Eric Gill
Funeral Celebrant Services in Wiltshire
Celebrating a life with Dignity....
Semi or Non Religious Funerals- A Civil Funeral Ceremony
No-one can really know what you are going through when you are suffering the loss of a loved one, although we will all have to confront death sometime.
It's strange why death can be an immensely binding experience – the grief can be so isolating, yet it brings people together in an attempt to make sense of it. People try to put themselves in your shoes and understand it, as if it were they who are suffering.
A funeral is the formal expression of this compassion.
A funeral makes us pause and think about life and what is important.
It allows us to out-pour our grief and regret and rejoice in our memories.
It gives us an occasion for honour and respect. And it does so in an environment of community and love, where those who are suffering the most will find comfort, support and beginning of healing.
Those coping with bereavement are not always fully aware of many of the funeral choices available. More often they gratefully accept whatever suggestions are made, not fully understanding that they could have done it differently until afterwards.
Most are only ever offered a funeral service, either conducted by a Religious Minister or the Atheist outlook offered by a Humanist Officiant.
In today's modern world, many people are developing their own ideas and philosophies on life and religion, and therefore neither a religious nor atheist funeral particularly reflects their personal beliefs about both life and death.
A Civil Funeral ceremony is a dignified and formal non- religious Funeral ceremony to commemorate a loved ones life and parting.
Above all, it is a ceremony that reflects the wishes of the family and those of the deceased. It is a highly personal tribute created by the executor or family in consultation with a Professional Celebrant.
Consultation with the Celebrant
As your funeral Celebrant, I will meet you in your own home OR at your chosen funeral director. This meeting generally takes one to two hours. During this time, I will explore ways of making the service as meaningful and as personalized as possible. Participation by family and community is always encouraged.
Once all of the elements of the service are discussed and decided upon, I write an appropriate and customized service, including all of the various ‘parts’. In this way, I can create a smooth-flowing, beautifully crafted tribute for your loved one.
As necessary, I will assist the various speakers before the event and oversee the ceremony’s design and facilitation.
During the event, I will facilitate and guide the proceedings, make any necessary announcements, as well as leading individuals through any rituals within the ceremony.
The Eulogy and the Tribute
The eulogy is a celebration of the person's life, recounting their experiences, attributes and qualities. Every effort is made to capture the very essence of the deceased and their lasting spirit.
The tribute, which may be delivered by me, the Funeral Celebrant, or any of the family/friends, forms a part of the whole ceremony that I will help write in partnership with the family.
I personally create each Funeral Ceremony to be completely unique to the deceased and a written copy of the whole text is provided so that the ceremony can be followed easily.
The Civil Funeral Ceremony provides a comprehensive framework to make a range of choices about the content and style of the final Ceremony. In short, a Ceremony unique to the deceased is created: a tribute to and a celebration of their life.
Choices are made from the wide selection of poems and readings available. Additional pieces that hold special meaning and significance for the deceased can be included.
I offer help and advice on all the options available and in deciding how the selections should be arranged and presented. Family members and friends may also be included in the ceremony as well as any music that is appropriate.
The Ceremony is designed and conducted in such a way as to reflect the express wishes of the deceased and that of the family.
The Funeral Service
A funeral or memorial service is usually held at the venue of your choice. Please note, venue hire fees or charges may apply – check with me or your funeral director.
A service generally includes some or all of the elements below. However, I will always be guided by the contact person (family or friend) who is responsible for organising the funeral.
• Music as mourners enter the Venue
• A welcome and introduction
• Reading by the celebrant
• Eulogy/Biography
• Tribute/s by family members or friends
• Reading
• Reflection time with music
• Reading and/or Lord’s Prayer
• Committal
• Music as mourners leave the Venue
What is 'The Eulogy?'
A eulogy is somewhat like a personalized speech. It is given at a funeral as a testimonial to the life of the deceased. It can be given by a relative or a close personal friend of the person who passed away.
The eulogy is a way to share details and fond memories of a loved one that other people may not be aware of, or that they may find comforting. Giving a eulogy can be very difficult, since emotions are high when a loved one passes on.
Because of this, the Celebrant may be asked to read this - on behalf of the family. This can then be combined with the Tribute
Writing a Eulogy
It is perfectly acceptable to write the eulogy yourself and ask someone else, perhaps the Celebrant, to read it for you. This is a good idea if you were especially close to the deceased and do not feel you will be able to speak.
On the other hand, people expect raw emotion at such a difficult time, and will certainly understand. This being the case, if you feel it is important that you give the eulogy personally, do not be embarrassed about showing emotion while delivering your speech.
I can write the eulogy or will work with the family or close friend, to craft the eulogy together.
During my visit to the person/s charged with organising the service I gather background details about the deceased person. These may include:
• full name, common name and/or nickname
• date and place of birth
• names of Parents and siblings
• schooling and early life
• qualifications and work life
• family life, marriage, children
• characteristics, personality, traits, common sayings
• community work and involvement
• hobbies and interests – including music, craft, pets, sports
• lasting memories of family and friends
The eulogy may be delivered by me, a family member or friend. The timing of the eulogy and tributes is dependent on limitations of the venue. Discuss this with me.
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Association of Independent Celebrants
Code of Practice
High standard of service- A Funeral Celebrant will uphold a high standard of service, maintaining respect & dignity in his or her professional conduct & practice.
Recognition of significance of Funeral - A Funeral Celebrant recognises the social, cultural & moral significance of the funeral service in the UK, & the importance of strong & respectful family relationships.
Compliance with laws– A Funeral Celebrant must, at all times, be aware of and ensure compliance with Privacy, discrimination and other laws.
General requirements - The Funeral Celebrant will, where possible:
• Visit the family & maintain open discussion with the point of contact in regard to the funeral service
• Give the parties information & guidance to enable them to choose or compose a service that will meet their needs & expectations
• Respect the privacy & confidentiality of the parties
• Ensure accuracy in the preparation & delivery of documents, eg correct names, dates & spellings
• Confirm all details with the point of contact
• Ensure the return of all personal documents belonging to the parties
• Ensure familiarity with electronic devices & operations at the service venue
• Meet & reassure the point of contact & family members at the service.
• Present the family with a presentation copy of the funeral service when offering final condolences
• If the Funeral Celebrant has agreed to perform more than one Service on the same day: ensure that all parties receive a level of Service that meets their separate & special requirements.
Personal presentation - The Funeral Celebrant ensures:
• their personal presentation is of an appropriate standard for the Funeral Service & respect the expectations of the family
• that the service is audible to all those present &
• arrives at the Service venue at least 20 minutes before the agreed starting time.
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