Funerals
When arranging a funeral for a family member or close friend it can be incredibly difficult to ensure that the ceremony honours and celebrates that person’s life. This needs to be handled with great care and respect which I do by working closely with those planning the funeral to ensure that the service reflects not only their wishes but also those of the deceased.
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I take the time to sit with the family of the person and through sensitive and careful questions I am able to create unique, sensitively written funeral and memorial services which allow friends and relatives to celebrate the life of their loved one, as well as making it a memorable experience for all present. We all have a unique story to be told and I help family members to tell that story in their own way, including appropriate music and poetry/reading choices to suit the occasion. I am also happy to include prayers, hymns or rituals as part of the service, it is important that the content is right for the family involved. My role is to listen, advise, make suggestions and support the family but not dictate what should or should not be included.
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In the UK, a traditional funeral involves a ceremony at a crematorium or in a religious building, followed by a burial or cremation. However, some families prefer to have two separate occasions, holding a smaller committal with a few close family members and friends, and then holding a memorial service for other guests to attend. I can help to create each of those ceremonies if required.
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As we become more environmentally aware, there is a growing requirement for natural burials (often called woodland burials) The ethos behind a natural burial is to return the body to the earth in a natural way with an environmentally friendly burial or interment of ashes.
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Ceremonies can then take place by the graveside, and many sites also provide indoor options for ceremonies if needed.
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I conduct funerals at crematoriums and natural burial grounds and a celebration of life ceremony can be conducted in any location, it does not have to be in a church or crematorium. I am more than happy to discuss options with the family and will liaise closely with the Funeral Director chosen by the family to ensure everything runs smoothly and professionally on the day.
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I am a member of the Association of Independent Celebrants, fully qualified and insured and adhere to their code of conduct for all services.
