Each life is unique.

Each ceremony is unique.

 

 

What if some of your family or friends have a faith?

As an accredited Humanists UK celebrant, the ceremonies I do are non-religious.

Having said that, I’m sometimes called upon because different religions are represented amongst families and friends. The thing that binds all human beings together, regardless of belief, is our collective humanity and compassion. At the public burial of an unknown baby, I was chosen for the same reason.

It’s important to offer time for private prayer on these occasions.

 

Sometimes atheists still want a hymn!

‘Jerusalem’ goes back to the suffragettes and what rugby fan doesn’t know all the words to ‘Swing Low Sweet Chariot’? If you want Mozart’s Requiem, I’m more than happy to oblige. Some of the greatest pieces of music are religious. I won’t lead prayers, though.

 

thepatwinslow@gmail.com

07857 273695

 

 

“Many, many thanks for yesterday. It was such a wonderful funeral and I know that Mum would have approved; all her neighbours came up to me to say that this is the way they want to go! Your attention to detail and presentation were so good; it was exactly the right length, and the content you put together and presented was perfect.  All that, coupled with the tributes from family and friends, made it a memorable occasion. I am so glad we met and you were able to act as the celebrant. Thank you again Pat.”

 

“Thank you so much for the lovely service on the 15th. Lots of Mum’s friends have been in touch and have all said how much they enjoyed the service and were very impressed – you did a great job. A big thank you from me, for the service, and for the afternoon you spent with C and I. Talking to you about Mum was a real turning point for me. I returned to all the happy memories and my memory of watching her die started to take a back seat.”

 

“I was (as anyone would expect) overwhelmed on Monday by so many emotions and did not have the strength to express my thanks. Your contribution meant so much to all of us and I wanted you to know how much I (and  my children) appreciated your support to the celebration of a very special “gentleman”.

 

“You made Mum’s funeral a lovely celebration of her life. We went through all the emotions, but mainly lovely and funny ones about my wonderful mum. My family thought you and the service were lovely. Huge thanks.”

 

“I didn’t get a chance to thank you on Thursday for making the service so special. We all recognised the D we knew from your words, you achieved just the right balance of all the things she was to different people.  Your words on beliefs, grief and love gave support and comfort at a very difficult time. My memories of the service will be that it was a very calm and beautiful celebration of her life, which is very fitting for the person she was. Thank you so much for making it that.”

 

“We would just like to say how much EVERYONE appreciated your service, a first-time ‘Humanist’ service for any of us. Your interpretation of the stories relayed to you were as if you had grown up with us, that you knew all about them, almost that they were your memories.  It was the service we’d hoped for, a celebration…Some sadness and regret but mostly joy and fond memories that will linger with us.”

 

“We were very happy with the service and the way you told everyone about G as well as the time you spent with us just before the service helping to settle and re-assure us. I was also so pleased for the grandchildren to take part in the service. I’m sure knowing you were there to support them was a great help.”

 

“Many thanks for the carrying out the service. It was lovely to see the effort you put in to get to know mum and the family. I feel that your zoom preparation meeting was a great idea. Simply having it was a useful part of the grieving process. It certainly enabled me at least to reflect on my mother’s whole life and not just the more stressful and difficult recent years.”

 

“Thank you for being so kind and understanding throughout. I was dreading the service but we actually found the whole experience very cathartic and moving. Dad would have liked you very much. What you do is remarkable.”

 

“I just wanted to let you know that so many people have commented on how good the service was, and how personal you made it feel. My brother even told my mum that he would like you for his funeral, although we hope that won’t be for a long while yet as he is only 36!”