James Terry - Civil Celebrant

James Terry - Civil Celebrant Based in Huddersfield, specialising in heartfelt ceremonies. Member of the Association of Independent Celebrants since 2022. NOCN Accreditation/ Qualified.
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Runner-Up in the 2024 AOIC Celebrant Awards for the category 'Outstanding Funeral Celebrant'. I am a passionate and dedicated Independent Civil Celebrant based in Huddersfield, West Yorkshire - but this need not be a restriction to where I can practice celebrancy. I work very closely with the individuals and families to create bespoke, beautiful and memorable ceremonies to be cherished forevermore. I am a member of the Association of Independent Celebrants, a professional body who strive for excellence. Before I trained in civil celebrancy, I had an established and successful teaching career as a secondary Religious Studies teacher as I graduated with a degree in Theology & Education from BG University College in Lincoln. I taught Religious Studies and Philosophy & Ethics for many years, teaching up to A-Level and spent some time as a Head of Department in a local school in Calderdale. In more recent years I have thrived and enjoyed working as a supply teacher in and around Huddersfield, continuing to positively contribute to the growth of young people. This is something I continue to do alongside my work as a Celebrant. My teaching career has brought many honed skills and a whole host of experience to my role as a Celebrant. I am charismatic, approachable and I have you at the very heart of all I do. Some of you might recognise me from driving local bus services in and around the Huddersfield area - I also hold a full bus PSV licence. I am a dynamic character, who will help you create the ceremony of your dreams or one that is incredibly fitting for the occasion in hand. Don't hesitate to get in touch! I would love to talk to you about what you want to achieve. Your day, your way! There is no other way!

A real character to celebrate today. Filling the chapel with love, smiles and giggles.Just like the lady in question- th...
15/09/2025

A real character to celebrate today. Filling the chapel with love, smiles and giggles.

Just like the lady in question- the service was truthful. We didn't avoid her mannerisms or choice words. But that was her.... loving, caring, cheeky and mildly difficult at times! And her family wouldn't have wanted her any other way.

Baking, shopping and Emmerdale were just a few of her loves.

Thank you to our Funeral Director, Chris Firth, and the team supporting from Hammerton's. Always an honour.



I am a little late to post about this. But September is 'Su***de Prevention Awareness Month', a time to raise awareness ...
14/09/2025

I am a little late to post about this. But September is 'Su***de Prevention Awareness Month', a time to raise awareness on this stigmatised, and often taboo, topic. In addition to shifting public perception, this month us used to spread hope and vital information to people affected by su***de.

Over the years I've been in this role, I have unfortunately delivered several funerals for those who have ended their own lives - the youngest being tragically 19. Difficult service journeys to navigate as we find words that feel right for the family- and this is never the same between no two families.

A couple of my Celebrant colleagues have posted some really thought provoking posts this month on this topic. One I read properly yesterday by Funeral Celebrant Sheenagh, really struck true - kindness. Our words can take someone either way. So choose kind words and you might just be the person to unknowingly change the destiny of someone with suicidal thoughts.

One thing I try to do is to message a friend, colleague or family a message to check in or affirm something positive daily. Not infallible at this, but making a conscious effort to do so.

As the saying goes. In a world where you can be anything, be kind ❤️ .

Please remember there are people to reach out to. If not friends or family, call support lines such as the Samaritans.

You are special and you matter.

*Letters to a Loved One*Whilst this isn't completely a new idea, and they have been spotted at other crematoriums up and...
13/09/2025

*Letters to a Loved One*

Whilst this isn't completely a new idea, and they have been spotted at other crematoriums up and down the country, this one at Shay Grange in Bradford is the first one I've seen at any of my regular chapels.

Beautiful idea. ❤️

*Shay Grange Crematorium* Not even the Bradford riots of yesteryear got in the way of shopping for today's lady. Getting...
12/09/2025

*Shay Grange Crematorium*

Not even the Bradford riots of yesteryear got in the way of shopping for today's lady. Getting locked in to the what-was Sunwin House for their safety. Nothing fazed her.

Baking, dogs, trips to the coast and being the world's best Nanna are what filled her days. A brilliant wife and mum too.

Gone from sight, but never from mind.

Thank you to Sylvia, our Funeral Director and the team supporting her today from H Bates in Queensbury. Beautifully conducted as always.



91 years of lighting up many lives. The sunflower was truly fitting therefore. A journey through love, family, animals a...
11/09/2025

91 years of lighting up many lives. The sunflower was truly fitting therefore.

