Shirley Read Celebrant

17/10/2025

Beautiful autumn colours at Park Cemetery this morning.

03/09/2025

Yesterday I officiated at the farewell service of someone I have known all my life.
A lovely lady, of whom I have fond memories.

God bless ❤️

06/08/2025

Just one of the reasons I love my job.....

"Thank you for the kindness and guidance you gave us from the start. You walked in our house as a stranger, and walked out as a friend."

10/07/2025

Yesterday I officiated at a funeral for a lovely family. At first I thought the venue was an unusual choice, but it turned out to be perfect.
It was great to work alongside A.W.Lymn and the ladies at Gladstone Lodge.
We then went on to Park Cemetery to lay the person to rest, with their loved ones gone before.

21/06/2025

20/06/2025

28/04/2025

Funerals today are evolving—families want more than tradition; they seek a truly personal way to honour their loved ones. At Memoria, we’ve been leading this change for over a decade.

In 2013, we became the first to introduce one-hour time slots, giving families the time and space to create a meaningful tribute—without feeling rushed or part of a “conveyor belt” service. This followed our 2011 innovation, when we made eulogies, any music recording, web streaming, and photographic screens standard, helping families craft a unique farewell.

And in 2020, we took it further. We became the first crematoria group in the UK to offer a free-of-charge projected image above the catafalque for the entire service, alongside customisable lighting at the moment of committal. From a cherished family photo to a favourite football team’s crest, these touches ensure a service that reflects a life well-lived.

Because every life deserves a personal farewell.

To discuss the ways you can personalise a service, contact us or talk to your funeral director.

26/04/2025

"Your grief is a testament to the depth of your heart"

Jim Carrey once said: Grief is not just an emotion—it’s an unraveling, a space where something once lived but is now gone. It carves through you, leaving a hollow ache where love once resided.

In the beginning, it feels unbearable, like a wound that will never close. But over time, the raw edges begin to mend. The pain softens, but the imprint remains—a quiet reminder of what once was. The truth is, you never truly "move on." You move with it. The love you had does not disappear; it transforms. It lingers in the echoes of laughter, in the warmth of old memories, in the silent moments where you still reach for what is no longer there. And that’s okay.

Grief is not a burden to be hidden. It is not a weakness to be ashamed of. It is the deepest proof that love existed, that something beautiful once touched your life. So let yourself feel it. Let yourself mourn. Let yourself remember.

There is no timeline, no “right” way to grieve. Some days will be heavy, and some will feel lighter. Some moments will bring unexpected waves of sadness, while others will fill you with gratitude for the love you were lucky enough to experience.

Honor your grief, for it is sacred. It is a testament to the depth of your heart. And in time, through the pain, you will find healing—not because you have forgotten, but because you have learned how to carry both love and loss together.

From: Silent Tears

29/03/2025

As Mother's Day approaches, my thoughts are with all those who no longer have their Mum; and to all Mums who know the devastation of losing a child.
Wishing you all peace and comfort x