Born in Margate, Kent, but living in Tetbury, Gloucestershire, I’ve been an atheist since I could think for myself, and an official humanist since 2019, though it turned out I’d been one most of my life and not realised.

As well as officiating ceremonies, I compile crossword puzzles, speak and entertain, and bake cakes for a living. I adore writing. Though staunchly non-religious, I ring church bells, amongst other hobbies. I strongly believe that tolerance, understanding and acceptance are the way forward.

In a past career, I taught science at a secondary school. What with that and performing on stage with amateur theatre groups, I am ridiculously comfortable in front of a crowd. I’m a strong singer with a passion for music, and find it easy to lead a group in song.

I’ve been in love a few times, most recently culminating in marriage – a humanist ceremony, of course. I have stared death in the eyeballs, in the form of Hodgkin Lymphoma in 2012, which I survived after six miserable months of chemotherapy. I know what it’s like to be deep in grief at the loss of a loved one, or to be rendered speechless with overwhelming joy. I have lived. Life is precious, and we should celebrate it wherever we can.

You’ll find me informally formal; amusing, yet with a great sense of occasion. I am quirky and colourful, while at the same time respectful and sincere. I am always full of ideas and very flexible, able to adapt to each individual ceremony as required. My experiences have given me the ability to think on my feet in a crisis, while remaining calm and professional. I’m also excellent at putting people at their ease.

But that’s enough about me. Now it’s your turn…