The death of a relative or close friend can be a tough experience for many of us. The funeral should give family and friends both an opportunity to celebrate the life that has been lived, as well as to express and share their sadness. Each ceremony deserves to be remembered as an occasion that uniquely and appropriately honours the person’s life with dignity, respect and love.

A growing number of people choose to live their lives without holding any religious beliefs, and it is important for their funeral to respect this.  Humanist Funerals are tailored and personalised ceremonies that make no reference to religious concepts; they are both inclusive of and acceptable to those attending for whom religion is part of their lives. The ceremonies can take place anywhere you choose (except in religious buildings or sites), though most are conducted at Crematoria or Burial Grounds.

Some people choose to have a simple Funeral ceremony, followed by a Memorial ceremony. This can be rich and full of wonderful detail and are typically much more relaxed because they are held in venues where people feel comfortable – eg. at home, in a pub or hotel, a village hall, a school, a college – even outdoors if the weather is fine.

I am an accredited Humanist Celebrant with Humanists UK and have conducted a wide variety (well over 1,000 as at August 2019) of funerals of differing style, formality and size.

When planning a Funeral and/or Memorial, I usually meet the family and friends in order to jointly create a ceremony that is unique and appropriate. Whatever the circumstances, I am non-judgmental and sensitive to the wishes of everyone involved.

A Funeral Ceremony usually includes music (recorded/live), poems, readings and tributes (all of which I can advise on).

A typical order of ceremony: 

• Music for gathering and entrance
• Welcome and introduction
• Tribute(s) – spoken by Rebecca, family & friends
• Poems and/or Readings
• Personal Reflection Time – an opportunity for quiet thought & private prayer (silent or with background music)
• Closing words – thankyous and announcements
• Final Farewell (Committal)
• Closing music

On the day, I act as the "mistress of ceremonies" and coordinate the whole ceremony. I will also write tailored pieces, particularly the tribute, and will read pieces on behalf of family and friends.

Memorial ceremonies have similar content but without the time restrictions associated with many Funerals.

Some recent testimonials: