Independent Celebrant in Shropshire & Mid Wales
About Me
I am open minded, down to earth and young at heart.
With a degree in social history and anthropology I have always been interested in how people have always needed to individually and collectively mark life’s rites of passage. Thirty years of working professionally in arts, event and volunteer management have honed my creative and organisational skills.
Creating and planning naming ceremonies for my own children and later the funerals for my parents, helped me to fully appreciate the importance of shared ceremonies. I followed my desire to train to work in a highly personal, creative and direct way with people to make tailor-made memorable ceremonies for important life moments.
I am passionate about nature and the outdoors - I love hill walking with my lurcher, outdoor swimming, kayaking, yoga and gardening. I read voraciously and love to sing acapella harmony songs.
As a mother and grandmother, love and nurturing is central to my life.
My Training
In 2013 I took part in the Rites of Passage summer school with Sue Gill (of www.Deadgoodguides.co.uk) and Gilly Adams, four inspirational and creative days considering ritual and ceremony and its significance in our lives.
In 2018 I trained to become a funeral celebrant with Green Fuse, led by Simon Smith and Jane Morrell of www.heartandsoulfunerals.co.uk.
My National Level 3 OCNLR Diploma qualification is accredited by The Open College Network. Green Fuse won Funeral Directors of 2012 and are highly recommended by The Good Funeral Guide.
In 2019 I trained and worked as a ceremonies officer for Shropshire Council, marrying couples in licensed venues.
In 2021 I completed ‘Lost Rites’, a 12 week course on ritual and ceremony, led by Alexander Derwen. www.journeywithdeath.com
In 2023, ten years on, I went on the Rites of Passage course for the second time. I wanted to stretch and deepen my approach with the benefit and perspective of four years experience of working as a celebrant. I never want to stop learning. It was equally inspirational as the first time.
How I Work
We’ll talk on the phone initially and I’ll find out what you are considering. If you decide that I am the right celebrant for you, we’ll meet up in person, if distance allows, and have a proper good long chat - hopefully fuelled by tea and cake!
We can design a ceremony that’s formal or informal, indoor or outdoor, intimate or on a bigger scale, it all depends on what suits you. There are no rules! Everybody is different and a celebrant led ceremony allows you to do your own thing, your way.
I will listen to you and help you to work out what you want, what truly matters to you. I understand how to create a ceremony that flows and will find the right words to soothe your soul and make your heart sing. Being a celebrant is such a privilege, you can trust me to listen well and guide you where you need to go, bringing your ceremony to life with warmth and colour.
Following our meeting I’ll have a good think, draft a script and review it with you - the ceremony ideas and script will continue to evolve until you are happy that we have it absolutely right.
You can read testimonials from people who have used my services here.