I have spent my working life trying to make a difference for people having supported the elderly in residential care, adults in social care, people with learning disabilities in secure and residential units, children with profound mental health difficulties, and encouraging young people to attend school and make the most of their opportunities. Couple these experiences with running a home, life, pub and raising two daughters you will, I hope, see that I really care about people.
I first became aware of Civil Celebrancy when we arranged the funeral for a close relative. We wanted to include a reference to his beliefs but didn’t want to arrange a full religious ceremony. We created a ceremony that was exactly as we wanted; respectful, inclusive, reflecting his life, difficulties and the joys he had encountered during his lifetime. Our Celebrant lived over 100 miles away from us. We chatted on the phone and skype; she listened, offered advice, and guided us through some difficult conversations with patience and calm. We also laughed a lot and if I can do this for others it would be my absolute privilege.
My aim as a celebrant is to offer unique and memorable events that are individual and how you envisage your special occasion to be, happy or sad. I will be guided by your hopes, wishes, dreams and ideas.
Everyone is unique, I aim to hear this, understand you and what you want and listen for the bits that you may not say!
To help someone celebrate a happy event is a privilege; to help someone at a time of extreme sadness arrange to celebrate the life of someone very special is an honour. Allowing you the freedom to explore how best to do this would be a joy.