Alternative Services

Increasingly funeral ceremonies are being held without a church service, and for many people who have not attended church regularly, or perhaps never attended at all, a full religious ceremony is neither wanted nor apt. So what is the alternative? Contrary to what most people believe you do not need to have a minister to conduct the service. A ceremony celebrating your loved ones life, conducted in a sensitive but non religious nature is becoming more acceptable and desirable.

When a family member or close friend dies you may feel bewildered, sad and emotional. It can be overwhelming when you realize all that needs to be arranged in such a very short time. Ensuring that the service and committal is carried out with care, compassion and understanding is probably foremost in your mind at this time.

What you will be looking for is someone who is sincere and competent and who is willing to discuss with you what you want and what you feel is appropriate for the service. A vital part of the ceremony is celebrating the life of your loved one. It is essential that a picture is painted of their life to serve as a focal point for other's thoughts and memories. This brief life history, mentioning loving and treasured memories, important dates, places and people form the basis for the ceremony.

Most of all it should be a fitting and lasting tribute to your loved one and a lasting memorial that they themselves would be proud of.

I am a sensitive and caring, mature lady who has experience in helping with bereavement, grief and compliance of loved ones wishes in a practical and efficient manner. Taking the time to ensure that the ceremony is a fitting tribute to your loved one and a real celebration of life. For a non-religious but very caring service please contact me in the first instance by telephone on 01257 249729 or 07890686691. I will then make arrangements to meet with you or your representative and discuss your requirements.

When carried out in a sincere and structured format it is a time for parents, grandparents, relatives and friends to celebrate their love and joy for your child. A naming ceremony is for children of all ages. It is a time to show your love and commitment and your hopes and dreams for your child's future. A time for the chosen guardians to express their support and encouragement for your child as he or she grows up. Its also a time to celebrate the meaning of your childs name and how you envisage your child reaching their full potential under your love and protection. It is also a day of celebration and happiness for all.

I am a sensitive and caring mother of two and grandmother of four. With experience of ensuring that you and your child (or children) will have a caring and loving experience. Making it a day to remember and a wonderful celebration for your family and friends. A day to ensure your child feels your unconditional love, acceptance and protection.

Handfasting is originally a Celtic tradition and now adopted into many New Age practices. It signifies a betrothal for a year and a day. If all goes well then a second handfast binds the couple together - heart, mind, body and spirit for as long as love lasts.

Usually the handfast ceremony is outdoors, in as natural a setting as can be found then lanterns, candles, twinkling lights and flowers are added to create a beautiful setting. Colourful robes or flowing silks are often worn for there are no restrictions or laws to govern dress code or ceremony.

Kindly spirits and ancient ancestors are evoked and invited. The loving couple make their own pledges to each other as their wrists are gently bound together with cord. The tied cord indicates their mutual commitment and so we have the old saying to "tie the knot". The betrothed couple then jump over the broomstick which is their leap of faith into a new life together. It is a beautiful Pagan celebration with traditional cakes and ale, dancing, singing and merriment.

For a non-religious but very caring ceremony please contact me in the first instance by telephone on 01257 249729 or 07890686691, or email Binah49@aol.com. or visit my website www.celebrationoflifeservices.co.uk I will then make arrangements to meet with you or your representative and discuss your requirements.

"Thank you so much for your care and delivery of mums service. We found you to be very kind and thoughtful. You helped us through a very difficult time which we appreciated." Regards Maralyn.

"Thank you so much for making Ian's funeral so wonderful. From the moment I met you I had such a feeling of calm and felt sure everything would be ok. Our friends have been telephoning today to say what a lovely "send off". We gave to Ian exactly what he wished for. Thank you for your love and care." Beryl & family.

"Just a note to say thank you for officiating at the Celebration of Life service for Auntie Dorothy. It was a lovely and very uplifting service which was enjoyed by all. You delivered it so very well. Thank you. With Best Wishes." Elizabeth.

"Thank you for the beautiful ceremony which you held for our mother. Your words were perfect - we could not ask for a better send off. We truly thankyou from the bottom of our hearts. God bless you." Love Robert & Gemma.

"Hello Trish, we cannot thank you enough for today, it was perfect. You were such a kind, caring and sympathetic person when you spoke to us when we were so bewildered and sad over losing our beloved mum. Love and best wishes." Karen.

"Many thanks for the service for my mother. All I spoke to thought it original, thought provoking and beautifully delivered. Kind Regards." Peter.

"I just wanted to thank you from the bottom of my heart. Firstly for your sensitive helping hand in organising our thoughts and memories of mum to make the service very personal to her. And secondly for the way you conducted the service. You made it so spiritual. It was acceptable to all - religious and non-religious. I think you will know from the number of people who approached you afterwards that everyone - family and friends - thought you did a wonderful job. I hope we will not have need of your services again too soon, but should the need arise I do hope you will be available for us. So thanks once again Trish." Joyce.

"Trish, thank you so very much for the words you put together and expressed during the celebration of life ceremony at my dad's cremation. It was a sad sad day but I know my dad was there listening and he would have been proud of your words and how he is thought of in our minds. Thank you very much, Debbie."