Hi, I'm Rachael

Image of Rachael Meyer

Hi. Firstly, I'm sorry that you're in the position of having to arrange a goodbye ceremony for someone you cared for. If you're looking for an experienced humanist funeral celebrant with compassion, professional writing and presentation skills and a fresh outlook on how to give someone you love the best possible send off .... a 'Grand Goodbye' is probably exactly right for you, and I hope we can connect. I believe that whatever their story, everyone who dies deserves a bespoke ceremony to mark and celebrate their life.

Originally from Harrogate in North Yorkshire, I now live where the river meets the sea in North Shields, on the Tynemouth Coast near Newcastle Upon Tyne. I work throughout the North East at crematorium chapels in Newcastle, North Shields and Tynemouth, Whitley Bay, Morpeth (Woodland Burial Site) and Mounsett Crematorium - in addition to a whole host of other hotels, pubs, houses, community halls and gardens where celebration of life ceremonies can take place.

You may be working with a Funeral Director, and looking for a traditional funeral ceremony at a crematorium, or graveside.... Or you may want something a little different (and less formal) after a direct cremation.... something more relaxed - less dour - a real celebration of life, delivered at a venue without time restrictions, where you can eat and drink, and make the space your own, with music, readings, audio-visual tributes, a roaring fire, and input from several contributors. Or we can keep it simple just with some heartfelt words. I also create ceremonies that include the scattering of ashes on a beach. There are endless opportunities and ways we can say a fitting goodbye.

I specialise in writing and delivering highy detailed and inclusive ceremonies that include slideshows, music, symbolic acts, audio and video messages and a toast. I can provide audio visual equipment and put together slideshows, audio tributes, videos and "showreels" that take the headache out of organisation for you; and make for a very rewarding, professional and seamless event for everyone in attendance.

If your ceremony is not held in a crematorium chapel where there are webcasts set up and you would like it recorded for those who are unable to attend, I can also organise professional filming, and will edit the ceremony myself.

I combine years of professional writing, presenting and event management experience to create uplifting, warm. modern and relaxed ceremonies. I meet with you, listen, understand each individual story and then create a beautiful script presented with empathy and humour.

 

Each life is amazing, and every life story is worth telling. If you'd like an informal chat, please call me on 07795 112009 or email rachael@northernstoryboard.com.

If you'd like more info on funeral filming and life story videos, please visit my main funeral website - Grand Goodbyes

We just wanted to thank you for a truly wonderful ceremony yesterday. You delivered it beautifully and everyone commented on it, how lovely you were and what a gorgeous voice you have. I think Karen’s husband has already put you down for his service when the time comes… hopefully a long way off! Mum would have been over the moon with how amazing her final goodbye was. Thank you from our hearts. 

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You have been a real pleasure to work with and did an incredible job for us. We have had many comments from family and friends, which we fully agree with, about how well put together the ceremony was as well as how beautifully and genuinely you spoke about Raphael and his story, with so much love.

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I think my husband would have loved the way you delivered the ceremony as you were so positive and joyful. It truly was a celebration of his life and exactly what he wanted.

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Image of Rachael Meyer

Rachael Meyer

Where I work

I'm based in North Shields / Tynemouth near Newcastle Upon Tyne; and cover Jesmond, Gosforth, Heaton, the Northumberland coast, all locations in the North East of England and venues in North Yorkshire on request.

Fees from...

£275 for a standard funeral ceremony at a crematorium chapel up to £500 for a complicated Celebration of Life ceremony. Please ask for details

How to contact me
Email

rachael@northernstoryboard.com

Phone

07795 112009

Website

www.northernstoryboard.com/grand-goodbyes

Google

See my Google listing

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.