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.
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.