Memorable Ceremonies by Carol Bode

19/11/2023

18/11/2023

As funeral celebrants we look after families in their most difficult times and I personally find that very rewarding. Occasionally life throws you a curve ball though and you realise you have to look after yourself too. I’ve experienced many emotions over the past month or so and have learned a lot about myself. Now got to get this body and mind back in full working order and I’ll emerge even stronger for it I’m sure

11/11/2023

Did you see Stacey Dooley: Inside the Undertakers last night? It was an inspiring and moving account of the vital work done by independent funeral directors, caring diligently for families and the deceased. It's well worth a watch. https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m001s7r1

11/11/2023

I watched this last night- strange choice really as the day before had been my toughest challenge yet working as a funeral celebrant- writing and leading a celebration of life ceremony for my sons’ father and my former husband but still good friend who I’d known for 47 years and who died unexpectedly a month ago. I was drained but somehow this so resonated and I felt better afterwards.

This programme was tackled sensitively and honestly and so reflected my own experience of working with the lovely caring and compassionate Funeral directors, and the families of those within their care that I have been privileged to work with since embarking on this path, but also of my own personal experience and emotions over the last few weeks.

The more I work in this area, the more I have come to accept more my own mortality- age might also have a part to play of course.

For those who are curious or those who may have wondered what happens after I die , this behind the scenes programme is a must watch. Brought me comfort at a time I needed it.❤️

Thank you BBC

Did you see Stacey Dooley: Inside the Undertakers last night? It was an inspiring and moving account of the vital work done by independent funeral directors, caring diligently for families and the deceased. It's well worth a watch. https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m001s7r1

14/10/2023

After a really difficult and very sad week in my own family where we lost somebody very special , to come home to this feedback this evening from a service I was trusted to lead this week means the world to me and makes this role as a celebrant such a privilege to do and so rewarding. Life goes on - make the most of every day as we can all take life for granted- but it is the greatest gift anyone of us has.

“Thanks once again Carol... It was a fantastic send off. And you, as always, made the transition so seemless but enjoyable.. (people have said they would like your details as you were so dignified and "on point" and so calming too..)

Thanks again from the bottom of my heart.. You are truly are an earthly angel.. Much love and appreciation ❤️❤️”

28/09/2023

It’s great to be back after a break over the summer. Refreshed and raring to go again.

18/07/2023

I was always told that Clandon Wood Natural Burial Ground was a very special place. Today was my first time there leading a celebration of life ceremony for a close colleagues late wife.
It truly is very beautiful, tranquil and peaceful location to say goodbye to a loved one. The staff there are lovely, the grounds magnificent and watching the wildlife and birds circling above magical.
Will admit I shed a tear today as the tributes from the husband and children were heartfelt, they were delivered beautifully and captured everything about this wonderful lady who was vibrant, strong and resilient to the end
Such a privilege to do this role and so thankful for the opportunity to be part of this world.

12/07/2023

If I’ve gone a bit quiet it’s because I moved house last week and now down in Warsash near Southampton on the River Hamble. Still working in the Basingstoke area and loving it but looking forward to introducing myself to more local FDs around here. I know there is strong competition in the area but I look forward to joining you and meeting and collaborating with you all. Take care everyone .

04/07/2023

Really lucky with the weather as 45 minutes later it was like a monsoon!! Beautiful horses and carriage to take a special lady on her last journey. Memorable and special moments at Basingstoke Crematorium today. .

31/05/2023

Really special day today as we celebrated the life of a local farmer. Well loved and liked and many came to pay their respects as he was so popular. His family honored him by driving the tractors he had used so often and some wonderful floral tributes recognising the cows he loved and looked after so well and the tractors he drove. . Glorious as the sun came out too. Special day xx

18/05/2023

I’ll just think about this ,,,,

17/05/2023

Two very different services today - the first with well over 200 people to say goodbye to a remarkable lady who faced so much in her life, and the second an intimate service for 12 people reflecting on joyous life of a father.
Together with my house move ongoing and my age finding it exhausting trying to fit it all in and thought I knew how to plan. But life is one huge learning lesson never to be underestimated ###

18/04/2023

How frustrating. Too many choices!!
Wordle 668 X/6

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⬜🟩🟩🟩🟩
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04/04/2023

Note to self.

“If there is ever a next time when I am required to wear a 24 hour blood pressure machine like the one in the photo which goes off and buzzes every 30 minutes, try to make it a day when I’m not taking a funeral service 🤦‍♀️ 🤷🏻‍♀️”

Yesterday was such a day but how lucky was I that the buzz coincided with the music …. Twice. Phew 😮‍💨 Just had to manage the wince on my face as the cuff got tighter and tighter and my hand number and number and pretend nothing was happening.
Think the lead and “bum bag” might have given it away though … but at least it matched my outfit 🤪🤪. Family meeting next … I “came clean” as was no escaping it then 😉

Just one of the consequences of being a celebrant that I hadn’t thought through !!! Lesson learnt!

