Wedding and Funeral Celebrant in Basingstoke

Hello,

I`m Andy Auld, a secular Family Celebrant, and a proud member of the U.K. Society of Celebrants.

I live with my wife Nina, and daughter Hannah in Tadley, on the Hampshire-Berkshire border. I am a proud Ayrshire man, and I have lived happily in England for over 30 years now.

For over 40 years I worked in many industries, including, Hospitality, Retail, Advertising and Marketing. I love talking to individuals', coaching colleagues, and being around people. I still run Quiz Nights and Events in my local area, and have done so for over 12 years. I love to mingle.

I do like Sport, still support my home football team of Kilmarnock, and enjoy watching quality TV and movies. I love compiling Quizzes, and keeping my garden clean, and walking our 3 dogs.

One thing I have learned is that whoever you talk to, whether it be a Company Director, Pub Landlord, or a Supermarket Cleaner - "Everybody has a story to tell", and I thoroughly enjoy telling it

I was born to a large family, the third of 6 children.

I had a very pronounced stammer as a boy, and found out very quickly how easily you could be picked upon by family and others. It was not nice, but with my mothers` love and dedication, it drove me to survive, and I believe led me to look at the world slightly differently. Not to judge, be patient, plan and provide.

I was lucky to fall into roles and jobs I was good at, and excelled at. With this confidence I attained an aptitude to get on with people, and thrive in the company of others.

In 2004, my life changed. My wife fell ill with a crippling pain disease - Fibromyalgia. As her main carer, I had to work closer to home, and found I had time on my hands.

I needed to contribute more, and I qualified as a Celebrant in 2019, and have conducted over 30 Ceremonies to Oct 2020 .

I really love it.

As a Secular Celebrant, I can offer you a personal, unique, and memorable commemorative ceremony without the kind of restrictions on location, or, readings, poetry and music that are frequently imposed by churches or humanists.

I am happy to travel all over the South Of England to conduct "Celebration Of Life" Ceremonies, especially ones calling for a subtle Scottish tone perhaps.

During our time together, I will learn about your loved ones` character and personality, focusing on insights that made them special - their achievements and adventures, and their foibles and funnier moments from a life well lived.

I will prepare and send you a draft copy of the proposed Manuscript for the Ceremony, soon after we meet, and make any amendments thereafter to your satisfaction.

On the day of the Celebration Of Life I will deliver the Ceremony, and assist anyone giving a reading or a personal tribute.

Afterwards, you will receive your full Ceremony Manuscript, which you may like to forward to Loved Ones to have as a keepsake of their own.

I am deeply passionate about being compassionate.

My brother committed suicide in the late nineties, we lost a son Marcus at childbirth, and my best friend Alan died of Cancer aged only 47. These and other life incidents made me question faith, but more importantly made me realise to cherish every day that little bit more, and reflect positively on that day.

I believe I have an understanding and empathy that resonates. Like all of us I have experienced life`s highs and lows, but I know we can get through it.

I am not anti-religious, merely non-religious, and have no qualms reading the Lords Prayer, or singing hymns.

I believe in the quality of the ceremonies I undertake, not quantity. I pride myself in offering the absolute best advice and service when speaking to bereaved families. The needs and wants are always my number one priority.

Assuring you always of my best intentions.

Andy Auld