A journey through love, family, animals and memories to always treasure.

A medic in the RAF for 4 years, 5 children and an ever growing family clan. Her story was most certainly one worth celebrating.

Beautiful words from her granddaughter made for a truly personal tribute.

Thank you to Chris Melia and the team from BJ Melia and Sons.



11/09/2025

Thank you 😊 for your nominations for the upcoming Association of Independent Celebrants Awards. Just a verbal thank you and acknowledgment of some of the other finalists I know.


💫🌟Unbelievably this was announced yesterday evening 💫🌟Its taken me 24 hours to find a comfortable moment and wierdly (pe...
10/09/2025

💫🌟Unbelievably this was announced yesterday evening 💫🌟

Its taken me 24 hours to find a comfortable moment and wierdly (perhaps irrationally) to be at peace with it, in order for me to share and say thank you. I was speechless last night and my brain was restless.

Today, imposter syndrome kicked in, worrying about all the others who deserved it too- and believe me, many did. I don't see myself as a big inspirational figure in the world of celebrancy- I just do my best for all who I am entrusted with and try to shower other celebrant colleagues with support and kindness, as many have done for me.

But, I am truly humbled to say I am a 'Finalist' in the '2025 Association of Independent Celebrants Awards' that take place on the 27th of September in Nottingham.

It is with great modesty that I am flabbergasted to be a 'Finalist' in two categories.

Firstly in the 'Outstanding Funeral Celebrant' category that I was runner-up in last year. I genuinely thought that was my moment- surprised didn't come close. 'Top 5' again- feels somewhat bonkers.

Secondly, and beyond my wildest dreams I am indeed in the 'Top 5' in the 'Debbie Brooke Award - Outstanding Contribution to Celebrancy' category. How did that happen? 💙

Thank you to everyone who took the time to write a nomination. All I can say, having not been privy to your words yet, what you submitted must have been truly special. I am utterly overwhelmed.

Thank you to those who have known before this post, and have taken a moment to wish me luck. 🍀 ☘️

Its not about the winning. I am just thankful for your support.

Thank you doesn't quite cut it.

James 💕❣️ x

LEEDS LEEDS LEEDS! The sound of 'Marching On Together' filled the chapel as we opened up the service.A brilliant dad, gr...
09/09/2025

LEEDS LEEDS LEEDS! The sound of 'Marching On Together' filled the chapel as we opened up the service.

A brilliant dad, grandad and great-grandad. An amazing father in law too.

But one lady really captured his heart- his wife of 56 years.

Thank you to Richard Fearnley Independent Funeral Directors and his professional team. An honour as always.


"We are all stories in the end" Nishan Panwar. Today we commemorated K's life with aptly chosen music, a tribute we titl...
08/09/2025

"We are all stories in the end" Nishan Panwar.

Today we commemorated K's life with aptly chosen music, a tribute we titled 'A Walk Through K's Life' and a gentle poem.

Thank you to Dawn, our arranging Funeral Director and to John Sidlow, who conducted in Dawn's absence. Thank you also to the Funeral Partners team supporting Wombwell Funeral Services.



Sutton Manor Colliery, once a major St Helens coal mine employing 1,500 men, closed in 1991 and was later transformed wi...
06/09/2025

Sutton Manor Colliery, once a major St Helens coal mine employing 1,500 men, closed in 1991 and was later transformed with over 50,000 new trees. In its place now stands Dream, a 20-metre sculpture by Jaume Plensa, symbolising hope and the future, unveiled in 2009 beside the M62 where over 100,000 vehicles pass daily, as a lasting tribute to the area’s mining heritage and community spirit.

Somewhere I've wanted to visit for a number of years, particularly since seeing Ricky Tomlinson and Ralf Little visit on their 'Royale Tour' aired on TV in 2020.

My daughter 4, niece 7 and nephew 5 - give a good 'to scale!'

As always, humbled to find two more 5 star Google Reviews on my profile. Never taken for granted, especially as they are...
06/09/2025

As always, humbled to find two more 5 star Google Reviews on my profile. Never taken for granted, especially as they are written at a time of grief.
🌟 🌟🌟🌟🌟. Both families I have worked with on two occasions.

Thank you Kerry - an honour to officiate your stepdad's (2023) and sister's (July) services alongside Hammerton's. 💖

Thank you Kerrie - a privilege to officiate mum's service with Hammerton's in 2023 and your mother-in-law's with Hadfield's this week.💖

Address

Crosland Hill Road
Huddersfield
HD4

Telephone

+447816975466

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