Hi, I'm Claire

Image of Claire Johnston

As a humanist celebrant, I seek to honour every individual human life and the rich variety of experience people go through. A funeral should tell the story of the person you knew and the unique life they lived. I will work closely with you to prepare a ceremony rich with memories, words and music reflecting that unique life. Every ceremony will be as different as every person. But the ritual of saying goodbye will always be at the centre of it, supporting you to move forward with a precious treasure chest of memories.

My professional background is as a lawyer and an English teacher. I will listen, guide and then write up a moving tribute incorporating your stories and your values. The ceremony will be as lively or peaceful as you choose, but always well-planned and impeccably delivered.

You may already have clear ideas about the words and music you want to hear at the ceremony. I can also suggest poems, readings and music that might resonate with you, and the people you expect to attend. My own cultural background is Scottish and I am very familiar with a range of Scottish music and writing. As a choral singer, I also understand the power of human voices joining together in tribute and celebration. I hope we can work together to craft a ceremony which does justice to a unique life which has come to its end.

Please feel free to email me on clairejohnston3@gmail.com and arrange an informal chat, to see if I am the right celebrant for you.

Feedback from clients:

"Claire was professional and very efficient as well as warm and interested in our Dad's life."

"I felt quietly supported by Claire during the service and the whole day will stay in my mind and heart warmly forever."

Image of Claire Johnston

Claire Johnston

Where I work

I live in South-East London and work throughout London.

Fees from...

£250

Fluent in

French

How to contact me
Email

clairejohnston3@gmail.com

Phone

07876 313260

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.