Hearse Number Seven - AW Lymn
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April 2019
Hearse Number Seven
from Matthew Lymn Rose
When the Rolls-Royce Silver Mist fleet began to get a little long in the tooth,
we decided to look for a suitable replacement, and as such spoke to all well-
known coachbuilders about what they had in their own product lines, and
what they could potentially do as a bespoke piece of work for A.W.Lymn.
Unfortunately, we were pretty disappointed in what was on offer, but in
November 2012, a chance meeting between Nigel and I, and Biemme Special
Cars at the Paris Funeral Exhibition gave us new hope.
Biemme had built a one off Rolls-Royce Phantom VII hearse for a funeral
company in Northern Italy, hand crafted in aluminium, (and finished in
Silver), this was a working, driving example of what we had wished for. No
Staff
limousines had been built, or planned, but the hearse was very real so Nigel
and I booked the next available flight to Italy to go and see the car. When we
arrived, we were very impressed, so much so that an order for six was placed,
Newsletter
an order that the Italians thought (I am sure) would never be completed.
In this issue
The first car was delivered, and very quickly stripped of all of its trim, many
of its body panels and doors, to reveal the aluminium skeleton. The car was
then cut in front of the rear axle and bulkhead, stretched 1m on a jig, and
re-joined. The chassis then went to another factory where one man, Vittorio,
worked alone for hours on end to hand craft the beautiful body and attach it to
a new, larger, skeleton that would accommodate the coffin compartment.
The vehicle then returned to the main factory for painting, mechanical work,
electrics and trim, before three visits by Rolls-Royce Milan to update the
software and check the operating systems. The first car took nearly a year,
and although the latest car, number six, was a little quicker, the process has
Kerry and her team create some
certainly become more streamlined. The design has changed very slightly
interesting floral tributes, including
over the production run, and each car is slightly better than the last.
this scuba mask.
Sir Henry Royce was well known for his quotes, one of his most famous More on page 7
is “Strive for perfection in everything you do. Take the best that exists and
make it better. If it doesn’t exist, create it”. I like to think that we have done
just that, looking for the perfect vehicle to carry out our sombre duty, and
somehow improving on the Rolls-Royce car to build something that is unique
to us.
Hearse number seven is due in December 2019, and it remains to be seen if
number eight will be next, or if indeed that might have to wait for a Phantom
VIII.
Brian Miles retires after serving our
family company for over 23 years.
During this time he has risen through
the ranks from Driver, to Conductor at
Radcliffe on Trent, Funeral Director
and most recently Senior Funeral
Director.
Hearse number six during A completed hearse six with the what More on page 8
production. will be hearse number seven.April 2019
The Needs of the Dying and Bereaved Families Newstead Abby
from Jackie Lymn Rose from Wayne Lambord
For many years we have delivered all of which are readily accepted.
presentations, on request, to care I also have Services Brochures with
homes, nursing homes, residential me (normally spare ones from the
homes, church groups etc. to explain previous year) to show pictures of
the role of the funeral director, vehicles, coffins and other products.
raise the awareness of A W Lymn I always include a “guess the price
The Family Funeral Service and of a coffin” of the Westminster and
foster a good relationship with local of the Promethean which adds both
communities. humour and surprise and is a great
At the end of 2015 we decided a opportunity to explain pricing and
Wayne managed to get this photograph
more pro-active approach was needed disbursements and to spread the
during the February heatwave.
and so, when we distributed the message that the “best” funeral is the
Christmas and New Year opening funeral that reflects the needs and
hours brochures to the 300 + care means of both the individual and the Billboards
homes in our trading area, we family needs and does not have to be
included a personal letter, explaining the most costly. from Emma Percival
that we were launching a free service So far this year I have given 10
to present to staff to care homes presentations and have a further
etc. and included a reply slip and a eight booked for the next few weeks.
Freepost envelope. The presentation All attendees receive a personalised
is to outline the procedure that Certificate of Attendance which is
follows from the moment we are beneficial for CPD or NVQ purpose
informed of the death of a resident and a feedback form which helps me
until the funeral takes place. The aim to gauge if content and duration is
of this is to dispel myths about death appropriate and, most importantly,
and advise of custom, practice and if each attendee considers they have
faith issues thus giving care home benefitted from the session and
staff confidence to answer questions broadened their knowledge on the
raised by residents and by family in subject. Feedback has been very Rainworth
anticipation of death occurring. positive.
