Yorkshire Civil Celebrant

23/07/2025

I got my ticket to heaven, and everlasting life, I’ve got a ride all the way to paradise.” So today, let’s share a story, raise a glass, and above all — let’s not be too serious. He wouldn’t have wanted it any other way.

Anyone who knew today’s gentleman knew his personality was one of a kind. He was a private, loveable chap with a cheeky grin and razor-sharp wit. Always up for a chat, though usually on his own terms, often while zooming past in his electric wheelchair or whilst propping up the bar in the local and then if you were in his place he would nudge you with his wheelchair till you moved.

Working closely with family we created a wonderful bespoke service. Thank you Phillip and all the team for your excellent care.

21/07/2025

In life it isn’t always the loudest; sometimes it’s the steady hand, the reassuring smile, the person who turns up ready to help or share a laugh. That’s the kind of echo this afternoon’s gentleman left behind.

Working with family we created a bespoke tribute, and I read words on behalf of family, along with a pictorial tribute for reflection, it was perfect in every way.

Thank you Phillip and all the team for your excellent service and support.

21/07/2025

“She didn’t need height to stand tall, or flattery to be liked. She was a woman whose bark made you listen, and whose heart made you stay”.

These words capture the paradox that was today’s lady: she was strong, quick witted, fiercely loyal and impossible to overlook. She could startle you with a sharp word, then win you back with a laugh you were not expecting - That was her magic! 💗

What an honour to have been her chosen celebrant. Thank you Adrian and all the team for your excellent service and support.

18/07/2025

Taking time out is so important and after my family funeral last Friday that was full of celebrant firsts, me and my husband Mr Boo headed to our favourite spot in Jersey.

This week has been total chill out, and I’m the first to admit yes I was exhausted and slept at every opportunity. We celebrated our 7th wedding anniversary and Mr Boo’s birthday. We explored more of this beautiful island, the beautiful beaches and gardens including the lavender gardens. Also found an exceptional church on a Neolithic ritual site ‘La Hougue Bie’ with amazing history dating back to 4,000 BCE - older than Stonehenge and the pyramids. Explored the crypt, its German bunkers, and the long house taking a step back in time. The history behind the thousands of gold coins and treasures found is mind blowing.

Did you know Jersey is only an hour flight from Leeds, you don’t need a passport only some ID. We should do it more often, it really is a touch of paradise.

Although I’ve been available on email, I am back to the office Sunday doing final touches for funerals next week and from Monday with a clear head, family meetings, funerals, a wedding and something exciting 💗💗

12/07/2025

The last service of the day was for one of my own family. Two years ago Johnny wrote his wishes and left very clear instructions for his funeral. I can say he certainly did it his way! at Huddersfield Crematorium.

Thank you Adrian and all the team - you were exceptional in the service you provided. You supported and reassured family from beginning to end, they were so glad we got him home to allow them to spend time with him processing their grief.

Leeds United, a bespoke written tribute, a family made video and a letter written to be read.

11/07/2025

This morning saw a trip to the chapel at Shay Grange Crematorium to share the bespoke tribute for a special man.

“He wore laughter like a second skin and kindness like a quiet gold crown”

He didn’t need to shout to be heard, he didn’t need the spotlight to light up your mood. With a grin that told you trouble was coming (in the best way) and a heart that spoke in actions more than words, his presence said it all; a man who wore both humour and kindness with effortless style.

Thank you Phillip and all the team for your excellent service.

10/07/2025

She met life head on with grit, grace and often with a wicked sense of humour. She had a gift for making people feel seen. Whether you were family, friend, or someone she’d just met through her advocacy work, she had a way of making you feel liked you mattered, like you belonged.

She poured herself into her community, especially into supporting others living with stomas and colostomy’s turning her own challenges into a source of strength for others.

With a full chapel, a bespoke written tribute, photo tribute and personal memories from family there were plenty of smiles amongst the heartbreak and tears.

Thank you to Adrian and all the team for your excellent service and support at such a difficult time.

09/07/2025

FRESH Flower Restrictions at Leeds Crematoria!

A significant and potentially distressing change is being implemented at Leeds Council's crematoria. Following recent refurbishment works at Cottingley and with upcoming renovations at Lawnswood and Rawdon it applies to these too.

At Cottingley, whilst the chapel now has a lovely clean fresh feel, with new seating, lecturn and decor; the new tiled flooring in the chapel has led to a ban on all FRESH FLORAL tributes placed on the floor, with the exception of fresh flowers intended for the top of the coffin.

This means artistic, cherished and fitting fresh floral tributes like "Grandma" or themed designs, often a significant part of a heartfelt farewell, are NO longer allowed inside the chapel, unless they are made using artificial flowers. FRESH FLOWERS have now to be left outside the chapel, or put straight on the flower terrace.

Leeds Council cites "health and safety" for this decision, due to excess water from flowers on the floor.

However, this policy is already causing considerable distress and anger for families, funeral directors, arrangers, florists and chapel attendants. Families are not emotionally prepared for such an insensitive rule, and these beautiful tributes are frequently chosen to honour a loved one's wishes.

It's vital that the impact of this decision is fully understood.

If you are concerned about these new restrictions, we urge you to voice your concerns.

Please contact Leeds Bereavement Services or reach out to local media such as ITV, Look North, or the Yorkshire Evening Post to ensure your experiences and concerns are heard.

09/07/2025

To be asked to help a funeral colleague say farewell to her dear mum yesterday, was an honour and an incredibly moving experience. 💗

We worked side-by-side, carefully weaving together a beautiful story of mum's life, filled with her favorite music, cherished photos, and a specially chosen poem. It was an honour to help create such a personal and heartfelt tribute.

Thank you Devon and all the team at Coop Funeralcare for your excellent care and support.

08/07/2025

Bright and bubbly, she could talk for England and somehow managed to leave you feeling like the best listener. Her charm wasn’t rehearsed - it was natural. Whether sharing a bench at the bus stop or chatting at the supermarket checkouts, she had an uncanny knack for turning strangers into friends.

What a wonderful bespoke written story to share for a local lady. With the added touch of a pictorial tribute and words shared by grandchildren, it was very special.

Thank you Andy and all the team for your excellent care and support.

07/07/2025

Love this 💗

Grief doesn’t ask to be scheduled.
It shows up in coffee cups, in certain songs, in random smells.
It whispers through the quietest parts of the day.

And every day, I find as many reasons as I can to remember you.

Because remembering you keeps me connected.
Because forgetting you would feel like losing you all over again.

So I look for you in the small things.
And when I find you there — it hurts… but it also heals.

What’s one little thing that reminds you of your person every day?👇
Let’s say their names. Let’s keep their stories alive.

🦋

07/07/2025

Lunchtime today at Huddersfield Crematorium we said farewell to a very special gentleman. A tradesman through and through, he built things, fixed and carried things, always with both hands. But more importantly, he gave with both hands too. He offered his help freely, often before you had the chance to ask. There was a generosity to him that was practical, honest, and deeply rooted in his values. 🖐️ 🖐️

Thank you Tony and all the team for your excellent service and support.