02/04/2023

Not a typical Sunday but a worthwhile one. Days not over yet though 🤣

09/03/2023

To receive this unsolicited feedback on a cold snowy day here in Hampshire makes what we do as celebrants so very worthwhile and rewarding. Thank you 😘

“Just may I first congratulate you on the most amazing send off yesterday.. It was impeccably handled and the celebration itself was handled in complete and utter style and was just SOOO fitting to what dad meant to us all, Carol, you were the talk of the wake and everyone complimenting your contribution.. And I, hand in heart, have to totally agree with then all.. It was so professionally executed it did actually make a very difficult day much more pleasurable indeed and I can't thank you enough for that..
So Carol, a biggest of accolades goes from me to you, For not only doing what you did yesterday but for taking the time to complete some of it while away on holiday in the Maldives ❤️ (I hope its not to dizzy up there on that pedestal I've put you on... Lol) “

05/03/2023

Back into the swing of things after my holiday. Today’s very personal memorial service has left me thinking “How would I line to be remembered” Food for thought ….

17/02/2023

Recharging the batteries is so important sometimes to ensure I can carry on doing the very best for my families I look after when a loved one has died. I’m so fortunate to be here for 2 weeks to calm the mind and take stock. Back in early March ready to go again. Take care everyone.
Carol 😘

08/02/2023

Yesterday was one of those ‘heart stopping’ moments. The coffin was to descend to a round of applause - all going well , pressed the button- nothing. Pressed again. - nothing. Pleading looks to FD who went and got staff member who came to my assistance to comments “ he doesn’t want to go” !!! - eventually descended.
To get this feedback today was such a relief- just goes to show that things are never as bad as they seem at the time.

Thank you for doing such a wonderful job yesterday. I was very impressed and very grateful. I thought everything went really well and I was very pleased.

Dad would have loved the problem with the button. I press the button on my washing machine and half the time I am confronted with blatant inactivity and total silence.

07/02/2023

Weather like today is so very perfect to celebrate a life well lived. My second service of today - two people with 2 fascinating stories to tell. I’ve learnt so much about what life was really like over the past century.
Such a privilege.

18/01/2023

Wow what a day .. and I survived despite a couple of sleepless nights.
I very rarely book 3 funerals in one day and a family meeting in the evening l, as I always want to give my best to each family and it’s important to always be on top of your game.
Today was an exception though for may reasons and it went smoothly- despite a sleepless night last night worrying about logistics- from a crematorium to putting the wellie boots on for a woodland service high on a hill in the glorious weather today and then back to the crem.
Its been so very special and so rewarding and the feedback has been lovely.

I’ve found my niche and I love my job.

Flowers have been unique at each service- at the natural burial the coffin was adorned with greenery that mourners brought with them and then laid before it was lowered to a song sang by a Welsh Mens Voice Choir ;meanwhile the sheep in flowers was in honour of a lady who loved and collected so many sheep toys.

All meaningful, all important and all
summing up a life well lived.

My job is such a privilege ###

18/01/2023

Cor Meibion Llangwm Male Voice Choir · Song · 2004

18/01/2023

So very moving at a woodland burial today as the coffin was lowered. A special meaningful song for a very special person ❤️

Cor Meibion Llangwm Male Voice Choir · Song · 2004

16/12/2022

Crisp, sunny, beautiful and cold afternoon here at Tadley Cemetery. Sad but poignant and meaningful celebration of a young woman’s life taken far too soon. Life is precious ❤️

28/11/2022

How very lovely to receive these today- makes a rewarding job even more special. ❤️

‘Just wanted to say Thank you for all your help with Mum’s funeral. All my family were impressed with you Carol, you delivered the eulogy with care and love, just like you knew her. Big thanks ‘

18/11/2022

A ‘celebration of life’ service can be upbeat and humorous in a very respectful way- just like the one I conducted today. Whilst a sad occasion, to leave uplifted and positive has got to be a good thing. I’ll certainly be raising a glass this evening to the wonderful man we said goodbye to today.

01/11/2022

Just one of those days 🤦‍♀️ but on top of the day last week 🤷🏻‍♀️ maybe I’m just going through a phase ….. I hope 😁😀 😜
At the end of the day though, the family had the service they wanted and that we had planned for - just slightly later than anticipated - so all came good in the end. ❤️. And very luckily and fortuitously it didn’t impact the following service greatly. Thank you to the staff Thatcham Crematorium- you were brilliant.

24/10/2022

This is a first for me.
Arrived well in time at Basingstoke Crematorium for a service for a sudden and totally unexpected death of a 32year old at 2.45pm so emotions were heightened - call then from FD - “the hearse has not turned up so we’re running at least 30-45 minutes late”. Fortuitously there was no service following… how lucky were we- so we could still go ahead. The chapel attendant was great and re organised timings for the webcast so I could breathe a sigh of relief.

But the family had arrived in good time and so I broke the news to the parents that we were delayed and explained why. However they were so very gracious about it and laughed saying “that’s typical of x” always late!!
And then the most beautiful rainbow appeared through the rain clouds which seemed to make it extra special. Maybe that’s what she was waiting for ❤️

This job never fails to surprise.

21/10/2022

As the week comes to a close, it is so lovely to receive feedback like this following the service of a lovely lady who was such a rock for her family.
I really enjoy working with families and it is a privilege to be trusted by them to lead their loved one’s life celebration and this makes it all worthwhile.
Such a joy to work with Evelyn’s Funerals too on Monday who always make it easy.

07/10/2022

Just home from Greenacres Chiltern which has got to be one of the most glorious settings I’ve been to so far to conduct a funeral service, especially on a bright sunny Autumn day.
If the outside surroundings and setting weren’t lovely enough, the chapel was stunning. Such a perfect venue to say goodbye to a fun loving happy go lucky gentleman who certainly lived life to the full. Thank you to his family for putting their trust in me.