Alison Riggall

I’m a Humanist Celebrant, taking non-religious funerals in the East Midlands.  I find it a huge privilege to work with families to make sure they achieve a funeral which is as good as possible.

When you find you have to take responsibility for organising a funeral, your Funeral Director may recommend me, or you can contact me directly.  I’ll meet with you, at our mutual convenience, to plan a funeral which will be just right.  Sometimes people live far away from where the funeral will be held, and we can be in contact by phone or email or zoom.  We’ll discuss what you would like – or I can make suggestions.  There are no rules!  You may have people who would like to speak, or read a poem, or you may wish to leave all the speaking to me.  Usually people will choose some music – something to begin the ceremony, while everyone is coming in, something to listen to while you have time for your own memories, and something to end with while everyone leaves. Sometimes people choose to have photos on display during the middle piece of music – the crematoria can organise this. They can also offer to webcast the ceremony, so it can be viewed by people who can’t get to the event, and there is usually an option to have this available for a few weeks after the ceremony.

Afterwards, I make sure you have a copy of the complete ceremony in a folder (and electronically too if you wish – often useful for people with family or friends too far away to attend in person).

Usually funerals take place in crematoria chapels, but I have also taken funerals in Natural Burial Grounds and in Council Cemeteries.  Sometimes you may want to hold a memorial service, or have a small ceremony with a loved-one’s ashes; equally I can work with you for that.  Occasionally people wish to discuss their funeral arrangements before they die, and they are very welcome to contact me to talk about that.