Funerals, Memorials and Celebrations of Life
Funerals are a time for us to say Goodbye. A time to reflect on life that has ended, celebrate successes, acknowledge difficult events and to remember happy times. Traditionally funerals have been held in churches, based on religion and follow a very set format.
As a trained celebrant I can offer you a personalised ceremony, tailored to exactly what you want; remembering your loved one in your own way and words. Using music and memories and working closely together I will create a unique ceremony to celebrate life and to say Goodbye. You may want the service to be at your local crematorium (click here for more details) but you can also hold your service at a less formal location, followed by a short committal service elsewhere and both myself and your funeral director would be happy to discuss this with you.
I have spent over 7 years volunteering for my local Hospice – in a variety of roles but mainly as a volunteer visitor on the wards and as a befriender visiting people in their own homes. In addition to this I also helped set up a volunteer sewing group making items for use within the hospice but my main passion was for making memory items out of clothing, mostly teddy bears. This is something I now do at home but still to raise funds for the hospice.
Through each of these roles I realised that I have a natural empathy for people at every stage of life. Just because you may be terminally ill and only have months or even days or hours left you are still living your life and enjoy human interaction, a friendly face, a smile, laughter and compassion. A little bit of normality in what can be a far from normal situation, we can share laughs, hugs and tears sometimes in equal measure. I also like to spend time with family members as they support their loved ones and after a relative has died I like to help them in taking precious items of clothing and creating treasured memories for them – in exchange for a donation to the hospice. (more information here)
For me getting to speak to so many different people at what can be a very difficult time is a real privilege. To share their life stories, their worries, their photos of their families, to laugh together, be a reassuring presence when times are tough or to simply sit quietly while they know I am there or to give a family member a break comes naturally to me.
It was almost natural progression that I wanted to help families to say their final goodbyes. It matters to me that every ceremony reflects the person and their families wishes and their personalities. Once again I feel it is a privilege to share their memories and stories and to bring all of this together with any readings, poems, prayers, songs and music to create a unique bespoke ceremony.
After making initial contact wherever possible I arrange to meet you in person at your home so that we can start to create the ceremony, share ideas, choose music and readings but most importantly so that you can tell me all your memories and stories so that I can get get to know your loved one and if required write a eulogy or tribute to them or I will support whoever will take on this important role. I will then go on to write the ceremony checking in with you by phone or email along the way and letting you make any changes or amendments you wish.
On the day I will be there to support you as you arrive, make sure anyone who is reading is happy , has a copy of their words and knows that I will be right there to support them and help them out if they require. Working together I will help you to celebrate and remember and to create your ceremony your way.
Memorial Services
Sometimes we can’t get to say our goodbyes in the way that we want at the time we would want. It may be that we wish the service at the crematorium or graveside to be a private time for our closest family or friends, and to remember and celebrate the life of our loved one at a later date with a memorial service.
The ceremony could be held at your home or garden, a hotel, outdoor venue or anywhere else you choose. I can create the type of memorial service you want to remember your loved one in the way that you want at a time of your choosing.
Interment or Scattering of Ashes
I can also work with you to create a ceremony for the interment or scattering of ashes and the process would be the same as for a funeral, working with you to create the ceremony that suits your wishes.
