I can also help people plan ahead and think about the type of ceremony they might want for themselves in the future.

This can be a real source of comfort for some people who know they are approaching the end of their life and want to think about the type of ceremony they would like. It has been a real privilege to me to sit and talk with people and their families, learning about their life, sharing anecdotes and significant events and making a treasured record that the family can keep.

I have then been able to draft a whole ceremony or the tribute section of the ceremony (as required) to be adapted and used when needed.

Although I cannot make a definite commitment to take the actual ceremony when the time comes, I would try my utmost to do so. When I have met the person and have learned from them about the important people and events in their life, it is an immense privilege to be able to take their funeral or memorial ceremony.

If I am unavailable to take the ceremony, my local colleagues and I have an arrangement whereby we are committed to taking each other’s ceremonies, if this is acceptable to the person commissioning the ceremony.