Hi, I'm Simon
A farewell or memorial should be warm, dignified and above all personal, don’t you think?
Happily, most of us don’t have to organise funerals very often. When you do have to, the ceremony needs to get it right for the person who’s died. Whatever that means for you, I’m here to help you design the right funeral or memorial and then guide you through all the steps to make it happen.
“Heartfelt thanks Simon, for your gentle guidance and kind, calm support. Dad’s memorial was just what we wanted thanks to your personal and thoughtful approach.”
Whether it’s a cremation, a formal or natural burial or a memorial, a ceremony doesn’t need to rely on religious words or ritual to have dignity and a sense of occasion. It should be warm and relevant; it should tell the story of the person who’s died and the meaning their life has had and it should allow everyone to feel comfortable, whatever their beliefs.
“It was a wonderful service that will be in my memory for a long time, a truly good send off for my mum and in no least part due to how you helped with that from the moment I contacted you.”
A little bit about me: I retired a few years ago from my job as principal of an international sixth-form college in Oxford; now as well as being a funeral celebrant I teach the Alexander Technique, I make furniture and I play drums in local jazz and salsa bands. I have four children and a growing number of lovely grandchildren.
If I sound like the kind of person who could be of help to you, please just get in touch. There’s no obligation of any kind. We’ll talk things over, probably on the phone in the first instance, and then if you decide to go ahead,’ we’ll meet to outline and plan the ceremony together. With what you tell me, taking as large or as small a part as you wish, I’ll design and lead a dignified and above all personal ceremony.
“Simon, the thanks are all due to you for guiding us through the preparation of the ceremony and the event itself. We always felt in very safe hands. Thank you. I’m not sure if funerals should be enjoyed but John and I and our children were very happy with the celebration of Lily.”
Simon Fenn
Where I work
I live in Charlbury, just north of Oxford. I'm happy to travel throughout Oxfordshire, the Cotswolds and surrounding areas.
Fees from...
How to contact me
simon.fenn@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.
