A humanist ceremony is a bespoke, non-religious or secular ceremony that tells the story of a loved one in a truthful, personal and memorable manner. If that feels right for you, or fits the beliefs of the person you’re considering a ceremony for, you’re in the right place.

You do not have to be a humanist to have, or organise, a humanist funeral.  We are all unique, live our lives very differently and hold varied beliefs. However, often what brings us together is the belief that every life is meaningful and holds a special place in the memories of those who have known and loved the person that has died. Therefore, a funeral ceremony must be personal and fitting, both for the person who has died and for those that continue on without them.

The death of someone close to us is an intensely private affair. Organising a funeral at such a difficult time, often when we feel at our most vulnerable and least capable, can be a dauting prospect.  We find ourselves needing to create exactly the right farewell as this may be our only chance to do so. I am passionate about helping families and friends at such times, hopefully easing some of the inevitable worry that comes when arranging a funeral ceremony.

Whatever your circumstances, a humanist or non-religious funeral can provide an appropriate and personal farewell: a true honouring of a life, no matter how long or short it has been. I’ll advise and help to create a unique, meaningful and fitting tribute which I’ll deliver on your behalf (or alongside you if you wish to take some of the service yourself).  You will have opportunity to review what has been written and the ceremony doesn’t have to include anything you don’t want. and it may include various contributions from family members and/or friends. The ceremony can be as grand or as simple as you wish.

I create and lead bespoke ceremonies that are warm, inclusive, and that tell the life story of the person they are written about.    My role is to make sure we say things in just the right way, whilst excluding anything you don’t want acknowledged.  I am absolutely committed to crafting an authentic and engaging ceremony for you, your family and any friends and relatives present, whilst honouring the life and achievements of your loved one.

Whilst most funerals are held in crematoria, cemeteries and natural burials grounds, a funeral may be held anywhere (permission may be required) – pubs, hotels, care homes, in a wildflower meadow, on the beach or anywhere special and meaningful to you. There are no rights or wrongs at a humanist funeral and I will work with you to create just the right occasion, be that uplifting and celebratory, formal, dignified and sombre or a combination of both.  Whilst I most regularly lead ceremonies at Wiltshire North, Kingsdown and other local crematoria.  I am happy to support you with burials at cemeteries and woodland burial sites across the county, often travelling further afield when asked.

I am proud to have adopted the FCC’s Celebrant Accord so that you can be assured I hold myself to the highest standards when creating and/or delivering a funeral on your behalf . Please click on the FCC logo for further information.