Hi, I'm Val

Image of Val Turner

Hi there - I’ve been a Humanist celebrant now for 14 years and over that time I’ve conducted funerals for hundreds of people from babies who didn’t make it into our world to a feisty 104 year old woman. Each one unique.

I’ve conducted small intimate funerals with only a few mourners to celebrations of life for over 300 guests. Each one was individually written for that person, meaningful and respectful. I work closely with the deceased’s family to achieve this.

As I’ve been around for quite some time I have built up a good reputation with local funeral directors as they know I am reliable and will do my very best for a family. As a consequence I’ve conducted ceremonies for different members of the same family and a lot of my work now comes direct from these families or by recommendation.

I’ve met some lovely people along the way and heard some fascinating stories. It’s such a privilege to be able to help people (even in a small way) make a bad day a little easier.

When I’m not writing and conducting funerals I like to walk, go to the gym, potter in my garden, read, go to the cinema and theatre and play in my ukulele band, 3 Chord Max. We play at luncheon clubs, residential/care homes and charity events - it’s great fun!

Dear Val, thank you so much for your wonderful moving service for our dear Aunty. Everyone there agreed it was just perfect for her and you delivered it with such kindness, compassion, respect and love. Plus we could all hear you very clearly, even at the back!

Your support as I read my poem was very much appreciated and helped me complete my task - even though I did have a little wobble! My only regret is we didn't have you for Mum's funeral. I knew the minute I spoke to you that you would be perfect.

Thank you again from the bottom of our hearts for having such a big part in making out final goodbye to our much loved Aunty. So perfect.

— Val Turner

Words cannot express how grateful B's family are for such a wonderful, compassionate and moving Celebration of Life. With heartfelt thanks from her loving family

—

Image of Val Turner

Val Turner

Where I work

I live in Shipley and mostly work in Bradford and Leeds although I am happy to travel if requested. I’ve occasionally worked in Sheffield, East Yorkshire and Nottingham.

Fees from...

My fees start at £250 and then by negotiation for a celebration of life/memorial etc . I don’t charge for neo natal/babies or children although I may ask for travel expenses if outside my area.

How to contact me
Email

val.turner@humanistceremonies.org.uk

Phone

07507 136600

Website

humanist.org.uk/valturner

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.