A Funeral Celebrant is someone qualified to host and officiate funeral services. As well as conducting the funeral itself (non-religious and semi -religious), celebrants are involved in planning the order of service, music, writing the eulogy and creating a meaningful service for the person who has died.

One of the biggest benefits of having a celebrant-led funeral is their openness and inclusivity. They allow you to create a ceremony that is a true reflection of the deceased. Many feel that typical funerals don't offer any kind of emotional weight or psychological transformation, despite this being a huge part of the grieving process. However a funeral celebrant will try to bring a sense of light to the ceremony, reminding the mourners that the individual lived a beautiful, meaningful life. It also gives you the flexibility to factor in different beliefs and wishes, without being tied to specific structure.

This will be included as part of the costs you pay to the Funeral Director.

As part of the service, I will carry out a home visit where I will ask questions to attain information, stories and memories. Some areas you may wish to think about include:- - Where the deceased was born and grew up - Siblings and family members they grew up with - School days and childhood stories - Partners, children, grandchildren and other family members - Closest friends - Armed forces/National Service - Career plans and places of work - Groups and societies they belonged to - Interests and achievements - Favourite memories - Musical tastes - Significant events - Sayings and stories - What will you remember them most for? - Did the deceased make any personal requests for their own funeral? - Will anybody else be speaking at/participating at the service? - What 5 words best describe your loved one? You should also think about songs, poems, hymns or prayers that you might like at the funeral. You can find lots of examples of popular choices which may help you under the other sections of my FAQs

It's your choice. Many people will leave the bulk of the funeral to the celebrant, which is perfectly normal and understandable given the circumstance. However, should you wish for a family member or friend to speak, carry out a reading or maybe recite a poem, that is perfectly fine and will be discussed as part of my home visit and our time working together. And I will always be on hand during the ceremony to lend support or take over should the reader find the situation to emotional. You can have as many readings, tributes or poems as you would like, although please understand this may be limited to the time we have available in the chapel which is normally around 30 minutes. Should you wish for hymns or a prayer to be included in the ceremony, I can also easily accommodate.

Naturally there is an order to the day, however it is completely up to you should you wish to devise a printed order of service to support. Your Funeral Director would normally help you choose and some people like to keep this as a keepsake.

Yes, I can hold a service or celebration of life wherever you wish it to be.

You can shed tears that he/she is gone Or you can smile because he has lived. You can close your eyes and pray that he’ll come back, Or you can open your eyes and see all he’s left. Your heart can be empty because you can’t see him, Or you can be full of the love you have shared. You can turn your back on tomorrow and live yesterday, Or you can be happy for tomorrow because of yesterday. You can remember him and only that he’s gone, Or you can cherish his memory and let it live on. You can cry and close your mind, be empty and turn your back, Or you can do what he’d want: smile, open your eyes, love and go on.

Do not stand at my grave and weep I am not there, I do not sleep. I am a thousand winds that blow, I am the diamond's glint on snow. I am the sunlight on ripened grain, I am the gentle autumn rain. When you awaken in the morning's hush, I am the swift uplifting rush Of quiet birds in circled flight, I am the soft stars that shine at night. Do not stand at my grave and cry, I am not there, I did not die.

When I come to the end of the road And the sun has set for me I want no rites in a gloom filled room Why cry for a soul set free? Miss me a little, but not for long And not with your head bowed low Remember the love that once we shared Miss me, but let me go. For this is a journey we all must take And each must go alone. It's all part of the master plan A step on the road to home. When you are lonely and sick at heart Go to the friends we know. Laugh at all the things we used to do Miss me, but let me go.

To the living, I am gone, To the sorrowful, I will never return, To the angry, I was cheated, But to the happy, I am at peace, And to the faithful, I have never left. I cannot speak, but I can listen. I cannot be seen, but I can be heard. So as you stand upon a shore gazing at a beautiful sea, As you look upon a flower and admire its simplicity, Remember me. Remember me in your heart: Your thoughts, and your memories, Of the times we loved, The times we cried, The times we fought, The times we laughed. For if you always think of me, I will never have gone.

