Memorable Ceremonies by Carol Bode

17/03/2026

Arriving home today to this thank you card reminds me I found my calling and I’m doing my most rewarding work of my long and varied career.
Funny how paths open up when you least suspect it xx

Dear Carol
I just wanted to say a heartfelt thank you for leading the celebration of life service for my husband.
You captured his life and character so beautifully, and your words brought great comfort to me and to all my family during such a difficult time.
I truly cannot express how grateful we are. We were overwhelmed by the number of people who came to pay their respects and show their support.
So many people commented on how wonderful the service was and how thoughtfully you spoke about him. Your kindness, care, and the way you honoured his life meant so much to us all
Thank you again from the bottom of my heart. With sincere gratitude ❤️

11/03/2026

I love my role helping families through a difficult time and if I can make it just that little bit easier and help them say goodbye, then that’s ok with me. So when I get a gift and message like this totally unsolicited and out of the blue it makes it all worthwhile ❤️

“Dear Carol. Thank you so much for the wonderful service for mum. You truly captured her spirit and we could t have asked for a more fitting tribute. You were truly amazing. Lots of love ###

20/02/2026

Looking forward to a good day.

09/10/2025

What a gorgeous sunny day to say goodbye to a lovely lady at my first service here at Portchester Crematorium. Always enjoy visiting new places and meeting the staff who work so hard to look after and care for our loved ones to the end.
Establishing yourself in a new area - Warsash and Fareham- after 5 very busy and enjoyable years working in and around Basingstoke and Reading with FDs who got to know and trust me well isn’t easy… and so I want to thank 2 local FDs to where I live now who have given me an opportunity and I look forward to receiving more hopefully.
Thank you too to those FDs in the North who continue to put their trust in me- for me a quick trip up the M3 is still worth it as I live what I do and those I work with. ❤️

.Coghlanfuneraldirectors

26/08/2025

I received this feedback this weekend …totally unexpectedly and unsolicited… and it made me feel proud and privileged of what we can do for families and friends when a loved one has died as independent celebrants.

To know that we are also creating a growing awareness of the potential options and choices for celebrating a life, that many may still not realise is possible, is heartwarming and rewarding. It’s all about giving choice and helping families and friends say goodbye to a loved one in ways that they want to.

It’s confirmed for me why I took up this role 5 years ago and I never regretted a day. 🙏❤️

“Dear Carol,

I had the privilege to watch the service for ### online with my mother (we were friends that live in London).

I was touched by how beautiful I found the service. You captured the life of a complex man and highlighted his achievements.

I am agnostic, so for the first time, I was able to see how a funeral service can emphasise the importance of each human life away from the trappings of theology.

My mother liked the service too.

Thanks again for helping me to realise that funeral services can be different and still celebrate the individual.

Best wishes”

17/08/2025

This feedback after last Mondays woodland burial actually brought a tear to my eye when I received it this weekend and it’s why I do this role. The family are happy I share it.
Knowing I have helped a family in a small way means the world to me and makes it all worthwhile.
Good teamwork with Debbie Collins, Independent Funeral Director also makes such a difference. ❤️

Dear Carol, Debbie

Almost a week has passed since Mum’s funeral and with this time, a gradual sinking-in of the event. The result of these recent days, strengthened by the simple act of talking about mum’s burial with those wanting to know more, is a gentle warmth and gratitude for what you (we) managed to create together. A peaceful, graceful and frill-free burial that leaves mum with the stillness to rest and us with the trust that we enacted the right decisions for her.

What I observed from you both was an elegant balance of respect and warmth, presence and distance, support and freedom, all steered gently by your knowledge in how to do things so that we could focus on words, memories and goodbyes.

I’m deeply grateful to have had your support in this day and wanted to say a huge thank you to you both, as well as the team for making a day of potential complexities into one of a simple celebration of life.

12/08/2025

There is something so peaceful and tranquil about a woodland burial. Beautiful day in a gorgeous location to celebrate the life of a very talented lady who wrote many books about flora and fauna. At peace now exactly where she wanted to be.

03/08/2025

Thank you Basingstoke Crematorium for hosting your first open day in many years . Delighted to be invited and be with you all and great to catch up with fellow Celebrant Circle celebrant Laura Taylor again. Great to spend time with the lovely FD Debbie Collins too- see you and Lee again on Wednesday Debbie !

18/07/2025

An opportunity to come and see behind the scenes and meet those of us who are here for you in those moments of need.

📢 Join Us for Our Open Day – Sunday, 3rd August 2025 🕊️

We’re delighted to invite you to our Open Day at Basingstoke Crematorium and Cemetery! This is your chance to explore our beautiful grounds, ask questions, and meet our dedicated team.

What to expect:

✅ Guided tours of our Chapel, crematory, and memorial gardens

✅ Discover meaningful memorial options

✅ Chat with our team and trusted Funeral Directors

✅ Learn about our services, memorial options, and eco-friendly choices

✅ Q&A session – no question is too big or small

✅ A warm, welcoming space to reflect and connect

And many, many more activities and experiences.

We take great pride in serving our community, and we’d love for you to join us for this special day. Whether you're curious, planning ahead, or simply wish to see behind the scenes, everyone is welcome.

We hope to see you there! Feel free to message us with any questions.

Ewa Fettin
Business Leader

18/07/2025

Lovely to visit Debbie Collins Independent Funeral Director’s funeral home at Folly Farm today and catch up with her and Lee. Great chat and love working with them.
Such a lovely venue overlooking the Hampshire countryside and a peaceful place to care for a loved one.
Unlike any other FDs place I’ve been to given its location and quite special. Next to Ibworth Natural Burial site where I’ve taken a few services for her. Beautiful and very natural at this time of year especially.
Thanks for the welcome Debbie and Lee and the hospitality. Xx