Civil Celebrant - Nicki Choules-Rowe

01/10/2024

What a joyous occiasion - although I am glad I didn’t have to conduct 100 ceremonies in a day!!

In pictures: 100 weddings in a day

Photographs of some of the couples who married, formed a civil partnership or renewed their vows.

16/06/2024

Isn’t this lovely?

🕊On this Father's Day, remember the profound impact your father, or the father-like figure, had on your life. While it may be difficult for others to speak about him, cherish every mention, every story, every memory shared. It's through these moments that his spirit stays alive and vibrant.

Honour your father, whether he is with you or has passed on, by speaking his name and sharing his legacy. Every story told is a way to keep his love and wisdom flowing through your life.

19/07/2023

Yes, yes, yes!!
Lots of positive support here for non-religious funerals!
I work regularly with several branches of Coop Funeralcare in Oxfordshire and I like that they encompass the idea that traditional, religious funerals aren't right for everyone.

A traditional funeral service doesn't suit everyone but there are other options. A celebration of life is a great way to honour your loved one in a more relaxed setting ⬇️ https://www.coop.co.uk/funeralcare/advice/can-you-have-a-non-religious-funeral

03/07/2023

Thinking about what is going to happen to our bodies after we die is a sobering thought. Until now, the only options in the UK have been cremation or burial. But a new method has been in development for many years and is now set to be available here.
It is called Resomation or 'natural water cremation'.
I'm optimistic that this will offer new answers to the environmental issues raised by traditional methods.
What do you think?
Might you opt for this for you or your loved ones?
Would love to hear your views....

The process, used in the US and Canada, will be available later this year through Co-op Funeralcare.

13/04/2023

Farewell for a friend today. Packed chapel as friends and family gathered to say goodbye to a dearly loved man. We included the words of poet Kahlil Gibran 'On children'.
If you don't know this work, it's worth seeking out.
And if you do, maybe you agree that it speaks to us all.

Though ignored by the literary establishment, the Prophet is widely thought to stand alongside the Bible as one of the best-selling books of all time.

15/02/2023

With a lift from the lovely Travel with Stile (https://www.facebook.com/TravelwStile) and support from my Big Boot, today I conducted a funeral for the first time since I broke my ankle.

Sun was shining at Milton Chapel, Chilterns Crematorium and it was so good to be back supporting families, doing the job I love.

Please do get in touch if you ever find yourself having to arrange a funeral - you’ll be in safe hands.

07/01/2023

I don’t believe there’s a ‘one size fits all’ response for us to help people who are grieving. Knowing what to say, or what not to say, can lead to us to keeping quiet and saying nothing at all.

Cariad Lloyd created and hosts the podcast ‘Griefcast’ and has a book called ‘You are not alone’. I’m going to buy it.

Comedian Cariad Lloyd has spoken to hundreds of bereaved people for her award-winning series Griefcast and a new book on dealing with loss. She shares the lessons she has learned

01/01/2023

As a celebrant, I celebrate life - the clue’s in the name! At weddings, renewals of vows, funerals, we celebrate love and life.
Nevertheless, I believe the issue of assisted dying needs to be openly discussed, to ensure that all viewpoints are considered. The UK Parliament is currently consulting on the issue, and if you feel so inclined, you may like to contribute.
The link is below and it takes only a few minutes to give your views.

Please take a few minutes to take our survey.

04/11/2022

Some interesting points here, many of which I agree with, especially about making families aware that they have many more choices than they may realise!
Also good to see funerals and death being discussed in a useful way. Many of us shy away from talking about these tricky subjects.
Feel free to get in touch if you are planning a funeral, whether soon or for the future. I’m always happy to help, and a chat doesn’t put you under any obligation.

The fact that the coffin is so cheaply made doesn't, of course, stop the conventional undertaker charging you a fortune for it. Rupert Callender offers people a more honest experience of grief

09/09/2022

All I can think about tonight is that the Queen was a Mum and a Granny, just like so many. The loss to her family is devastating and my heart goes out to them as they face the inevitable public scrutiny of their sadness. At least most of us can grieve in private. Despite their privilege, at times like this it must be a huge burden. I hope the media will remain respectful as we mourn the loss of our monarch.