The response received, from the letter If anyone is approached by a home in from Pete Clarson
was very good and I have continued their area, for such guidance, please
the programme year on year. The pass the contact name and number on
presentation is entitled “The Needs to me.
of the Dying and Bereaved Families” The wide range of establishments I
and takes place on site at each care have visited, without exception, are
home and lasts about one hour plus managed and staffed by people that
question time. I take handouts with really care for the residents and I
me including Funeral Wishes flyers, have been able to demonstrate that
the new First Steps Following a the care, dignity and respect afforded
Death flow chart and A W Lymn pens in life are continued in death. The refurbishment at Rainworth is
well underway!
Firstly Blidworth Welfare Band Championships the week before with
Brass Band news competed in the Midlands Regional Grimethorpe Colliery Band (as seen
Brass Band Contest and were in the film Brassed Off). We came
from Colum J. O’Shea awarded 5th place. Equalling their second and so qualify for the National
highest ever placing. Finals to be held in October in the
Royal Albert Hall London.
I competed in the Yorkshire RegionalArnold professional and kind.
It felt like a family in our treatment at
the branch. JF/RK Beeston
We were always made to feel Very personal contact throughout.
comfortable and at ease at all times, Walking in front of funeral car was
before, during and after the funeral. very impressive and appreciated.
Client EC/RK
It was all done so lovely. Rachel
TAR/DMC
They made a very difficult day
comments
would have been so proud, the coffin bearable; for our family. TAR/NLR
& flowers so beautiful. Speaker very
good. RK/RK Bingham
collected The fact you put a nail in the end of
the coffin to put a plaque on – a really
Calm & dignified. DTL/DTL
Did as we asked, Perfect. DTL/DTL
during nice touch. EC/AA
Very helpful explaining everything to
Handled everything perfectly. DTL/
DTL
us, also contacted coroner’s office on Great service. DTL/DTL
February 2019 our behalf. EC/RK
It was all done very professionally
Very knowledgeable, provided all
aspects of arrangements from flowers
After each funeral we send a but with compassion as you would to press notices. DTL/DTL
questionnaire out with our invoice. expect. EC/JLR
There is a section ‘Were there any That he was driving us on the day of Bulwell
aspects of the funeral directors’ the funeral. Thank you for providing They made us feel very comfortable
service that you particularly liked?’, a very good service at a difficult time. at this sad time, made things easier
The comments from the most recent RK/RK for us. CM/JRC
are here, in regular font. The initials Very caring, kind, considerate, Loved the horses they put a lovely
at the end of each comment relate to nothing was too much trouble. Beryl touch to the day. They looked
the funeral arranger and the funeral & Ellie were brilliant at all times. EC/ amazing so glad we had them. TC/
director, for example EC/JLR was NLR RJM
arranged by Ellie and conducted by Ellie was very helpful and caring she
Jackie. did everything she could to help me Hello Tina, Would just like to say,
and my sister. EC/RK thank you so much for all your
Any comments in italics are from The time and care taken at each part kindness and help, in making my
letters received. of the process, also, being able to talk late husbands funeral a really
to the celebrant at Lymns. EC/RK special time for family and friends.
Online reviews are also available at Very professional, completed to high Everything was absolutely perfect.
https://www.funeralzone.co.uk/ standard, friendly but caring attitude, Thank you too for your wonderful
funeral- directors and very polite. EC/RK support towards myself and all you
and The respect shown to the deceased did to make me feel so comfortable.
https://www.facebook.com/pg/ and those who attended the service. Words really cannot convey how
awlymn/ reviews/ EC/RJM much this was appreciated.
Dignity & respect shown throughout
Drivers
the funeral. RK/RK Carlton
Excellent – 106 Personal service- delivering wishes. Personal representation by company,
Good – 10 EC/NLR at all time available. JF/NMR
Satisfactory – 1 Ellie was brilliant and always very All directors were very friendly, we
helpful. EC/RK had Joyce. She was very helpful. JF/
City Flowers TK
Aspley Very personal attentive approach.
