Hi, I'm Linda
I am a Humanist Celebrant who provides unique, non-religious funerals. Each script is individually written. I can advise on readings, music and family contributions.
On first introduction, I meet families in person usually in their home, to discuss how they would like the ceremony to be before drafting a script for their approval.
On the day of the ceremony itself, I lead the ceremony we have agreed with empathy; dignity and at all times seeking to honour the person at the heart of the ceremony. I am often told families find my calm presentation particularly supportive. I have a clear voice that carries well and a warm presentation. I am comfortable using humour where appropriate and like to include families' contributions including children in the way they find best.
Sometimes I work with those organising their own funeral ceremony: perhaps they have a life limiting condition or are simply keen to leave their affairs as tidy as possible. I have received specialist, helpful training for this role and have found each circumstance very different but once again, I try to understand what is wanted from me and to work with the individual to make it possible.
I was trained and accredited by Humanists UK who monitor the quality of my work and continuous professional learning. I have worked with many families since I began in 2018 and I find the role incredibly satisfying. It is truly a privilege and responsibility to meet people at such an important moment in their lives and to help them express their feelings at a time often, of high emotion or confusion.
It can be helpful for those organising a funeral, to have a 'no commitment' conversation to help them decide if I am the 'right' Celebrant for them. I am more than happy to talk with you.
TESTIMONIALS
I want every funeral I take to reflect the life of the person whose life has ended and helps those attending to express their feelings and how they’d like to remember the person they cared for. The families quoted below have found my way of approaching funerals helpful and I hope you will too.
Testimonials
Linda’s kind, calm and confident approach made a huge difference to our experience which was not only appreciated by immediate family but also by all our friends. We will always be grateful to her for making such lovely memories of what would otherwise have been a very sad occasion.
Her guidance over the practical matters was also invaluable.
B family Sept 2023
——————————————-
Dear Linda,
Thank you for supplying us so generously with your script , but above all, thank you for your beautiful address and your guidance throughout. Everybody commented on how good your address was and how they felt as if you had known mum. We, as a family, really appreciate your scrupulous care and attention to detail which resulted in a very good send off of my mother. We will always remember it
Very kind regards,
The R. Family
——————————
What can I say…..
You did him proud. The service was all about P. and was so appropriate. You read so eloquently and with great feeling with emphasis in all the right places.
Being in touch only via email and phone was no detriment (due to Covid-19 restrictions).
If ever I or someone I know needs a humanist then you are the one.
I will treasure the (presentation ) script keepsake.
My sincere gratitude.
————————————
Linda is a lovely caring sensitive lady. Made a very tough day a whole lot easier. We had lots of really nice comments on the service. She has great communication skills and kept us well informed.
Would definitely recommend her.
——————————————–
We were treated with compassion and dignity throughout.
————————————————-
My brothers and I would like to offer a heartfelt thank you for the calm and reassuring role you played in our father’s funeral. We loved the way you handled such an incredibly important event to us, the sense of dignity and occasion you brought and your sensitivity towards ours and other peoples’ emotions.
———————————————–
I remember your involvement with nothing but warmth and deep appreciation. You supported and guided us through a very difficult time with a combination of sensitivity and practical help that I found both comforting and invaluable.
————————————————-
— A range of families with whom I have worked.LIES
Linda James
Where I work
I am based in central Ipswich and usually work within a 25 mile range but will travel further by agreement. Ceremonies happen in crematoria ; burial grounds; village halls; family homes and gardens; by the sea or wherever you feel right for you.
Fees from...
Fees begin at £240 and are always agreed in advance when the venue and ceremony type are decided. Usually Funeral Directors pay me directly but other arrangements can be made as required. There is no fee for children's funerals.
How to contact me
linda.james@humanistceremonies.org.uk
Phone
Website
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.
