I am a Celebrant- a Career of Dreams!

It was at a funeral for the father of a close friend that I had a career-changing epiphany. The celebrant guided us through the most wonderful service of memories, songs, photographs and words, with such warmth and understanding of her subject that it felt as if she had known him all her life. We left the crematorium with sorrow, of course, but also with laughter and happiness. She made what was an undeniably challenging day, so much richer, and I felt so honoured to have attended this end of life ceremony.

That was it- I had the bug, and went home to research what the job entailed. I signed up for a superb training course with the International College of Professional Celebrants, and completed my practical training in February. Since then, I have been completing a double diploma in funerals, couples and naming ceremonies, and have learnt more about the profession than I could possibly imagine.

As a practising teacher and headteacher for 30 years, it was a big decision to leave my job, which I loved, and start again, but the skills I have honed over time are perfect for a celebrant: communication, empathy, organisation, public speaking and inclusion.

I also love poetry, reading and I live for music- the very notion of helping loved ones to choose these aspects of their ceremony is exciting to me- I strive to research and play with media to find the perfect readings and songs. Writing is a passion- I have written many eulogies over the years, and to use words to bring stories, relationships and events to life is something I enjoy enormously.

Creating ceremonies, whatever or wherever they may be, is something I believe I was born for! I love to work with people, in all their diversty and beauty; it is what drives me. During my training, I completed a eulogy for a loved one of one of my classmates, who had passed. She had lived the fullest, most characterful life, and the process of finding out about her, and crafting a eulogy was both an honour and a joy. In presenting it, I felt the gravity of the responsibility, but the privilege of telling her remarkable story.

It is the career of dreams, and I am proud to be making it a reality. If you feel I could help you create your ceremony, I would love to hear from you- just click on the 'Let's Connect' page and get in touch!

Anna x