I decided to train as a funeral celebrant because I passionately believe that we should and can make ceremony and Read more [...]
Ruth Valentine
Celebrant Category: Funeral Celebrant
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When someone’s died, the people closest to them – family, partner, friends – want the funeral to do them full justice, and to mark the end of that stage of their own lives. I see my job as helping them to design a ceremony that recalls the whole life and individuality of the person who’s died: their story, their tastes and quirks. The funeral becomes the place where all the complex feelings can be acknowledged, and a proper goodbye said.
Some people want a celebrant to act as a kind of MC, just introducing and ending the ceremony; others prefer to have the celebrant do most or all of the speaking, while they either brief me or ask me to read their words. I’m happy to take whatever role seems best, to make the funeral work for the people grieving. It may be a very simple service, with very few words – or even none; or a rich and complex one, with live music, poetry readings and several speakers. I’m also happy to advise anyone who wants to conduct the funeral themselves.
I also lead memorial services, and help people plan a ceremony for scattering ashes.
As well as doing this work, I’m a writer, and I bring writer’s skills to drafting the service, aiming to find the right tone and style for each situation. This is based on a first meeting with whoever is planning the funeral. They get to vet and amend what I’ve written, so that we know it’s accurate and appropriate.
I worked for many years as an advice worker, in multicultural settings, and with people in all kinds of complex situations. I also completed a foundation year of psychotherapy training, and I have a keen interest in how we respond to with the major events of our lives. I recently did some work as an undertaker in a modern, alternative company. This was an important and moving experience for me, understanding the physicality of death, and I believe it helps me in my work as a celebrant.
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Sara Krish
1.41 miles
Phone: 07973 51996531 Mount Pleasant Crescent
London
Greater London
N4 4HP
United KingdomWhen we lose a loved one, the world turns upside down and the thought of having to organise a funeral Read more [...]
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Robin Samson
2.77 miles
Phone: 0780 834 8854249 Navarino Mansions, Dalston Lane
London
Greater London
E8 1NY
United KingdomHaving been an actor and singer for over thirty-five years, and a peer-counsellor (and teacher of it) for almost as Read more [...]
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Paul Donne
10.51 miles
Phone: 07804 94633649 Cross Road
Romford
Essex
RM7 8AU
United Kingdom‘My aim is for you to feel fully supported throughout our entire time together.’ I’m Paul, and I have a Read more [...]
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Benn Abdy-Collins Dip. OCNL, MCPP
11.59 miles
296 Oldfield Lane North
Greenford
Greater London
UB6 8PS
United KingdomIn 2004, I closed my mother’s eyes for the final time. Her dying over the previous years had set me Read more [...]
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Allegra Taylor
17.92 miles
15 Sunbury Court
Sunbury-on-Thames
Surrey
TW16 5PP
United KingdomBeautiful Funeral Ceremonies I believe there is a growing desire in our lives for more personal ceremonies – a feeling Read more [...]
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Pauline Hyde-Coomber
23.88 miles
Phone: 07557953567 / 01494 67299573 Wattleton Rd
Beaconsfield
Buckinghamshire
HP9 1RS
United KingdomPauline highly values the importance of saying our last farewells in a fitting and appropriate ceremony which respects the wishes and Read more [...]
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Katie Deverell
25.96 miles
Phone: 01245 345548 0774529142116 Hamlet Road
Chelmsford
Essex
CM2 0EU
United KingdomA funeral marks a significant event – the end of a unique life. It is a time to express your Read more [...]
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Caroline Rayner
30.15 miles
Phone: 0739657878429 Finches Rise
Guildford
Surrey
GU1 2UW
United KingdomA funeral ceremony is a time to remember and celebrate your loved one, to honour their life with all its Read more [...]
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Christopher Garvey
34.28 miles
Phone: 0788 4967 77929 Freshfield Bank
Forest Row
East Sussex
RH18 5HQ
United KingdomI come from a background of teaching speech, drama and performance. It was by chance that I was made aware Read more [...]
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Jessica Green
34.73 miles
Phone: 07917238789202 London Road
Biggleswade
Central Bedfordshire
SG18 8PJ
United KingdomCeremonies crafted with care and compassion. I believe there is amazing healing power in a funeral ceremony that truly brings Read more [...]
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Alison McQuitty
37.95 miles
Phone: 0777 569 847837 Cholmeley Rd.
Reading
Berkshire
RG1 3NQ
United KingdomI know from bereavements in my own family how significant the funeral ceremony is in helping to navigate the complex Read more [...]
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Hannah Hedges Bowen
47.98 miles
Phone: 07866 89008438 Orchard Road
Tenterden
Kent
TN30 6ED
United KingdomA warm hearted professional celebrant, Hannah will help you create a funeral which accurately reflects the values and beliefs of Read more [...]
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Alex Marshall
48.99 miles
Phone: 01273 803 886St Magnus
Lewes
East Sussex
BN7 1BY
United KingdomWhen a family asks me to act as celebrant for the funeral of their loved one, first and foremost I Read more [...]