Don’t cry for me. I will be okay. Heaven is my home now, and this is where I’ll stay. Don’t cry for me. I’m where I belong. I want you to be happy and try to stay strong. Don’t cry for me. It was just my time, but I will see you someday on the other side. Don’t cry for me. I am not alone. The angels are with me to welcome me home. Don’t cry for me, for I have no fear. All my pain is gone, and Jesus took my tears. Don’t cry for me. This is not the end. I’ll be waiting here for you when we meet again.

Don’t cry for me now I have died, For I’m still here I’m by your side, My body’s gone but my soul is here, Please don’t shed another tear, I am still here I’m all around, Only my body lies in the ground. I am the snowflake that kisses your nose,
 I am the frost, that nips your toes.
 I am the sun, bringing you light,
 I am the star, shining so bright.
 I am the rain, refreshing the earth,
 I am the laughter, I am the mirth.
 I am the bird, up in the sky,
 I am the cloud, that’s drifting by.
 I am the thoughts, inside your head,
 While I’m still there, I can’t be dead.

Don’t remember me with sadness Don’t remember me with tears Remember all good times Shared throughout the years Now I am contented That my life it was worthwhile Because I know by loving you That I made you smile When you are walking down the street And you’ve got me on your mind I’m walking in your footsteps Only half a step behind So please don’t be unhappy Just because I’m out of sight Remember that I’m with you Every morning, noon and night

God saw you getting tired, When a cure was not to be. So He wrapped his arms around you, And whispered, "Come to me". You didn't deserve what you went through, So He gave you rest. God's garden must be beautiful, He only takes the best And when I saw you sleeping, So peaceful and free from pain I could not wish you back To suffer that again.

It’s been the hardest thing to lose you You meant so much to me But you are in our heart’s dad And that’s where you’ll always be I know that heaven called you But I wish you could have stayed At least the memories we have of you They will never fade We did not want to lose you But you did not go alone Because a part of us went with you When heaven called you home So just remember one thing We are not apart You’re with us in our memories And in our broken hearts

When I am gone, release me, let me go. I have so many things to see and do, You mustn't tie yourself to me with too many tears, But be thankful we had so many good years. I gave you my love, and you can only guess How much you've given me in happiness. I thank you for the love that you have shown, But now it is time I traveled on alone. So grieve for me a while, if grieve you must, Then let your grief be comforted by trust. It is only for a while that we must part, So treasure the memories within your heart. I won't be far away for life goes on. And if you need me, call and I will come. Though you can't see or touch me, I will be near. And if you listen with your heart, you'll hear, All my love around you soft and clear. And then, when you come this way alone, I'll greet you with a smile and a 'Welcome Home'.

You've just walked on ahead of me And I’ve got to understand You must release the ones you love And let go of their hand. I try and cope the best I can But I’m missing you so much If I could only see you And once more feel your touch. Yes, you’ve just walked on ahead of me Don’t worry I’ll be fine But now and then I swear I feel Your hand slip into mine.

There is a train at the station with a seat reserved just for me I’m excited about its destination as I’ve heard it sets you free The trials and tribulations, the pain and stress we breathe Doesn’t exist where I am going, only happiness, I believe I hope that you will be there to wish me on my way It’s not a journey you can join in, it’s not your time today There will be many destinations, some are happy some are sad Each one a brief reminder of the great times that we’ve had Many friends I know are waiting, who took an earlier train To greet and reassure me, that nothing has really changed We will take the time together to catch up on the past To build a new beginning one that will always last One day you will take your journey on the train just like me And I promise that I’ll be there at the station and you will see That life is just a journey enriched by those you meet No one can take that from you, it’s always yours to keep But now as no seat is vacant you will have to muddle through Make sure you fulfil your ambitions as you know I’ll be watching you And if there is an occasion to mention who you knew Speak kindly of that person as one day it will be you Now I can’t accept this ending and as its time for me to leave Please make haste to the reception, to enjoy my drinks they’re free.

I’d like the memory of me to be a happy one. I’d like to leave an afterglow of smiles when life is done. I’d like to leave an echo whispering softly down the ways, Of happy times and laughing times and bright and sunny days. I’d like the tears of those who grieve, to dry before the sun; Of happy memories that I leave when life is done.

