In 2002, my mother died in the Phyllis Tuckwell Hospice in Farnham.  When she was told she was terminally ill, she bravely raised the subject of her funeral. She asked me to organise something personal and non-religious.  At that time, there was only one alternative to a religious funeral service and that was a humanist ceremony.  The humanist officiant listened to everything my sister and I wanted.  With his help, we selected poems and music to suit my mother's sense of humour and positive outlook on life.  With contributions from my sister, I wrote the tribute and my husband read it out.  

When my father died in 2006, I realised that, not only did I want to write the tribute, I was determined to read it.  From the comments afterwards, I discovered that very few people are aware that you can have a funeral which is not conducted by a clergyman.  Most people I spoke to loved the idea of a ceremony where the empasis is on the life, achievements and character of the deceased.  I decided to become a funeral celebrant so I could provide this valuable service to others. 

I was a member of the British Humanist Association for many years.  However, after much thought, I decided to train to become a celebrant with Civil Ceremonies Ltd in October 2008.  I am passionate about providing the best possible send-off for each and every family.  On average, I conduct four ceremonies each week.

I write each ceremony to suit your requirements based on what you tell me or any notes you may have made.  I will email or post the draft script for your approval.  You may have no religious beIiefs, like my parents and prefer the ceremony to be completely non-religious.  Or, whilst you may not practise a religion,  you may have a favourite hymn or piece of religious music which you would like to sing or listen to.  A civil funeral ceremony is suitable for families where a variety of different faiths and none are followed.