I understand how organising the funeral for someone close to you can be daunting. My role is to help and support you at this difficult moment so we can create a farewell ceremony that feels right, and is completely appropriate for the person we will celebrate.
A humanist ceremony, whether it is big or small, and whether it's a memorial, a cremation, a burial, or ashes scattering, is all about the person who has died and the things that were important to them. There are no rules about what to include and a ceremony might have contributions from family and friends, readings and photographs. It could have funny stories or solemn music, and often both.
I will help you with the structure, and on the day, I can lead the ceremony and introduce the contributions or I can conduct the whole service if you prefer.
I used to be a journalist and I became a celebrant because I love words and telling stories and I wanted to share that in a way that helps others. There can be few greater privileges than to be trusted to help tell the story of somebody's life. I know that doing that well together can bring some comfort and is a way for you to express your love.
I trained as a humanist celebrant because I'm not religious, but I'm not anti-religion. I believe we have one life to live and I try to live mine as fully and as kindly as I can. A humanist ceremony is always Inclusive, and as far as possible, respectful of the beliefs and feelings of everyone there.
If you would like to have a chat to see if I'm the right celebrant for you, please get in touch. After that, if you decide I am, we can meet to talk about the person whose life we'll celebrate and the ceremony's structure.
If you are using a funeral director, I will work alongside them and I'll do my best to advise on practical matters and questions you may have. After I've written a draft script, I'll send it to you in good time before the day so we can make sure it's right.
There is more information on my website. Thanks for reading to the bottom of this page.
'I cannot recommend Jane highly enough. She is a gifted celebrant who brings professionalism, expertise and compassion to her work.'
