I set up Cherished Memories to offer choice and an alternative to a Religious Minister or Humanist Celebrant led funeral. Having worked in the funeral profession as an arranger & director for a number of years, I have attended many funerals and I identified that some bereaved families might be better served if they had an independent (Civil) celebrant who would create a funeral service for their loved ones that reflected their own personal beliefs rather than following just the religious or non religious options on offer.

Many people these days don’t go to church or follow an organised religion but have their own faith or spirituality which perhaps falls between these two recognised options. By choosing a Civil Celebrant to create and lead the service, you can be sure that the wishes and beliefs of your loved one will be reflected in the content and tone of the service; be it religious, entirely non-religious, or perhaps somewhere in between, in keeping with your own views or spirituality.

As a Civil Celebrant, I will include hymns and prayers within the service, if that is your wish, but at the heart of the service will always be the loved one we are gathering to remember. If mention of heaven, spirit, soul or the afterlife is in line with your beliefs and will comfort you then it is only right that these words are spoken. Being independent means that I can tailor the service to reflect what will bring family, friends comfort during their time of grief.

I will meet with you to discuss the service and to find out more about the deceased, their family and friends. We can discuss their beliefs, what mattered to them in life and how best we can honour them collectively. I will then create a service based on the memories you share with me. Many people find this process very cathartic with tears and laughter helping in coming to terms with their loss. I am here to support you throughout.

By working together and using music or hymns, readings and stories you would like to share, we will create a totally personal funeral service. I encourage family and friends to be as involved in the proceedings as they feel comfortable. This may be speaking during the service by way of a personal tribute or by reading a poem. 

Alternatively, if you don’t feel able to participate in person, just suggesting a song or writing something for me to read on your behalf can be a lovely way for everyone to feel that they have contributed.

Following the funeral you will be given a written presentation of the service as a keepsake or to share with others who were not able to attend in person.