Excellent – 63 Keeping the family up to date with Unobtrusive smooth team work by all
Good – 7 every aspect. Communication was concerned. RK/NMR
Satisfactory - 1 fantastic. Felt our family was a
priority to Laura ☺ LF/TK Dear Mark, I hope you are well.
Before our paths cross again I
Words cannot express how pleased would once more like to thank you,
we were with all the funeral and everyone at A. W. Lymn for the
arrangements for our beloved dad. outstanding professionalism shown
Your services, staff and all were very throughout your handling of mybeloved son’s funeral arrangements. at Lymns have been in this very sad
My sincere thanks Mark, also to time for my family, I wish you all Littleover
Joyce and Lesley for your tender and a prosperous 2019 and hopefully We had excellent service from start to
loving care of my beloved son whilst your business goes from strength to finish. Thank you for your care and
in your tender care and safe keeping. strength. understanding. AB/AB
Everything was perfect from start to Spoken to as a human being and not
finish, so comforting and uplifting at Cotmanhay pressured into buying more services
such a tragic and sad time. Professionalism, respect, work that I could not afford. AB/AB
completed behind the scenes Very efficient and caring. My father’s
Hi Lesley, Just wanted to let you – reducing family stress. Very wishes carried out to perfection. AB/
know that yesterday went very well accommodating. MS/MS AB
particularly the order of service we Personal service & excellent advice.
had so many great comments all the MS/MS Long Eaton
Lymns staff were very efficient. Dad Nothing was too much trouble, they They were very respectful and helpful
had a great send off thanks to all was absolutely brilliant. MS/MS without pushing for extras. LJC/LJC
involved . Seemed more personal. LJC/LJC
Derby Lesley is wonderful, she was
The funeral director, Joyce, Lesley Dan Barnes has been so helpful and professional but friendly and took the
and all the staff. Thank you so very made all of this so much easier to time to talk about John rather than
much for all that you did regarding cope with. Thank you. DB/KH being clinical.. Louise was also very
the funeral arrangements. From the good on the day. LDE/LJC
initial phone call and throughout. Hucknall Friendly, makes you feel at ease. LJC/
Words can not express our gratitude. Professional service and polite KH
Thank you for enabling us to mark his manner – very smartly dressed. Lesley Eaton went truly above &
left, his death and his transition with CM/?? beyond what we expected; to make
inestimable dignity and worth. We a truly hard situation that little more
will remember the day as being very Dearest Catherine, The words I can bearable. LDE/LJC
special for a long time to come. find are totally inadequate to thank Very friendly, understanding and
you for all you have done over the helpful. Lesley Eaton is wonderful.
To everyone at Lymns especially recent years. I know it is always a sad LDE/LJC
Mark and Lesley. Thank you for time when we dial your number but
making a sad and difficult situation we will be looked after with such love Mansfield
more bearable. We felt that nothing and compassion throughout. You are Staff were able to answer any
was too much trouble and appreciate a truly remarkable lady. Please also enquiries we had as a family. DC/DC
your kindness. pass on my thanks to all the members Advice, friendliness, compassion.
of your team DC/DC
To all the staff at Lymns, Thank you
so much for looking after us, we will Caroline and everyone, A huge thank Mansfield Woodhouse
never forget the amazing service you you for looking after my husband, you From start to finish, the funeral &
provide. have all been amazing. The service arrangements were conducted in a
and everything was so beautiful, he professional & respectful way. Thank
Clifton would have loved it. You all have you. SEJ/JWB
Their care and kindness. JMW/MLR been brill. Contact with Jonathan, very
Attention to detail, prompt and professional. JWB/JWB
personal attention and contact before Would just like to say a big thank Nothing was too much trouble. I was
funeral. JMW/BM you for everything you did for us at really happy with the presentation of
dad’s funeral. You made it a whole my Dad. He looked very peaceful.
