A.W. Lymn premier provider of Traveller funerals

A funeral directors from Nottinghamshire is cementing its reputation as the first choice for the Traveller community when it comes to planning funerals and respecting traditions.

A.W. Lymn The Family Funeral Service, say they understand that upholding dying wishes is important and believe that everybody has the right to a funeral that is personal and reflective of their heritage.

According to the 2021 Census, there are around 300,000 Travellers in the UK, with over 76% residing in homes.

The funeral directors say that traveller funerals are unique and that it is important for traditions, personal requests and preferences to be accommodated.

These can range from large floral displays, gold-plated caskets and VIP red carpets leading to the graveside, to compiling the eulogy from a selection of texts, WhatsApp messages and voice notes from the family.

Matthew Lymn Rose, managing director at A.W. Lymn, explained why he thinks the business has become the premier provider of Traveller funerals, saying: “We pride ourselves on the speed of being in touch with families that need our support.

"We pick up the phone as soon as we can, at any time, day, or night. This is hugely important to the Traveller community.

“We carry out as many requests for funerals as possible, no matter how niche they may be and will only say no if we cannot fulfil what’s being asked of us.

"For example, more and more I have been asked to deliver the eulogy myself at Traveller funerals, which is not only a huge honour but a testament to how much this community trusts our family business.”

A survey carried out by Traveller Movement, a national Gypsy, Roma and Traveller charity, found that, in 2017, 91 per cent of the 199 respondents had experienced discrimination and 77 per cent had experienced hate speech or a hate crime.

Describing these figures as shocking, Matthew said that his team works hard to break down the regular discrimination and taboo which the Traveller community suffers.

"We have worked closely with this community for decades and we have only positive, warm things to say about all the families we have looked after." He said.

“We understand the gravity of the stigma and discrimination that people from Traveller communities receive. A.W. Lymn are a funeral provider for all communities, backgrounds, and people, we never discriminate, and work hard to understand every culture, religion, and request.”

“We work with families from the first call, through to the final goodbye."

With over 115 years of experience, the family-run funeral directors is used to dealing with any request. Matthew also gave an insight into planning a Traveller funeral after educating himself on Traveller culture in order to better understand their requirements.

He said: “Traveller funerals are often much larger than the average. We provide the cars, floral tributes, doves, plane fly overs, gazebos and screens with videos of memories of their loved ones playing.

"We even support other funeral directors across the country with Traveller funerals, as we have the experience, expertise and logistical capability to help the day go smoothly.

“Close family members do not return to work until after the funeral of losing a loved one. We understand this, and see that families prefer funerals to be carried out quickly so that they can begin the grieving process.

“When a loved one passes away in the Traveller community, families prefer to have relatives laid to rest in their preferred place, at home, or in one of our funeral homes.

"We appreciate that this process must be carried out respectfully and quickly and that families know that their loved one is safe with us.”

A.W. Lymn have the largest collection of Rolls Royce Phantom VII cars in the world, which are a firm favourite of the Traveller community. The business also invested in a lowering machine from America to be able to winch a casket into a grave slowly, smoothly, and gently.

Of the service itself, Matthew said: “The time at the cemetery becomes more of a celebration of a loved one’s life. Between one and two hours are spent there, often with dove releases.

"We provide shot glasses if requested, and I have held toasts for families to honour their loved one’s life. After this, it is common for Traveller families to hire out conference centres and have a hot meal."

Matthew explained that A.W. Lymn pride themselves on the care that they are able provide to all communities with the mantra "We don’t over promise so that we don’t under deliver."

“I still get nervous before directing a large Traveller funeral, the night before is always a restless one because I want to ensure everything goes perfectly." He said.

"The A.W. Lymn teams genuinely care about their families and are invested in ensuring that everything runs as smoothly as possible on the day. Receiving appreciation from families that are at peace because of our efforts is the most fulfilling part of our work.”