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Sue Goodrum
50.76 miles
Phone: 01227 262065 / 07837 64983616 Gorrell Road
Whitstable
Kent
CT5 1RN
United KingdomSue Goodrum is a thoughtful, warm hearted Celebrant who listens carefully to your stories and memories of the person who has Read more [...]
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Sarah Miles
51.01 miles
Phone: 07754198878Hidden address
Brighton
The City of Brighton and Hove
BN1 6LW
United KingdomI believe that creating a truly good ceremony becomes a threshold moment. Transforming for everyone involved, and lives, irrevocably changed. I Read more [...]
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Gillian Barnett
55.26 miles
Phone: 01227 740874 07544 51057411 Helding Close
Herne Bay
Kent
CT6 7EF
United KingdomI have empathy and understanding and I am committed to giving you the best ceremony possible, using beautiful words and Read more [...]
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Julie Flynn
56.34 miles
Private Address
Rustington
West Sussex
BN16 2AU
United KingdomI believe we should be free to create our own ceremonies which reflect our lives, everybody is different. I will work Read more [...]
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Chelsea Duke
63.91 miles
Phone: 07768 623217Private address
Winchester
Hampshire
United KingdomI am an independent, qualified Funeral Celebrant, based in Winchester and working throughout Hampshire and the surrounding areas. I will Read more [...]
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Gabrielle O‘Grady
64.13 miles
Phone: 07712 1121746D St. Clement Street
Winchester
Hampshire
SO23 9DR
United KingdomI was a stay at home mum for many years, thoroughly enjoying the privilege of being able to do so. When the children Read more [...]
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Malcolm Chewter
68.82 miles
Phone: 079587692025 Artillery Terrace, Old Canal
Portsmouth
Hampshire
PO4 8JB
United KingdomIndependent Family Celebrant offering support to those who have lost a loved one and a carefully crafted unique ceremony to Read more [...]
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Kathy Ellis
71.07 miles
Phone: 0757 691 172615 Kensington Road
Gosport
Hampshire
PO12
United KingdomI offer you the opportunity to have a personalised funeral ceremony and to celebrate the life of your loved one. Read more [...]
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Peter Campion
72.66 miles
Phone: 07784 085249 / 01794 51213912 Ashley Meadows
Romsey
Hampshire
SO51 7LT
United KingdomA well-planned funeral service is more than a last chance to say goodbye to someone you love. It’s an opportunity Read more [...]
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Raymond Rowland
72.97 miles
Phone: 07922-162886private address
Swindon
Swindon
SN1 3NJ
United KingdomI am available for funerals across Wiltshire, Berkshire, Oxfordshire and Gloucestershire. I am happy to create a unique ceremony, so that you Read more [...]
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Hugh Milsom
74.52 miles
Phone: 07798 610482Private Address
Swindon
Swindon
United KingdomThe death of a loved one is a tragic event – those left behind may well feel devastated and grief-stricken Read more [...]
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Keith Charlton
79.25 miles
Phone: 01162592118 078546675532 Wistow Road
Newton Harcourt
Leicestershire
LE8 9FT
United KingdomAt the heart of a funeral ceremony is the last opportunity to have someone’s life, character and deeds at the Read more [...]
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Allan Wilkins
85.92 miles
Phone: 01590 61001812 Mead Road
Lymington
Hampshire
SO41 8EP
United KingdomFunerals – Weddings – Naming. I offer a bespoke service, crafted to your requirements. The beliefs, wishes and values of Read more [...]
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Trevor Albutt
86.33 miles
Phone: 07947 15663982 Northwick Rd
Evesham
Worcestershire
WR11 3AL
United KingdomMy name is Trevor Albutt and I am a fully qualified Independent Funeral celebrant. I trained with Green Fuse – Read more [...]
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Clare Steele
90.78 miles
Phone: 07887 544428 01453 8831229 Hampton Fields
Stroud
Gloucestershire
GL5 2PH
United KingdomWorking with you I will create a beautiful and individual ceremony which celebrates and honours a unique life.
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Marie Pembridge
91.17 miles
Phone: 07814 801942Private address
Churchdown
Gloucestershire
United KingdomI care deeply about helping people to create honest, heartfelt and individual farewells which are all about the person who has Read more [...]
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Kit Handford
92.68 miles
Phone: 01225 24021812 Alma Street
Trowbridge
Wiltshire
BA14
United KingdomNot so long ago, if you wanted to get married, baptize children, or have a funeral, it would always Read more [...]
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Trevor Tearle
96.67 miles
Phone: 01502 51848532 Mast Close
Carlton Colville
Suffolk
NR33 8GU
United KingdomOffering an alternative to the traditional funeral service. I believe that each life is unique and deserves to be honoured Read more [...]
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Jacqui Moore
97.15 miles
Phone: 7799618009Box Tree Cottage, Kingswood Road, Hillesley
Wotton-under-Edge
Gloucestershire
GL12 7RP
United KingdomI work with you to create a ceremony that is right for your loved one and your family. Each ceremony Read more [...]
