In 2024, I have been shortlisted as a finalist for the AGFD Good Funeral Awards in the category of “Best Celebrant”
My name is Dave and it is my privilege to conduct non-religious memorial, celebration-of-life and funeral services. Humanism has some very powerful messages particularly for the current times in which we live. When it comes to a ceremony as important as a funeral, humanism can have the power to help us come to terms with the very difficult and painful circumstances. The freedom of choosing words and music not usually associated with religious funerals can make the service far more relevant and “speak” to the bereaved in a way in which church funerals, often, can not. I would be able to produce, with your help, a personal and touching ceremony, tuned in with the thoughts and feelings of the deceased and their closest family and friends.
I have always struggled with finding meaning in church funerals. Yes, for some, it can be a very comforting and powerful ritual of familiar words and music but it has never, ever resonated for me. When, as a teenager, two family members had humanist funerals, I suddenly realised that, for me, there was a more meaningful way to say “Goodbye” to loved ones. Obviously, these are words drawn from personal experience and everyone has their own experiences and influences. It is for this reason that I have a very flexible attitude to religion in ceremonies.
If you ask me to conduct a humanist funeral for you, I will do my absolute best to ensure that every detail is exactly how you want it. Prior to the ceremony, I will glean as much information as I can from you about the person who has died, including their life history, important moments for them and what they meant to the people around them. This will then lead to a “Tribute” which will be read out at the ceremony but I would, also, actively encourage close family or friends to share their thoughts and feelings too. If they are feeling courageous enough, their words, spoken by themselves, will have immense power and resonance for those listening.
More about me
The roles which I have outside celebrancy are, principally, in the music world as a performer, teacher and conductor. My love of and knowledge of music can, hopefully, be a real help in devising ceremonies that best reflect the wishes and tastes of the affected family. I live in West London with my family and feel very privileged to be able to do this kind of work with a wide variety of families.
