For the twin’s naming in Rye, granny painted these stones for guests to give them

• naming ceremonies

  A humanist naming ceremony, like other humanist ceremonies, will fit your exact requirements. It will reflect your hopes for, and your commitment to, your child. A naming can happen almost anywhere. It can be an intimate ceremony just for close family, or a large celebratory event. It can mark not only births, but adoptions, or step-parents making commitments to new step children. A humanist naming is tailor-made for you and your family.

  The coming of a new life into the world, or the coming of a new child into the family, is a hugely important event and one which is worth celebrating. Humanists believe that everyone has the privilege of shaping their own lives and those of others. So life should get off to the most positive start possible!

  What will happen in a humanist naming?

  A typical humanist naming is of course non-religious, and might include any or all of the following elements:

  • Parents and other family members stating their commitment to the child;
  • Individuals making a personal commitment as mentors and supporters to support the child as they grow;
  • The formal naming of the child, set in the context of what the name means and how it was chosen;
  • Guests welcoming the child to the world or the family;
  • Music and readings;
  • Symbolic acts – from the lighting of candles to the planting of a tree
• .  After this naming in Bexhill, we flew kites in memory of the baby’s older sister

•  What next?

  If you are interested in having me conduct your humanist naming ceremony, email me at felicity.harvest@humanistceremonies.org.uk

  If after an initial discussion you want to make a commitment to using me, we would set up a longer meeting.   Then I can find out more about you, and what kind of ceremony you want. I would then develop a script as the basis for making amendments and developing ideas, until it is just right

  And distance need be no barrier to having a humanist naming ceremony – read this account of one I conducted during the pandemic on Zoom: https://humanism.org.uk/ceremonies/namings/blog/an-online-naming-ceremony-celebrated-with-bubbles/

 More twins!  This time, in Lewisham, quaiches were handed round to the guests.

My fee for a naming ceremony is usually £300, including travel.

What people said:

 “Just wanted to say a massive thank you to you for making yesterday so special. The ceremony was just lovely, we couldn’t have asked for any more. Everybody loved it and said how personal it was and how fantastic you were. I don’t think there was a dry eye! Thank you so much. “ – Rebecca and Andrew (parents)

“The Humanist naming ceremony was the most perfect introduction of the baby to so many special friends and family members, and I was also very pleased that her father’s culture could also be included and have a small part to play. I thought your role was carried out to perfection, and I was very impressed by your eloquence and composure. It was truly the most memorable and touching occasion of its kind that I’ve ever experienced.” Kathryn (guide-parent)

“It was such a truly special and memorable occasion and I think the rain somehow brought everyone closer together! We really appreciated the time and effort you took in coming to talk to us back in May and putting together such a wonderful script, which made the ceremony so incredibly personal. We got such warm feedback from our guests, who loved it and all said how different it was, largely because of your words but being able to host it in Mum and Dad’s garden, rather than a purpose built building, was really lovely.” Susie and Jim (parents)

Simon and Charles called their daughter Margot after the character in  The Good Life, to reflect how much they enjoy their move from the city to the country