Funerals and Celebrations of Life

In short

If you are reading this in the days after a death, I am sorry. There is a lot being asked of you this week and most of it is unfamiliar.

My part is straightforward. I come and sit with you, usually for an hour or two. You tell me about the person. I write the service, send it to you to check, and then I stand up on the day and deliver it properly so that your family can simply be there.

Ring me on 01234 567 890 at any reasonable hour and we can talk it through. If I am with another family I will always call you back the same day.

£320 From, all inclusive

Somerset And well beyond it

Check my availability

How it works, step by step

Most families are put in touch with me by their funeral director, but you are welcome to contact me directly. Either way, nothing is booked until you are happy.

We speak on the phone, usually the same day.
I visit you at home, or wherever suits, and we talk about the person for an hour or so. Bring photographs. Bring the whole family if it helps, or keep it to two of you.
I write the full service and email it over, normally within two days.
You read it, change anything, add anything, and tell me how to say the names.
On the day I arrive early, speak to the funeral director and the crematorium staff, and take charge of the timings so nobody in your family has to.
Afterwards you get a printed copy, and a spare for anyone who could not be there.

Religious, non religious, or a bit of both

Plenty of families want the Lord's Prayer and a hymn because it is what Mum would have expected, and nothing else. That is completely fine and I will lead it without hesitation.

Others want no religious content at all. Also fine. And a great many land somewhere in the middle, with a moment of quiet reflection where those who pray can pray and those who do not can think.

I do not have a position I am trying to sell you. It is not my service.

The things families find hardest

A eulogy does not have to be read by a family member. If you want to write it and cannot face standing up, I will read it in your words and say that is what I am doing.

Difficult relationships and complicated families are not unusual, and I have written services for people who were far from perfect. Honest is better than saintly, and the room can always tell the difference.

Long silences, applause, a favourite record played at volume, a guard of honour by the hearse, grandchildren releasing something into the sky. All of it is allowed.

Where these services happen

Crematorium chapels across Somerset, Bath and North Somerset
Churchyard and cemetery burials, including natural burial grounds
Woodland and meadow burial sites
Village halls, pubs, cricket clubs and family homes for a celebration of life
Direct cremation followed by a separate service at a time that suits everyone

“Joe spent two hours with us and we laughed more than we cried. On the day it sounded exactly like Dad, right down to the bit about the caravan.”
The Hurley familyCelebration of life, Shepton Mallet

Included

What comes with the fee

From £320, with nothing added afterwards.

A home visit, or a video call if the family is spread out
The full service written from what you tell me, usually delivered within 48 hours
As many changes as you need, right up to the day
Reading the eulogy or tribute on your behalf if nobody feels able to
Coordination with your funeral director, the crematorium and the organist
Help choosing music, poems and readings, including help finding the right one
Arrival at least 45 minutes before the service to check everything works
A printed copy of the service for the family afterwards

See all fees