Justin Standfield Celebrant

02/05/2026

Simple rituals at a - lighting a candle, placing a cherished photo, sharing a moment of silence - can give shape to what’s hard to say.

They connect us with our stories and with each other in calm, meaningful ways.

01/05/2026

Today I had the privilege of leading a for a man who lived 94 years, rooted in family, hard work, and quiet generosity.

From the stories shared, it was clear his legacy lives in the people he loved and the values he practised.

Moments like this remind me that the small choices we make each day become the life we leave behind.

, Maurice

30/04/2026

It’s the small stories - the laugh shared at a dinner table, the familiar quirk - that often echo longest in people’s hearts.

When these find their way into a ceremony, the whole room softens in recognition.

When I meet with families to plan a funeral, I encourage them to tell the stories that mattered.

29/04/2026



Don't let anyone make you rush your grief 💜

Grief isn't something that you just 'get over' after a year or two- it doesn't have a schedule,

Grief stays with us. But in your own time, your life can grow around your grief.

For more information about growing around grief, visit our website ⬇️

https://ow.ly/A8lL50YMPhE

28/04/2026

Today I had the privilege of leading the service for a much-loved husband, dad, grandad and friend. It was a true - one that was lived with curiosity, kindness and quiet strength

As always, it was an honour to help share the stories, memories and moments that made him who he was.

Days like today are a reminder of just how much impact one life can have on so many others.

, Danny.

27/04/2026

I’ve been working on a ceremony script today - bespoke, as always - which is aligned to the family’s wishes for their loved one.

There’s no “right” way to structure a ceremony. Some include symbolic gestures, others simple storytelling.

What matters most is that the choices feel honest and respectful to the person being remembered.

26/04/2026

Some good advice from Thegriefguy.

25/04/2026

South Downs Funeral Service, your local, independent & family owned funeral homes of Denmead, Wickham & Clanfield.

Before you buy a funeral plan online speak to South Downs Funeral Service, your local funeral director first. Many people today are being encouraged to purchase “direct cremation” plans online. These services are often marketed as simple, affordable and stress-free.

But many families do not realise what this actually means until the moment their loved one dies. In many cases the person is collected and transported far away from their home, sometimes to another part of the country. They may be held in large holding facilities and cremated at a time chosen by the provider.

For some people, this is exactly what they want. And that is absolutely their choice. But I believe families deserve to fully understand what they are choosing. Before buying a funeral plan online, please speak to us first, your local family owned funeral home.

Stay local, stay independent, stay local, stay dignified.

24/04/2026

Books can give us language for love, and gratitude.

Many families find comfort in reading something thoughtful after the ceremony, when the pace slows again.

24/04/2026

I believe that a professional should continue to learn and build on their skills - there’s always something new to consider bringing into the toolkit!

It starts with having a decent foundation of techniques and skills to begin with - ideally, a range of tools, ethical considerations and frameworks within which to work (because no two people are the same, every should reflect their uniqueness).

I enjoyed the opportunity to train a new batch of celebrants with the APC recently; in this short video, Jane shares her experience of the course in London.

20/04/2026

Standing here today, ready to lead the for a 94 year old lady, I find myself thinking about the quiet, steady way she lived her life, rooted in a love for people, animals and the world around her.

There was nothing showy about her, and yet there was something profoundly special in the way she noticed, cared and made space for others.

It feels a privilege to carry her story for a little while today and to help honour a life that was, in so many gentle ways, beautifully well lived.

, Margaret.



18/04/2026

Sometimes it’s the smallest touches during a that stay with people.

A favourite poem, a football scarf, handwritten notes from grandchildren.

Personal details turn a service from “a funeral” into their ceremony.