Blog posts in the 'Eulogy' category
Dying Matters Awareness Week May 10, 2014
Filed under: Death, Dying Matters, Eulogy, Funerals
This coming week, I will be officiating at 4 different funerals. The last one of the week is for a gentleman in his 95th year – and so we could imagine it was a death ‘to be expected’. But my first funeral this week is for a man in his prime. A fit and healthy man whose […]
A Good Funeral March 31, 2014
Filed under: Celebrant, Death, Eulogy, Funerals, Thanks and Testimonials, Tradition
What exactly is a ‘good’ funeral? Is it one that upholds tradition; is very sombre; family and friends in deep mourning. Perhaps a horse-drawn hearse, an oak coffin and hymns such as The Old Rugged Cross and Guide me O though Great Jehovah’..? Lots of floral tributes, and a wake afterwards at the family home? Or […]
Funeral Celebrant – my promise to you November 11, 2013
Filed under: Celebrant, Eulogy, Funerals
The Cherish Pledge As a trained and responsible Funeral Celebrant, I promise that: I will make contact with the deceased’s next of kin as soon as possible and practicable I will visit the next of kin at their home (or other location) to discuss the funeral ceremony I will make no distinction on […]
Speech Writing Service October 28, 2013
Filed under: Eulogy, Funerals, Readings, Speech, Weddings
Unaccustomed as I am…. Need to make a Wedding Speech? Maybe you are the father of the bride? The Best Man? Or even the groom? Or maybe a proud son or daughter making a speech at your parents’ vow renewal ceremony? Maybe you’re a manager with a prize giving ceremony at work or school, or […]
Fancy Dress Funeral! September 30, 2013
Filed under: Celebrant, Eulogy, Funerals
As a celebrant, I think it is wonderful when people have planned their own funerals. Far too many people don’t, and I meet many families who are trying their best, through their grief, to second guess what the deceased would have wanted. 42 year old biker Gary Pattison died 5 days after a road accident. He […]
My Pledge as a Funeral Celebrant September 2, 2013
Filed under: Celebrant, Eulogy, Funerals
I don’t make the claim ‘Your Ceremony, Your Way’ lightly. As a supporter and member of the Natural Death Centre Charity, I undertake to abide by the following pledge: ‘As a celebrant who shares the values of the Natural Death Centre Charity, I see my role as supportive rather than directive, and I undertake to […]
Death of Irish Poet Seamus Heaney September 1, 2013
Filed under: Celebrant, Eulogy
I love words. I adore poetry. So it was sad that the pen of Seamus Heaney is stilled by his death this week, following a recent illness. The tributes have poured in from across the world, and doubtless the eulogy at his funeral tomorrow will be eloquent, as befits the man. Today, I listened to […]