Death is nothing at all I have only slipped away into the next room. I am I and you are you. Whatever we were to each other that we are still. Call me by my old familiar name. Speak to me in the easy way which you always used. Put no difference in your tone; wear no forced air of solemnity or sorrow. Laugh as we always laughed at the little jokes we enjoyed together. Play, smile, think of me, pray for me. Let my name be ever the household word that it always was. Let it be spoken without effort, without the ghost of a shadow on it. Life means all that it ever meant. It is the same as it ever was; there is absolutely unbroken continuity. Why should I be out of mind because I am out of sight? I am waiting for you for an interval, Somewhere very near, just around the corner. All is well.

Tear drops, slow and steady, The pain so real and true, God took another angel, And that angel, dear, was you. Angel wings, upon the clouds, Your body softly sleeps, Hush now little angel, No more tears you have to weep. Little prayers are sent to you, The short life you led; Your family will never forget you, So rest your little head. I know God will look after you, Now you are truly alive, Your spirit soars beyond the moon, Your legacy will survive. You’re beautiful, you’re endless, Now stretch your wings and fly, You’re loved by so many, It will never be goodbye. Close your pretty eyes, No more tears, just go and rest, Let your soul lie peacefully, We know you did your best.

Don’t think of her/him as gone away Her/His journey’s just begun, Life holds so many facets This earth is only one. Just think of her/him as resting From the sorrows and the tears In a place of warmth and comfort Where there are no days and years. Think how she/he must be wishing That we could know today How nothing but our sadness Can really pass away. And think of her/him as living In the hearts of those she/he touched For nothing loved is ever lost And she/he was loved so much.

Sunset and evening star, And one clear call for me! And may there be no moaning of the bar, When I put out to sea, But such a tide as moving seems asleep, Too full for sound and foam, When that which drew from out the boundless deep Turns again home. Twilight and evening bell, And after that the dark! And may there be no sadness of farewell, When I embark; For though from out our bourne of Time and Place The flood may bear me far, I hope to see my Pilot face to face When I have crossed the bar.

To my dearest darling Nana Up in Heaven, high above I know today you’re with us all And sending all your love Today we all remember you And bid you one last goodbye Celebrate the life you’ve had And maybe have a cry You’ll never be forgotten Nan I’ll just close my eyes and see Your smiling face and feel your love And you’ll be close to me You had such a long life So many have so less It was your time, the Angels came And placed you with the best So dear Nana, up above Although your no longer here In my heart is where I’ll keep you Forever, you’ll be near

So go and run free with the angels Dance around the golden clouds For the lord has chosen you to be with him And we should feel nothing but proud Although he has taken you from us And our pain a lifetime will last Your memory will never escape us But make us glad for the time we did have Your face will always be hidden Deep inside our hearts Each precious moment you gave us Shall never, ever depart So go and run free with the angels As they sing so tenderly And please be sure to tell them To take good care of you for me

Don’t grieve for me, for now I’m free, I’m following the path God laid for me I took his hand when I heard his call, I turned my back and left it all I could not stay another day, To laugh, to love, to work, to play Tasks left undone must stay that way, I’ve found that peace at the end of the day If my parting has left a void, Then feel it with remembered joy A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss, Ah, yes, these things too I will miss Be not burdened with times of sorrow, I wish you the sunshine of tomorrow My Life’s been full, I savoured much, Good friends, good times, a loved one’ touch Perhaps my time seemed all too brief, Don’t lengthen it now with undue grief Lift up your heart and share with me, God wanted me now, He set me free

When tomorrow starts without me And I’m not here to see If the sun should rise and find your eyes Filled with tears for me I wish so much you wouldn’t cry The way you did today While thinking of the many things We didn’t get to say I know how much you love me As much as I love you And each time you think of me I know you’ll miss me too When tomorrow starts without me Don’t think we’re far apart For every time you think of me I’m right there in your heart

