Duncan Battman

Duncan Battman

I am a humanist celebrant living in Altrincham in Cheshire and have been accredited by the BHA since 2010. Born in 1958, like many boys in the South Manchester area, I was called Duncan after Duncan Edwards who died following the Munich air crash of that year. While I still keep an interested eye on United’s results I have, over the years, changed my allegiance to Rochdale – always the supporter of the underdog – and have on many occasions been one of the freezing cold 2000 cheering on the Dale at Spotland.

I studied mathematics at Bath University before taking over the running of the family business, a garden centre/nursery which I ran for 28 years. I completed my BHA training as a celebrant in April 2010. I particularly enjoy the privilege of meeting with the bereaved and helping them to share with me the often fascinating lives of their loved ones.

My hobbies include theatre (I have had plays performed in many parts of the country, from London to Edinburgh), golf (a bad 17 handicapper),  and music (listening – not playing!). I am also a governor at Altrincham Grammar school for Boys (presently Chair of Governors since 2014).

I have been married to my wife, Bernie since 1987 and we have two grown up children.

I am a strong believer in the need to bring to those with no religious beliefs ceremonies which reflect the lives of the departed and which give meaning and comfort to those present through celebration and understanding and not through a merely traditional rite with little reference to the deceased.

I like to think that I have a good sense of humour which I can bring to most ceremonies but also, through experiencing myself the loss of family members and close friends, I have at first hand a grasp and understanding of bereavement and all the sadness and emotion which accompanies it.

I love what I do, I consider it a privilege and through my experiences since embarking on this road I have come to realise what diverse, interesting and often wonderful lives we all lead.