A celebrant led funeral service offers an opportunity to celebrate the life of someone who has passed away, whilst respectfully marking their passing. The service may be entirely non-religious or include religious or spiritual content, according to the wishes of those concerned.
The service may include music, songs, poetry, readings or hymns that are personal and appropriate to the lives and the people involved. We can discuss any thoughts and ideas to be included and we talk about the character and personality of the person concerned, their joys and passions, their attributes and achievements, their life history. There are no set rules and others are encouraged to contribute. Family, friends and colleagues, members of clubs, choirs or organisations are welcome to participate. Together we can create a unique service that’s meaningful and fitting, respectful, dignified and personal. I will liaise with you and the funeral director to ensure the ceremony is truly individual and reflects the deceased wishes, beliefs and values, whilst fulfilling the needs of those closest to them. A funeral service led by an independent civil celebrant, such as myself will usually take place at a crematorium or cemetery. However, funeral services can be held anywhere of your choosing, with the appropriate permissions obtained where needed.
Some families may choose to have a memorial ceremony, instead of or in addition to a funeral service. Memorials can be held anywhere, from your garden, woodlands, almshouse or another venue of your choosing. This option is less formal and can be less restrictive on time. Some families may wish to mark a person’s passing by planting a memorial tree, or releasing doves or butterflies. Within the memorial service, family or friends may like to read tributes, poems or readings, or I can the read them on your behalf. Music is a lovely way to reflect the life of someone who has passed away. The choice is yours and how you wish to remember your loved one, how you would like to say goodbye.
Scattering ashes, may offer individuals the opportunity for emotional release and it is said that “the act of casting back to the earth can provide many with a sense of closure”.
Guidelines from the Environmental Protection Agency are to be adhered to, but otherwise there are few other legal restrictions in place within the UK. For transporting ashes abroad, there are legal formalities to be observed.
Locations for scattering ashes take many forms, from your own garden, a woodland spot, a garden of remembrance, a favourite walk or holiday destination. It is important to consider though, that if a chosen spot is open to the general public, it may not provide the privacy or quiet time for reflection you are looking for. Also, some local authorities may prefer ashes not to be scattered in public places.
There are many options available now for the dispersal of ashes, from mock Viking longboats to fireworks. Please see: http://www.scattering-ashes.co.uk/ A number of designers offer creative alternatives, where ashes can be made into glass jewellery, ash diamonds or even a work of art.
The funeral director can hold the ashes until you are ready to collect them. When you do, you will be provided with a certificate, along with the ashes.
People manage and cope with loss in different ways, and I take care to sensitively provide, the means by which you have the opportunity to say a fond and loving farewell in a way that feels right for you. Usually funeral directors will contact me on your behalf when making funeral arrangements, but I am able to work with all funeral directors
I am based in Melksham and cover Wiltshire and areas in the surrounding counties of Somerset, Dorset, Hampshire, Berkshire, Gloucestershire and Oxfordshire, and I’m able to travel to other venues and locations further afield by arrangement. Please contact me for a no obligation friendly chat and discuss any questions you may have, alternatively you can email me and I will get back to you as soon as possible.
With a background in nursing, customer service and experience in counselling, I am aware of the importance of listening. Through my work in healthcare, together with delivering facilitated teaching and training opportunities, I am adept in both writing and public speaking. I was drawn to the work of a celebrant, when I witnessed first-hand a service officiated by a funeral celebrant, which celebrated the individual and honoured their life, whilst respectfully marking their passing. As an Independent Celebrant, I get immense satisfaction from creating and delivering a ceremony or service, which reflects the individual, couple or family concerned.