I thought of you with love today but that is nothing new I thought about you yesterday and days before that too I think of you in silence. I often speak your name All I have are memories and your picture in a frame Your memory is my keepsake with which I’ll never part God has you in his keeping I have you in my heart A million times we've wanted you, A million times we cried If love could only have saved you, you never would have died It broke our hearts to lose you but you didn't go alone For a part of us went with you the day God called you home

By the edge of a woods, at the foot of a hill, Is a lush, green meadow where time stands still. Where the friends of a man and woman do run, When their time on earth is over and done. For here, between this world and the next, Is a place where each beloved creature finds a rest. On this golden land, they wait and they play, Till the Rainbow Bridge they cross over one day. No more do they suffer, in pain or in sadness, For here they are whole, their lives filled with gladness. Their limbs are restored, their health renewed, Their bodies have healed, with strength imbued. They romp through the grass, without even a care, Until one day they start, and sniff at the air. All ears prick forward, eyes dart front and back, Then all of a sudden, one breaks from the pack. For just at that instant, their eyes have met; Together again, both person and pet. So they run to each other, these friends from long past, The time of their parting is over at last. The sadness they felt while they were apart, Has turned into joy once more in each heart. They embrace with a love that will last forever, And then, side-by-side, they cross over… together.

If it should be that I grow weak, And pain should keep me from my sleep, Then you must do what must be done, For this last battle cannot be won. You will be sad, I understand; Don't let your grief then stay your hand. For this day more than all the rest, Your love for me must stand the test. We've had so many happy years - What is to come can hold no fears. You'd not want me to suffer so; The time has come, so let me go. Take me where my needs they'll tend And please stay with me until the end. Hold me firm and speak to me Until my eyes no longer see. I know in time that you will see The kindness that you did for me. Although my tail its last has waved, From pain and suffering I've been saved. Please do not grieve - it must be you Who had this painful thing to do. We've been so close, we two, these years - Don't let your heart hold back its tears.

Have you ever wondered Why dogs don't live that long? It's because their souls are true And their love is strong. Dogs give their heart away Totally for free. They love us as we are, Unconditionally. We people are slow learners, So we need many years To figure out life's purpose, What we're doing here… How to be gentle and kind, And to be rich in love, And how to live a good life - Dogs know well enough. Our loyal canine friends  Can teach us lots of things, Like taking delight in nature; The simple joy it brings. Dogs enjoy the smell of grass And the warmth of the sun. They dig a restful midday nap As much as a good run. They're always very eager To welcome a brand new day; Always full of enthusiasm For whatever comes their way. All they ask is our attention; Just a cuddle or a touch. To be happy and content, They really don't need much. Dogs greet their special humans Very passionate and loud; They're not the least bit afraid  To let their emotions out. No matter their age, They keep a keen sense of play. Dogs live mindful, in the now, Seizing each and every day. Dogs are always faithful; The love they give is true; That's why dogs don't have to live As long as humans do!

I read of a man who stood to speak At the funeral of a friend He referred to the dates on the tombstone From the beginning…to the end He noted that first came the date of birth And spoke the following date with tears, But he said what mattered most of all Was the dash between those years For that dash represents all the time That they spent alive on earth. And now only those who loved them Know what that little line is worth For it matters not, how much we own, The cars…the house…the cash. What matters is how we live and love And how we spend our dash. So, think about this long and hard. Are there things you’d like to change? For you never know how much time is left That can still be rearranged. If we could just slow down enough To consider what’s true and real And always try to understand The way other people feel. And be less quick to anger And show appreciation more And love the people in our lives Like we’ve never loved before. If we treat each other with respect And more often wear a smile, Remembering this special dash Might only last a little while So, when your eulogy is being read With your life’s actions to rehash… Would you be proud of the things they say About how you spent YOUR dash?