We would like to thank A W Lymn for lot better than we thought it would be SEJ/JWB
all the help, support and a wonderful and made us all feel welcome from The staff were very helpful. JWB/
funeral service for our mother. the first step through the door. JWB
Everything – A really brilliant team
I would like to take this opportunity Ilkeston – wouldn’t have any other – great
to thank everyone at Lymns for their Made personal to our family. SF/SF thanks to Jonathan, Andy, Elaine &
excellent work regarding my fathers Val the celebrant was very good, clear Stacey, also a huge thanks to those
funeral, on behalf of all of my family, voice, kind and organise. SF/SF that prepared & dressed Paul JR.
we all would like to say how very Very friendly staff who made us feel JWB/AA
professional and helpful everyone at ease. MS/MS All satisfactory. SB/JWBCourteous; supportive; friendly respect and I thank you for that. The Shirebrook
without being familiar. A “correct coffin and spray flowers were lovely The service was performed by Adam
compassion” JWB/JWB and the pedestal flowers brightened Humphries who showed compassion
the West Chapel. and respect when delivering mums
Nottingham memories. JP/AA
Very friendly and helpful at a difficult Rainworth
time for the family. TK/TK They were very helpful with us to Spondon
Everyone was so helpful but arrange everything. DCC/DCC Everything was perfect. FH/KH
especially Barbara was brilliant in Care & understanding, comfort by
communicating and following our being looked after. WW/DCC Stapleford
requirements. DD/NLR All of it the family & I were really Keeping me in touch throughout.
pleased. Thank you. DCC/DCC TSR/KH
Ollerton Friendly, efficient, caring and
Speed and efficiency organising, Ruddington supportive staff (Tracey) excellent
given tight timescale. CJO/CJO Very smooth running and a discrete service for funeral. TSR/NLR
Friendly & efficient. CJO/CJO presence, not intrusive. TLS/JLR The delicate way everything was
The whole service was excellent. handled. TSR/LJC
Osmaston GLC/BM
Mark Chapman was fantastic from I thought it was good the director had Sutton
the day we went into the premises, me check all doors were locked and Everything was well organised and
nothing was too much trouble. MC/ we were all ok before we left. GLC/ clearly explained and we felt well
MC TLS supported and informed. KLH/AA
The formality and the efficiency. Also Karen Horton was very professional
Radcliffe the kindness shown to myself and my in her manner and made me feel at
Friendly staff very helpful and family- on the day and patience and ease with the whole process, before
knowledgeable. JK/JK guidance when planning the funeral. & after. Would certainly recommend.
All excellent. DTL/DTL TLS/NLR KLH/AA
Friendliness and not pushy with Listened to exactly what the family
regards to spending unnecessary Dear Jackie, I am sorry that I did not wanted. KLH/AA
amounts of money. Good advice and have more time to speak to you last The home visit service and the
choice given. JK/JK Thursday at Wilford Hill, but as you ongoing updating on progress of all
Very respectful & calming staff. BM/ may imagine on that day my thoughts aspects of funeral & after care. KLH/
RK were going in all sorts of directions, AA
The walking in front of the hearse and my emotional state was
when leaving our home, and on somewhat unpredictable. I wanted to West Bridgford
arrival at the crematorium. JK/RK do everything possible to make dad
proud. Dad was such a meticulous Dear Andrew, I wanted to thank
Jane, A short note to thank you from man, who paid great care concerning you and your team for making the
the bottom of our hearts for the punctuality, and all details, no matter arrangements so stress free. It was a
superb service you and the A.W. Lymn how small. I am sure he would lovely service and everything was as
team provided for us. It was flawless have been impressed by the way in it should be on the day - thank you.
and dealt with impeccably. Thank which you personally ensured that
you so much, you made a traumatic everything went smoothly - I know I Dear Sarah, Thank you so much for
and very sad occasion so much easier was. Whilst your staff at Ruddington your kind patience and support over
to deal with. It goes without saying, were excellent in every respect, when the past year. We really appreciate
we couldn’t have achieved it without I learned that you would be taking how you have helped us through this
you, but the manner in which it was charge on the day, I was entirely difficult time.
handled, was truly exemplary. We confident that everything would be
were so pleased with the service from done to an excellent standard, and Wollaton
your team, and especially you. so it proved. Please accept my very The personal attention by
sincere thanks to you, and to all your Mr N. Lymn Rose. NAA/NLR
To Jane, On behalf of my family I staff who helped to make the day Understanding of feelings. NAA/JRC
would like to thank you and your everything that I had hoped it would
colleagues at A. W. Lymn for your be. Could Do Better
kindness and patience with organising
and conducting my father’s funeral. No make-up was applied, very
You treated my father with dignity and distressing when viewing.The A. W. Lymn Centenary Foundation was formed and is continually financed by the Company to
mark its first 100 years of service. Its aim is to help those in the communities the Company serves.
