Richard Spedding - Humanist wedding, vow renewal & funeral celebrant

27/12/2025

✨ This lovely photo perfectly captures Michelle McDaid's vibrant approach to life—always living it to the fullest.

On Christmas Eve, we gathered to celebrate the incredible 57 years she packed so much into.

From her childhood on the east coast in Hull to settling in Fleetwood with her parents, Chris and Mick.

Michelle formed unbreakable bonds with her sister, Leanne, brother-in-law, Steve, and nieces, Lauren and Ellie.

Her greatest joy though came from her own children, Ryan and Charlotte, who touched us all by sharing a beautiful poem about her mother.

Michelle had a special love for children, especially during her time at Shakespeare School, where her warmth and spirit shone brightly.

We left the crematorium listening to ‘Stronger’ by Kelly Clarkson; which was chosen by Michelle as it was one of her favourite songs and she’d want her family and friends to remain strong.

Such an honour for me to conduct her funeral to a packed crematorium.

💖

25/12/2025

Thinking of so many of my families today! I’ll be raising my glass to numerous wonderful people I’ve had the privilege of conducted their funeral for.

23/12/2025

🌟 Remembering the iconic Theodore Theophilus Joseph!

At just five years old, Theodore embarked on a remarkable boat journey from Antigua to resettle in Bristol.

There, he subsequently met Trish and became a devoted father to Daniel, Paul, Jack, Charlie, and later, once moved to Thornton Cleveleys, his daughter Holley.

His infectious smile and warm spirit made him a beloved member of every community he was a part of.

It was heartwarming to see his joyful memories celebrated by myself at his funeral yesterday, with every photo during his visual tribute showing Theodore with this wonderful smile!

A talented sportsman, who once had a stint with Bristol Rovers, Theodore faced life’s challenges with incredible resilience.

His son Paul shared touching words about the strength Theodore showed after losing both his eldest son Daniel and his beloved wife Trish.

In a beautiful tribute, his son Jack recited a poignant poem that he’d written which perfectly captured Theodore’s essence.

I get the feeling that Fleetwood won’t be the same without this vibrant personality as a part of it!

Once again, myself with Angela and her team at J T Byrne Funeral Directors did all we could to give Theodore a fitting send off.

Rest in peace, Theodore. You will be missed! ❤️✨

23/12/2025

🌟 Where do I begin with describing the incredible life of Sam Woods, who packed 53 years full of love, laughter, and dedication to others into her amazing life.

A devoted wife to Gary, a loving mother to Jodie, Charlie, and Richie, a cherished daughter to Sue and Tony and sister to twin Mandy and Andrew, Sam's family was always her top priority.

Her impressive career with Mastercard took her around the world, while her heart remained with her community as a committed volunteer for Fylde and Wyre Mencap.

Sam was also a proud ‘Fanalow’ alongside her sister Mandy and aunty Linda, celebrating their obsession for Barry Manilow.

She was a cherished friend to many, with Emma’s heartfelt words at her funeral truly capturing her spirit.

Her entrepreneurial dreams included a unique idea for an oxo cube crusher—just a glimpse of her creativity!

I could go on and on!

Husband Gary spoke beautifully about the privilege of being married to such a remarkable person, and twin Mandy reminded us that,

“For as long as I walk on this earth, Sam is with us. I carry her genes, I carry her DNA. I will always be one of two.”

As ever, great teamwork with J P Dell Funeral Directors.

Sam, you will be forever missed but always remembered. ❤️

21/12/2025

14/12/2025

Looking forward to a relaxing night away with my wonderful staff (minus Stein the dog)

13/12/2025

🌸 Remembering Freda Strickland 🌸

Today, I want to pay tribute to the incredible life of Freda Strickland.

When I reached out to her family for permission to share this post, they graciously said,

"Yes, we are and you are welcome to say how much your service helped us at this sad time, making it easier to transition to a life without Mum, Grandma, and Great Grandma in it. Thank you so much, we were all very moved by the sincerity of your service."

Freda set her sights early on in her life of wanting to be surrounded by babies, which she managed with seven children, 15 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren.

She proudly celebrated every new arrival, sharing the joy with her community in Pressall and Knott End on Sea whilst riding her trusted bike!

Two of her grandchildren, Chris and Lacy, shared lovely memories about their grandma, many of them themed on her talent for being a feeder but also providing them and their cousins with a loving environment at her house she shared with husband Ronnie.

The world needs more people like Freda—her love and warmth touched everyone she met especially her family.

She will be missed dearly. ❤️

13/12/2025

😀😁❤️🧡💙☺️🙏

At this funeral, Lance’s great niece handed out lovely loom bracelets in his honour - I will proudly wear mine given to me!

11/12/2025

💙🧡❤️💙🧡❤️😁😁

11/12/2025

🌟 You might not know this, but Blackpool is home to a vibrant Scottish community of Irn Bru drinkers and Tunnocks Tea Cake enthusiasts!

Many, like Ann Currie, have made this bustling seaside resort their home, drawn, in the 60’s, 70’s and 80’s, by the thriving hospitality industry and its ‘streets paved with gold’.

At Ann's funeral yesterday with Blackpool Co-op Funeralcare, I had the privilege of sharing her profound love for family, beautifully captured in these words:

“Ann was like a lioness fiercely protecting her cubs, otherwise known as her clan.”

And, “Ann treated her relationships like a fire, feeding and tending to them, ensuring the flames never died out, because if you look after the flames, they’ll provide you with all the worth you need.”

The world needs more people like Ann, and she will be deeply missed by her family and friends. 💖

07/12/2025

🌟 Oh, I do love a wonderful vow renewal ceremony!

Today, I had the joy of celebrating Alex and Debbie Hall at The Puddled Duck near Hambleton, surrounded by their loving family and friends. ❤️

I shared their incredible journey since their marriage, highlighting how they’ve beautifully built on their relationship over the years.

In 2015, they made the leap from West Yorkshire to Sunset Park in Hambleton, embracing the community they now call home.

Here’s to many more happy years of marriage! 🥂✨

04/12/2025

🌟 Celebrating the Life of Suzanne Leadbetter 🌟

Today, we celebrated the incredible Suzanne Leadbetter, a true legend of Chatsworth Avenue and a beloved figure in Fleetwood.

I reached out, as I always do, to her daughter, Tracy, for permission to share this tribute, and her joy was so evident as she, her sisters Jeanette and Nicola and brother Stephen, are so immensely proud of their mother.

The Funeral Director, Angela from J T Byrne Funeral Directors, was equally touched by Tracy's response and wanted, as usual, to be tagged in this post to highlight our wonderful teamwork to make sure Suzanne had the perfect send-off .

Suzanne was a vibrant presence, well known for often blasting out her favorite tunes, such as ‘I Will Survive’ by Gloria Gaynor, in her front garden on Chatsworth Avenue.

She would spend equally as much time in her charming back garden, home to 16 delightful gnomes all paraded in a row!

With her fiancé Billy, they seemed to be on a quest for the longest engagement in Fleetwood history! They were such a happy couple as many photos during a Visual Tribute ably showed.

Beyond her family, Suzanne played a nurturing role at Fleetwood Nautical Campus, ensuring that students not only had their meals but also the support they needed as they transitioned to life away from home.

Chatsworth Avenue and Fleetwood will forever feel her absence. Suzanne, you are deeply loved and will be missed by all who knew you. 💖