A light went out on Earth for me The day we said goodbye And on that day a star was born, The brightest in the sky Reaching through the darkness With its rays of purest white Lighting up the Heavens As it once lit up my life With beams of love to heal The broken heart you left behind Where always in my memory Your lovely star will shine

I missed you today but that’s nothing new, I missed you a million times yesterday too. I picked up my phone to tell you the news, then realised, again, I can’t text it to you. I saw your bright smile, at least twenty times, and then I remember, it’s all in my mind. I drive without presence, the world feels surreal, And on comes your song and this doesn’t seem real. I missed you today but I miss you a lot, It’s helpful to miss you, it’s all that I’ve got. I wish I could pull you down here for a while I’m frightened to lose the shape of your smile. I miss you today and I’ll miss you tomorrow, There seems to be no coming end to this sorrow. I try to go on as I know that you care, I know that you’re willing me on from up there. I miss you today but I’m trying to find, A way to move on but not leave you behind. A way to forge on with the love that we had, A way to recall you and simply feel…glad.

A life well lived is a precious gift Of hope and strength and grace From someone who has made our world A brighter, better place. It’s filled with moments, sweet and sad With smiles and sometimes tears With friendships formed and good times shared And laughter through the years A life well lived is a legacy Of joy and pride and pleasure A living, lasting memory Our grateful hearts will treasure

Think of me as one at rest, for me you should not weep I have no pain no troubled thoughts for I am just asleep The living thinking me that was, is now forever still And life goes on without me now, as time forever will. If your heart is heavy now because I’ve gone away Dwell not long upon it friend For none of us can stay Those of you who liked me, I sincerely thank you all And those of you who loved me, I thank you most of all. And in my fleeting lifespan, as time went rushing by I found some time to hesitate, to laugh, to love, to cry Matters it now if time began If time will ever cease? I was here, I used it all, and now I am at peace

There's a robin on my fence today, A feather by my feet A heart-shaped leaf that blows along Beside me down the street Your song played on the radio This morning in the car And just last night I could've sworn I saw a shooting star The sun and rain are dancing Making rainbows in the sky And on the slightest breeze I watch A butterfly go by And people might say these are not The signs I know they are That it is just coincidence Your song played in the car That it is just the sky And it is just the birds and breeze A little windy weather And the nature of the trees But there is nothing little About the way they make me feel The sense of peace they carry Is both comforting and real Because it's just one song And just one butterfly and bird Just one star and just one leaf In one enormous world And so the probability Of noticing it all Is close to nearly nothing; Almost infinitely small And that is how I know That when that leaf floats into view It isn't a coincidence, But a sign of love from you So keep on shooting stars to me, Keep playing me your song Whilst you dance atop the rainbows And blow heart-shaped leaves along Yes, keep on sending signs my love I'll always look around For your butterflies on breezes And your feathers on the ground

