Sandra McNeill

I am passionate about providing high quality, personal and meaningful funeral and memorial ceremonies without religious worship. I consider it a great honour to work in East Anglia with bereaved families, to provide a fitting funeral or memorial ceremony for loved ones.

I was aware of humanist ceremonies for a number of years before I decided to train as a celebrant. The first I attended was the funeral of a friend, who died tragically and at a relatively young age. She was given a wonderful send-off at a beautiful woodland burial site. Several years later, my niece and her partner asked me to ‘officiate’ at their wedding. It was a privilege to be involved in creating such a unique and joyous ceremony and it was immensely enjoyable and rewarding. Most of all however, it made me realise just how important it is that all of life’s milestones are properly and appropriately marked. I was reminded of my friend’s funeral. It had real meaning and was unique and personal to her. I felt strongly that I wanted to be part of a growing change, to use my skills and experience to offer a meaningful alternative to traditional religious services where the customs of the church can sometimes overshadow the celebration of the person who has died.

My varied career stood me in good stead in my transition to becoming a fully accredited Humanist Celebrant. I have many years’ experience working as a trainer, facilitator and mentor mostly in the charitable sector and more recently I have worked on research projects in East Africa. During numerous trips to Somalia, Kenya and Ethiopia, I have not only made many wonderful friends but have been humbled and inspired in equal measure by the achievements of passionate individuals working tirelessly to change lives, often in extremely difficult and hostile environments.

In my leisure time I am an avid reader and a member of two book groups. I love cooking, particularly for social occasions and I teach Persian dance. I am trying hard to get better at knitting and yoga! I am married to Jim and we both love cinema, music concerts, walking or cycling along the lanes of the Norfolk countryside or travelling further afield. But perhaps best of all, I am a hands-on nanny to two adorable little granddaughters.