What I do 

If you would prefer to have a civil funeral for your loved one, ask your Funeral Director about the options available. Typically, I work as an extension of the Funeral Director’s team and I may be approached and asked to assist.

I will then contact you and an initial discussion will be arranged. In normal circumstances, this will usually take place in the comfort of your home, together with your family or a friend – although given current constraints, our meeting will have to be remote, by telephone and e-mail, or via Skype or Zoom. In special circumstances, it may be able to meet outdoors, with social distancing.

We will go through a ‘Family Information Document’ which I have developed over the years to make sure we capture all the necessary and relevant information, cover all the details – and hopefully, ensure that nothing is missed.

The ceremony can then be designed and planned to include and reflect your wishes and preferences. These can include a eulogy or tributes, special readings, poetry and music – and they can be written or drawn together throughout by me, or include contributions from relatives or friends.

In addition, a hymn, a psalm and/or simple prayers can be incorporated into the ceremony if so desired.

I will then usually prepare a full draft of the funeral ceremony for us to discuss and agree in advance. After the funeral, a bound copy of the full text, tributes / eulogy and other passages will be made available to you to keep.

I am based near Bury St Edmunds and I operate primarily in East Anglia, although I am able to travel elsewhere by arrangement.

I am also available to assist with memorial ceremonies, interment or scattering of ashes, dedications and other events.

In addition, I have a wide range of contacts, such as experienced pipers and audio-visual specialists, who can be contacted to meet individual or specific requirements.