Here's a list of some of the most popular songs chosen for services:- My Way - Frank Sinatra Angels - Robbie Williams I’ve Had the Time of My Life - Jennifer Warnes and Bill Medley Wind Beneath My Wings - Bette Middler Hallelujah - Jeff Buckley/Leonard Cohen/Bon Jovi/Alexandra Burke Pie Jesu - Requiem Candle in the Wind - Elton John With or Without You - U2 Tears in Heaven - Eric Clapton Every Breath You Take - The Police Unchained Melody - Righteous Brothers My Heart Will Go On - Celine Dion I Will Always Love You - Whitney Houston The Best - Tina Turner God Only Knows - The Beach Boys Yesterday - The Beatles Only You - The Platters You'll Never Walk Alone - Gerry and the Pacemakers Bridge Over Troubled Water - Simon and Garfunkel Time to Say Goodbye - Sarah Brightman & Andrea Bocelli /Katherine Jenkins Memories - Elvis Presley Love Changes Everything - Michael Ball Love Lifts Us Up Where We Belong - Jo Cocker. Eternal Flame - The Bangles Hasta Manana - ABBA Always on my Mind - Elvis Presley Nothing Compares 2 U - Sinead O'Connor Goodbye My Lover - James Blunt Over the Rainbow - Eva Cassidy Memory - Barbara Streisand/Elaine Paige We'll Meet Again - Vera Lynn Everybody Hurts - R.E.M. Always - Bon Jovi He Ain't Heavy, He's My Brother - The Hollies Run - Snow Patrol/Leona Lewis Crying - Roy Orbison A Different Corner - George Michael You Raise Me Up - Westlife Unforgettable - Nat King Cole In the Mood - Glen Miller If I Can Dream =Elvis Presley The Wonder of You - Elvis Presley The Way We Were - Barbara Streisand The Other Side - David Gray Gone Too Soon - Michael Jackson It's So Hard To Say Goodbye To Yesterday - Boys II Men Song For Guy - Elton John Stay - Shakespear's Sister Knockin' On Heaven's Door - Bob Dylan / Guns n' Roses Rise - Gabrielle These Are The Days Of Our Lives - Queen Dance With My Father - Luther Vandross Because You Loved Me - Celine Dion I'll Be Missing You - Puff Daddy Like An Angel Passing Through My Room - ABBA Remember Me - From the Disney Coco Soundtrack I Honestly Love You - Olivia Newton John Who Wants To Live Forever - Queen Miss You Like Crazy - Natalie Cole There's No One Quite Like Grandma -St Winnifreds School Choir Grandad -Clive Dunn Make Me A Channel Of Your Peace - Sinead O'Connor Love Of My Life -Queen Life On Mars -David Bowie Softly As I leave You -Matt Monro/Andy Williams/Frank Sinatra The Living Years -Mike And The Mechanics Let It Be - The Beatles Angel - Eurthymics Hymn To Her - The Pretenders Here's a list of popular film theme songs, which would all work nicely with a video tribute or entry music especially if one was a favourite film of your loved one. Nimrod - Elgar (played at Royal funerals and also Remembrance Sunday) Adagio - (From the film Spartacus and Onedin Line theme tune) Star Wars Jurassic Park ET Harry Potter The Great Escape The Magnificent 7 Where Eagles Dare Chariots Of Fire Born Free The Godfather Love Story Brokeback Mountain Dances With Wolves Doctor Zhivago Gone With The Wind Breakfast At Tiffany's (Moonriver) Gladiator Casablanca (As Time Goes By) The Deer Hunter (Cavatina) Married Life (from Disney Pixar's Up) Here's a list of songs for those with a sense of humour or for those who want a more uplifting song Another One Bites The Dust -Queen Going Underground = The Jam Burn Baby Burn (Disco Inferno) - The Trammps/Tina Turner Burning Love - Elvis Presley Always Look On the Bright Side of Life - Eric Idle / Monty Python Wish Me Luck As You Wave Me Goodbye - Gracie Fields Enjoy Yourself, it’s Later than You Think - The Specials Bring Me Sunshine - Morecombe and Wise Fire - Kasabian Cabaret - Liza Minnelli Light My Fire - The Doors / Will Young Fire - Arthur Brown Firestarter - The Prodigy Highway To Hell - AC/DC Stairway To Heaven - Led Zepplin Don't Worry, Be Happy - Bobby Ferrin Hot Stuff - Donna Summer The Circle of Life - Elton John/Lion King Soundtrack Spirit In The Sky - Norman Greenbaum/Dr & The Medics/Gareth Gates Gonna Fly Now - Rocky Soundtrack Nobody Does It Better - Carly Simon Three Little Birds (Don't Worry About A Thing) -Bob Marley & The Wailers Here's some suggestion for songs for pet funerals Old Shep - Elvis Presley Bright Eyes - Art Garfunkel You're My Best Friend - Queen Shannon - Henry Goss Galloping Home - Black Beauty Theme Tune Puppy Love - Donny Osmond You've Got A Friend In Me - Toy Story Soundtrack Best Of Friends - Disney's Fox & The Hound Soundtrack Get Down - Gilbert O' Sullivan Ev'rybody Wants To Be A Cat - Disney's Aristocats Soundtrack Over the Rainbow - Eva Cassidy

The Lord’s My Shepherd, Amazing Grace, Praise My Soul the King of Heaven, Guide me O Thou Great Redeemer, Love Divine All Loves Excelling, I Vow to Thee My Country, All Things Bright and Beautiful, The Day Thou Gavest Lord is Ended, Dear Lord and Father of Mankind, Jerusalem, The Old Rugged Cross, The King of Love My Shepherd is, Morning Has Broken, Lord of all Hopefulness, How Great Thou Art, Abide With Me