My happy place – walking (by the sea!)

I have had a long and wonderfully rewarding career, moving from journalism into running my own PR business and finally taking on the responsibility for running a trade association, which requires all the skills you need to run a small business and connect daily with people, coupled with diplomacy, patience, organisational and presentation skills, plus being a good listener, a good communicator and a great writer. I have a knack for being able to capture and convey what people want to say.

I’m a positive, smiley, can-do sort of person with bags of energy and enthusiasm and a gift for putting people at ease.

I have now reached a stage in my life when it’s time to take a step back from such a busy professional and full-time role. But I am far from ready to retire and I found myself asking what I could do which would use the skills I have acquired and honed over the years – but which would give me a refreshing new challenge in a completely different context.

I was first introduced to humanism and humanists ceremonies when I had a humanist wedding back in 2006. I quickly realised I had found my spiritual home of like-minded people who shared my world views and values. Being a member of, and actively engaging with Humanists UK has helped me understand and express those feelings more clearly and coherently. We have this one life and it’s up to us to make the most of it, both in terms of how we choose to live our own lives and how we treat others and this beautiful planet we are privileged to call home.

I realised back then that being a humanist wedding celebrant would be a great alternative career and finally, now is the time to realise that dream.  I am so happy to have been accepted and superbly trained by Humanists UK.  I get to work with people eagerly anticipating and planning one of the happiest days of their lives and I sincerely hope that my skills and experience ensure everything goes smoothly and sensationally.

Outside of work, I love hiking in the Yorkshire Dales and Moors, which I am fortunate enough to live close by; reading (I run a local book club); going to the theatre; socialising with friends and family; good food; beautiful gardens and stately homes; great drama, history and science documentaries; and sunshine.