James Terry - Civil Celebrant

12/04/2026

Still immensely proud of this publication in an education magazine for schools - RE Today.

Written last April and published in the autumn (2025). Numbers and figures are from point of writing a year ago.

Sorry for sharing again! But truly chuffed to have been asked to do this.

Once a teacher always a teacher perhaps.

11/04/2026

Humbled by these recent Google reviews.

🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟.

Thank you for the feedback.

I am often told I'm heard clearly. Must be the secondary school teacher in me. 🎓📚

10/04/2026

*Huddersfield Crematorium Chapel*

With standing room only, overflowing into the foyer- over 250 people came to say goodbye.

At big character, loud, brash and a personality that filled a room. At 56 he has gone far too soon.

A service of tributes, music, photography and poetry. We ensured every minute felt truly fitting. A service that had been 5 weeks in the making- but his family did him justice today.

Thank you to our Funeral Director Darren and the team from Taylor Funeral Service for entrusting me with this service.

09/04/2026

*Huddersfield Crematorium Chapel*

Celebrating a local Huddersfield man, who lived in Crosland Moor for many years, although hailed from a childhood in Fartown.

A beautiful service stitched together by love and his remarkable character. A beautiful family tribute from his grandchildren and a little poem written by Robert Frost added truly personal touches.

The Order of Service booklets all included a little pack of seeds clipped on by a mini peg. A lovely touch for a green fingered gentleman. And a gentleman he was.

Thank you to our Funeral Director Debbie, and to Graham, Kayleigh and the team for supporting the family during the last few weeks.

08/04/2026

Thank you Nikki Billingham. Great seeing you. Catch up soon x

Some days in this role are heavy. Some are incredibly moving. And sometimes, in the middle of it all, you bump into a fellow celebrant and it’s a reminder that you’re not walking this path alone.

Today at the crematorium I had the pleasure of seeing a celebrant I’m lucky enough to call a good friend James Terry- Civil Celebrant . We regularly send voice notes to each other sharing the trials, tribulations and the many unexpected moments that come with this job. Of course we had to grab a quick selfie, both of us smiling before going in to do what we do.

I’m immensely proud to be part of AOIC and to be surrounded by so many wonderful celebrants. It’s a unique role that carries a huge emotional responsibility, and having a community of people who truly understand that is incredibly special.

Today’s service was also one of those moments that reminds me why I do this work. The family asked me to lead the ceremony for a woman whose mother’s funeral I conducted four years ago. To be asked back by families, to build those relationships and to be trusted again to help guide them through another difficult goodbye — is something I never take for granted. It’s an enormous privilege.

This work can be emotionally demanding, but it’s also full of connection, compassion, and moments like this that remind me how fortunate I am to do what I do.

That’s me done for the day, time to spend the rest of the day in the sunshine with my boys ☀️

08/04/2026

My second service at Dewsbury today was a true celebration of a man who was a family man through and through. Not only this, a successful businessman in the field of studwelding.

Politically active locally having been a Labour councillor and the last Mayor of Ossett during the 70s.

He did, however, like the simpler things in life from Yorkshire Tea, to Wensleydale cheese to reading The Guardian page to page.

Thank you to Richard, David and the team supporting George Steele and Son today.

08/04/2026

What a beautiful day! Spring is definitely in the air at Dewsbury Moor Crematorium.

Commorating a mum, mum-in-law, gran and great grandmother.

Thank you to Richard Fearnley and his team for all they have done.

07/04/2026

*Huddersfield Crematorium *

A life ended too soon at 58, but nonetheless a life that was to be celebrated.

Our poem- Raise a Glass by James Mooney summed it up really. See below.

Thank you to our arranging Funeral Director Kathy, to Margaret for conducting today and the team supporting the Gables today.

Do not mourn me,

don’t drown me in black cloth and quiet whispers.

laugh loud, drink deep,

tell the stories that made me live,

remember the bad jokes,

the nights that stretched into dawn,

the times we swore we’d never forget…

and don’t.

I was here, a life well lived

I want something more than tears.

so raise a glass,

and dance a little,

let the wind take my name.

I’ll be listening.

Do not mourn me,

Celebrate me.

04/04/2026

Happy Easter to you all. I hope it is a weekend of peace. 💕❤️‍🩹

02/04/2026

Did someone tell the weather we were having an outside committment celebration this afternoon?

The sun shone as we affirmed Anthony and Katie's union at their home, The Sands House, in Crosland Hill (Huddersfield) with a view of local landmarks Castle Hill and Emley Moor Mast behind us. Just up the road from where I live.

A beautiful love story topped with pledges of commitment to one another. An honour to officiate their ceremony.

Here's to the happy couple- Anthony and Katie!

02/04/2026

It is always an honour to be requested to take a funeral having written and officiated a previous service. In March 2024, I led this lady's husband's service and today we said goodbye to her in an intimate and fitting way.

Gathering in the private chapel at W Lever we shared in words of tribute, music and readings.

Thank you to our Funeral Director Ruthanne Lever, and the team from W Lever.

01/04/2026

Fishing was our golden thread this afternoon. From an opening analogy to reading the 'Fisherman's Prayer'. He spent many hours fishing, for one living near to the fishing lake in Brighouse.

Thank you to Caroline and the team for taking good care of the family.