Helping you in your time of need
Civil Celebrant
Gillian Bond
SERVICES
Memorial ceremonies and interment of ashes
Memorial ceremonies have become more popular and can be held almost anywhere; In a manor house or hotel, at home, in a park, a favourite spot, or even in the pub. It's completely up to you.
Sometimes families choose to have a small, private funeral with only immediate family present followed by a memorial service, which is open to the wider family and friends or they will have no formal funeral service preferring to celebrate the life of their love one in a more relaxed way. I am happy to discuss the choses with you.
I can also help you create a ceremony to interment or scatter the ashes of your loved one. The ceremony can take place almost anywhere and at a time of your choosing. In a cemetery, garden of remembrance or somewhere meaningful to you and your loved one. It is a time to remember, honour and celebrate all the things that made that person so special to you and those around you. Your Funeral Director can take care of the arrangements, or you can contact me directly.
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Types of Service
Non-religious
Often based on ‘humanist’ values, there is no mention of religion or the afterlife at these funerals. There could be a period of quiet reflection included in the service so that anyone wishing to say a silent prayer may do so. Religious symbols can be removed from the crematorium chapel, if requested.
Semi-religious
The deceased person may not have been a regular churchgoer even though they had faith. It is for this reason that the family may choose to have a Civil Celebrant to conduct the funeral service rather than a church minister. In such cases it may be appropriate to include a hymn and a prayer.
Spiritual
Some people have no particular religious beliefs but have an open mind about life after death in that the ‘spirit’ may live on. Individual requirements can be discussed, both spiritual and secular.
New Age/ Holistic
These funerals are a blend of many beliefs. The principles of re-incarnation and the presence of a spirit are acknowledged in New Age/ Holistic funeral services.
Funerals and Celebrations of Life
Meeting with you...
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When asked to conduct your loved ones funeral or memorial service, I will contact you to arrange a meeting. The aim of the meeting is to discuss the family’s requirements for the funeral or memorial service. I will give advice and make suggestions but the family’s wishes are paramount.
If it is not possible to arrange a face-to-face meeting arrangements can be made by telephone or e-mail. Details of the completed service will be shared with the family whenever possible.
Creating the service.....
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The advantage of a Funeral Celebrant’s service over a religious service is you are not restricted by tradition, which may not always be in harmony with the beliefs of you or your loved one.
We all have our own ideas and philosophies on life, with this in mind I can help you create a ceremony that reflects the personality as well as the wishes and beliefs of your loved one and your family be they semi-religious or non-religious. You have complete choice of and final approval over the ceremony. You can include favourite words, music and personal tributes, when and where you like either led or facilitated by me.
The Service
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On the day I will lead or facilitate the service, guiding you through tributes, remembrance and processes. Supporting those who chose to give tribute and seeing through the ceremony with respect to your wishes.