Hello, and congratulations! I'm Janet, it's good to meet you.
Why am I a humanist celebrant? Put simply – I like people. Every person I meet has their own rich and varied history and their own way of taking joy from life. I am fascinated by each and every person and their individual story, and love finding creative and fun ways to tell those stories to the rest of the world.
Celebrating the arrival of a new person into your life is a wonderful occasion. Whilst a naming ceremony is often held for babies, it can also be held for older children, the arrival of adopted children, marking the blending of two families, or for trans or non binary people to celebrate their chosen name.
Whatever you are celebrating, it is my absolute pleasure to start with a blank sheet of paper and create a personal ceremony which reflects who you are and how your life is changing. A naming ceremony can take place wherever you like – it could be in your back garden, a village hall or on the beach. If you wish, it can include elements such as singing or symbolic acts (for example, lighting a candle or creating a box of wishes).
You may wish to choose people to act as your child’s other supporting adults – in a religious ceremony they would often be called godparents. Some couples choose to keep this title, although others have called these special people guideparents, mentors, or even fairy godparents.
The wonderful thing about a humanist ceremony is that you choose what you want to happen. I am here to give guidance, support and suggestions if you want them, and then write and deliver a ceremony for you which matches your every wish.
I am a former Early Years teacher and a granny. I adore children, and always loved that my job gave me the opportunity to have fun with little people every day. I know that life with small children does not always run exactly to plan and have a wealth of experience of changing things at the last minute to accommodate their needs if necessary. This means that I can plan and conduct your ceremony calmly and warmly whilst being prepared for just about any unexpected events if they happen.
