Hi, I'm Bridget

Image of Bridget Salmon

Would you like help honouring your loved one? Not sure where to start to plan a funeral or memorial ceremony? To find out how I could help, please call me on 07860 735136. Weekdays, weekends and evenings are equally fine.

 

 

About

I like to combine my skills at writing, public speaking and organisation with my passion, and compassion, for people to help them through such a significant life event as the death of a loved one, family member or friend.

Ceremony outline

Funerals of whatever form are a time for those who knew the deceased to gather together to remember them and say a formal farewell. It is also a time to celebrate the deceased’s life. A humanist funeral puts particular emphasis on remembering the life of the deceased – recalling their character and achievements. There will often be tears but there can also be humour. There will certainly be respect and compassion.

The normal order for a humanist ceremony is:

Welcome

Some thoughts on life and death

Tribute

Quiet time for reflection

Formal goodbye

But all of this can be changed to meet your wishes – you can choose what you want included, or not, and the form the ceremony takes.

The main part is the tribute to the deceased. Sometimes this is written by a family member or friend. But often as a celebrant I meet with the chief mourners to get a picture of the deceased so I can write a suitable tribute.

 

Services provided

I will write a script for the whole ceremony incorporating any tributes or readings others wish to make; can help with the order sheet for the ceremony; can help with suggestions of music and readings; and will lead the ceremony. I work with the funeral director to ensure the ceremony goes smoothly. My fee is £250 which can be paid through the funeral director or directly. I take funeral ceremonies in crematoriums and natural burial sites; memorial services anywhere you wish to hold one or interment of ashes at the barrow at Dode lost village. I am based in Sevenoaks but will take ceremonies anywhere in Kent, Sussex or London. I lead many ceremonies at the Kent & Sussex Crematorium in Tunbridge Wells, Bluebell Crematorium in Halstead, Vinters Park in Maidstone, Wealden Crematorium in Horam and the Eden Valley natural burial ground in Edenbridge, amongst others.

 

PS

To get a flavour of who I am, when not working as a business coach or funeral celebrant, I like wild swimming; travel; mah-jong; running with my dog and reading.

Bridget was the celebrant for my father’s funeral. From the moment we met her we were impressed with her sensitivity and her attention to detail. As the funeral approached, she maintained contact, running things by us when necessary, nothing was too much trouble. The funeral itself was lovely and so many people have commented on the beautiful service led by Bridget. I would not hesitate to recommend Bridget; she was just fantastic. 

— PG

Thanks for all your work on Dad’s funeral; it was perfect and we have had many comments from those that attending saying it was the best funeral they had been to if there is a best one! 

— MS

C and I thought you handled everything wonderfully well at the ceremony. It all seemed to pan out as per your script which we also thought you produced very quickly, efficiently and all as per our discussion at the meeting. Thank you very much indeed. 

— LW

Many thanks for making a difficult day run as smoothly as possible. I am very grateful for the way you were able to tell my parents’ story and I am sure those who were present were able to take comfort in your words. 

— CP

You lifted a huge weight off my shoulders. 

— SC

Image of Bridget Salmon

Bridget Salmon

Where I work

Kent, Sussex, London and open to further afield

Fees from...

£250

How to contact me
Email

bridget.salmon@humanistceremonies.org.uk

Phone

07860 735136

Website

humanist.org.uk/bridgetsalmon

HUMANIST CEREMONIES™ is the network of more than 550 celebrants, trained by national charity Humanists UK to a gold standard to provide memorable and meaningful humanist ceremonies to non-religious people. Operating throughout England, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Channel Islands, we deliver authentic, tailor-made and heartfelt ceremonies for life’s key moments. They are always inclusive and welcoming, regardless of the beliefs of those attending.

You can trust Humanist Ceremonies celebrants: We are DBS-checked, fully insured, and regularly peer reviewed for quality assurance. We are committed to a code of conduct, and have a transparent and robust complaints process in the rare case of a problem. We all pay a monthly fee to Humanists UK to further support the work of the charity, and are part of a regional network for like-minded celebrants for support and learning.

Humanist funerals

Humanist funerals, memorials and ash ceremonies are a fitting way to honour a unique life with warmth, sensitivity and meaning, but without reference to religion or an afterlife. They put the story of the person who has died at the heart of the ceremony, paying tribute to them and the legacy they leave, and provide an opportunity to bring people together, not just to share sadness but to celebrate a life lived.