Here are some letters of thanks, received over the past two months.
Anyone wishing to make an application for funding can do so in writing 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 .Staff Newsletter
Welcome Welcome Wedding Gifts
to Richard Hunt to Andy Eaton
Richard joined the driving staff at
Andy has joined the Derby office as
RHH at the end of February. He has
a casual driver/bearer. He also works
been retired for around 20 years
as an Emergency Medical Technician
having previously worked in the
for East Midlands Ambulance Service
Police Force as a Section Sergeant and
which he has done for the last four
the Merchant Navy as a Radio Officer.
years. Andy is married to Lesley
Richard lives on a farm in Car Colston
from Long Eaton and they have a
with his two dogs
son, Alex who is 15 years old. Andy Nigel was pleased to present gifts to
enjoys spending time walking their Sharon and Keira to celebrate their
three dogs and skiing (when the wife weddings, which took place last year.
Welcome back lets him)! Andy says ‘I’m glad to join
the team and help out when my shifts
to Mark Collishaw allow’. Sundial thanks
Floral tributes
from Kerry Bishop
As a qualified FD, and someone
experienced in our systems, Mark ‘Jackie, I am so very pleased with
should fit in quickly to the routine at the Gothic Sundial. It looks just right
RHH. Welcome back. in the garden. My husband loved his
garden and so I think it’s so right to
have his ashes in a place he loved
Congratulations to spend time. A big ‘thank you’ to
Pete who brought and positioned the
sundial for me, what a lovely man.’
Courtney passed her driving test on
Tuesday 12th March.April 2019
Best Practice of the Month
Nigel, Jackie and Matthew Lymn Rose
chosen by
Congratulations to Malcom
Barham, Joe Parton-
Buckeridge and David Hills
who have won this months
Best Practice award.
They were nominated by
Richard Marshall,
‘I’d like to nominate Malc, Hills and While the family went to the Sharon has been on long term sick,
Joe for piling in and helping to dress reception Malc helped the grave she has coped very well on her own.’
a grave when the wrong one had been digger dig the plot so that the family
dug.’ could get back to inter their loved
one. This obviously helped in the
Joe Parton-Buckeridge by
A nominated this month... time it took to dig the plot. Malc is Ben Percival ‘Joe helped out in
such a trooper and is always willing the masons at the last minute, freeing
to help in any way shape or form that me up to complete office work in the
Malcolm Barham by Jane absence of Sharon’.
he can’
Keetley - ‘Can I please put
Malcolm’s name forward for best Jo Lee by Kerry Bishop ‘Jo
practice? On a burial for Ruddington Mary Haynes by Ben
made a Friday afternoon dash to try
office the grave that was dug for the Percival ‘I really appreciate the and repair a floral tribute at the side
funeral was the wrong one. hard work Mary has put in whilst
of the road’
Brian Miles British Legion
from Matthew Lymn Rose from Laura Fletcher
As you are maybe aware Brian has been away from work for a few weeks due
to ill health, and during this time has been speaking with my fellow Directors
and I about his future.
Having served our family company for over 23
years, Brian has seen a lot of change within the
business, and most importantly helped numerous
families through their own grief in the many
roles he has fulfilled.
Brian has already passed the state pension age,
and has taken the decision that the time is now
right for him to retire, to enable him to spend
more time with his wife Sue and their family,
and to enjoy the fruits of retirement. I have no
I was really pleased to receive the
doubt that you will all join me in wishing Brian a long, happy and healthy
above thank you from the British
retirement, and in the usual fashion we hope to mark it formally at the next
Legion.
official staff do.You can also read