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Mike Grenville
98.72 miles
Phone: 0797492428917 Beechwood Avenue
Frome
Somerset
BA11
United KingdomAs a member of the Home Funeral Network Mike supports families to have the funeral in whatever form they would Read more [...]
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Juli Moran
99.54 miles
Phone: 0790 200 8055Private address
Shaftesbury
Dorset
United KingdomTrusting me to look after your loved one is an honour. My fee is £180 and I have over 6 Read more [...]
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Julie Barnes
102.42 miles
143 Abbey Road
West Bridgford
Nottinghamshire
NG2
United KingdomJulie Barnes Independent Funeral Celebrant Today, more people want to say farewell to their loved ones in their own way; Read more [...]
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Linda Daniels
110.56 miles
Phone: 01454 63376431 Salthouse Farm Park
Bristol
South Gloucestershire
BS35 4PF
United KingdomMy name is Linda Daniels, originally from Birmingham, I have lived in the Bristol area since 1974. I have 2 Read more [...]
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Sally Lever
113.63 miles
Phone: 07702 391 686BA5 2HX
Wells
Somerset
BA5 2HX
United KingdomWith a background in professional coaching, group facilitation and training that spans over 25 years, what I bring to this Read more [...]
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Stella Toynbee
117.44 miles
Phone: 01432 265638 075285844879 Tower Road
Hereford
Herefordshire
HR4
United KingdomI know how overwhelming it can feel when someone close to you dies, and how precious it is to have Read more [...]
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Terry Swain
121.16 miles
Phone: 07483 228134Belfry Cottage 22 Manor Farm Close, Maiden Newton, Dorset
Maiden Newton
Dorset
DT2 0EP
United KingdomMy name is Terry Swain and I am a Green Fuse trained independent funeral celebrant working throughout the Dorset and Read more [...]
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Katie Roberts
125.48 miles
Phone: 07503 9380041 Pentre Lane
Cwmbran
Torfaen
NP44 3AP
United KingdomA funeral marks a significant event – the crossing of a threshold, the end of a unique life, the loss Read more [...]
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Joan Lee
144.06 miles
Phone: 01984 624838 - 07866 567491Nunnington Park
Nunnington Park
Somerset
TA4
United KingdomJoan came to the role of Funeral celebrant with a commitment to providing personalised funerals. She works flexibly with funeral Read more [...]
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Julie Fox
155.42 miles
Phone: 07990 592021Private Address
Exeter
Devon
United KingdomMy name is Julie Fox and I am a Life Celebrant. I design funeral services that are personal, full of Read more [...]
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Debbie Jones
158.23 miles
Phone: 077 140 10 12539 Woodlawn Ct
Manchester
Greater Manchester
M16 9RJ
United KingdomDebbie wholeheartedly offers you her expertise, time and skills. She arranges, writes and conducts person-centred, bespoke ceremonies for all. She Read more [...]
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Mo Morrish
160.58 miles
Phone: 01392 422555/07977 14187483-84 Queen Street
Exeter
Devon
EX4
United KingdomEach human life like every great journey contains times of transition, periods of passing through, of entering into the unknown. Read more [...]
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Georgina Pugh
164.97 miles
Phone: 01377 219003 / 07743 8766092 Hudson Terrace
Bainton
East Riding of Yorkshire
YO25 9NH
United KingdomMy name is Georgina, I am a professional celebrant living and working in East Yorkshire and the City of York, Read more [...]
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Christine Cuzick
168.42 miles
Phone: 07876 29559041 Barn Owl Close
Torquay
Devon
TQ2 7TN
United Kingdom“Warmest thanks for your support, Christine. Truly an amazing day. You interpreted our needs skilfully and matched the ceremony exactly Read more [...]
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Bev Glanville Geake
170.53 miles
Phone: 07806 09519223 Laura Grove
Paignton
Torbay
TQ3 2LR
United KingdomI have had a long and varied nursing career in community nursing and education. Most recently I have lectured and Read more [...]
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Sarah Horton
172.48 miles
Phone: 07989 42710980 Earlsfield Road
Liverpool
Merseyside
L15 5BZ
United KingdomI am an independent funeral celebrant, working in and around Liverpool. I am committed to helping families and friends create Read more [...]
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Alison Timms
173.55 miles
Phone: 01803 752847 or 07788 100447Hidden address
Kingswear
Devon
TQ60DF
United KingdomI feel passionate about creating and conducting meaningful and personal funeral ceremonies where you the family and friends have a Read more [...]
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Testimonials:
"Thanks for everything! I appreciated your attention to detail and your reassuring presence on the day." Kate
"Thank you so so much for everything. The service was fantastic and you made it all easy and enjoyable and I didn't feel alone with the huge task of creating a funeral for my mum." Ramune
"You, in some way, made the saddest day of my life as bearable as it could be... We all appreciate how kind and patient you were with us when you visited the house and that eventually, together, we managed to put together a beautiful and fitting tribute to a son who will be remembered and missed by his family and all who knew him." Betty