barry's honour.

The cortege passes through the Blue

At Dockhead, Barry's close friend and parish priest, Fr Alan, led the service beautifully; his sons, Jon and Simon, delivered the most wonderful heartfelt tributes to their father; Sir Mark Thatcher read the lesson; and a message of condolence was read from the Queen on the death of Barry Albin-Dyer, the Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Greater London, which drew applause from the congregation.

Later came a private burial and refreshments for invited guests in a marquee in Southwark Park.

It was an extraordinary day for an extraordinary man, for big-hearted Barry who won the hearts of a whole community through his kindness and generosity.

They called him 'Mr Bermondsey' but you could also call him 'Mr Kindness.'

Jon, Barry & Simon at the Palace