Ruby B Ceremonies - Funeral Celebrant

19/08/2025

11/11/2021

Today we remember all those who have given their lives for others, we give thanks for our freedom and commit to use it wisely.

10/11/2021

I was recently introduced to this poem with a beautiful message about death and grief and love. It’s a meditation that’s often read before Kaddish, part of Jewish mourning rituals.

10/11/2021

Little things can remind us of the ones we have lost – a song, a place, a particular way that they put their coat on in the morning. No matter how small, it is important to remember them, and to share these so that their memory lives on.

Running from 22 – 26 November, creates a space to share memories, to remember those we have lost and to break the taboo around grief.

Discover more: https://loom.ly/9FKO87g

22/09/2021

There’s so much that the Middle Ages can teach us about grieving, says Dr Jessica Barker, a lecturer in medieval art history at The Courtauld Institute of Art. And we need those lessons now more than ever.

17/05/2021

Today is the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia.

The theme for this year is “Together: Resisting, Supporting, Healing!”

The powerful theme was chosen due to the recent challenges that the world has faced this past year.

A press release said:
“The global pandemic is far from over and will have a long-lasting impact on social activism and the fight for equal rights.

“In the midst of the chaos, heartbreak and ongoing challenges, it is with hope for global awareness of this year’s International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia that we can continue to provide inspiration.”
I still see far too much prejudice expressed, even at the point of someone’s death - let’s make a stand together!

13/05/2021

Where do you want to be when you die?
Many people have an instinctive preference about where they'd like to be at the end of their life, but we know most people in the UK haven't written down their wishes, or spoken about them to a loved one.
It’s not an easy subject. But it is important for families to think about it, to talk about it and to plan for it. Imagine a world where people of all ages can be when they die – physically, emotionally and with the right care in place.

12/05/2021

I find that many people haven’t spoken to anyone about what it would be important to them to have included in their funeral - or even whether they would like to be buried or cremated. When I meet their family or friends to plan the ceremony this can cause some distress - particularly when different family members are having to make assumptions and come to different conclusions. You are in a better place to die if your family or friends won’t have to squabble or worry about what you would have wanted. Think about it and tell someone this week.

11/05/2021

Where people die is changing. But we don’t know enough about the quality of these deaths, and whether the right care and support was in place. There is no right or wrong place to die; it will be different for everyone. But it is important for families to think about it, to talk about it and to plan for it. I’m joining Awareness Week from 10 – 16 May, helping to make sure people are when they die. https://www.dyingmatters.org/page/subscribe-dying-matters-coalition

10/05/2021

Dying Matters Awareness Week, running from 10 – 16 May, is a chance for individuals and organisations to open up the conversation around dying, death and bereavement. This year focuses on the importance of being in a good place to die. There is no right or wrong place to die; it will be different for everyone. But the pandemic has proven that it is more important than ever for people to think about it, talk about it and plan for it.
GoodPlace

06/05/2021

"They made it possible for us to actually have fun at the most heartbreaking times of our lives." 💔

Beth was diagnosed with breast cancer seven years ago. She spent two months at Dove House Hospice before she died in September 2020, aged just 40 - leaving her husband, Carl, and her 15 and 12-year-old sons.

The family weren't sure that a hospice was the right place for them, but soon realised that by being at the hospice, and not at home, they were able to focus on making memories in those precious final few days, while they were caring for Beth's every need. "It is these memories and all of the amazing things we did as a family that keep us going," said Carl. "They keep us strong when really, we are beside ourselves with grief."

This Awareness Week, we're asking what it means to be to die - physically, emotionally and with the right care in place. Dove House Hospice was able to provide the care and support for Beth and her family. But it will be different for everyone. Join the conversation from 10 - 16 May. Discover more: http://ow.ly/FZ1F50EDE9Y

03/04/2021

It certainly is about celebrating the person who has died, however you can.

Our writer opens up about the lessons she's learnt while grieving in the time of Covid-19