Memorable Ceremonies by Carol Bode

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

20/06/2025

Alternative beautiful and unique “ vegetable” tribute left at yesterday obviously in memory of someone who probably either had an allotment or grew vegetables at home.
The local wildlife dined out well last night 😀

18/06/2025

Very special day Crematorium today for a host of personal and professional reasons.

Just love what I do.

29/05/2025

Beautiful little chapel to lead a celebration of life for a lovely lady this morning before moving to the graveside for the committal and burial. It had forecast rain but just look at that wonderful blue sky. Special ❤️

16/10/2024

Wow- what an awesome service today which I was honoured to lead for a lady of 44 who died suddenly and unexpectedly and whose zest for life knew no bounds. It touched me in more ways than one. Last night I had attended a CPD session on child bereavement organised by celebrantcircleuk which was excellent and so thought provoking. Today there were more children there than I was expecting and so I do hope the words I used were as appropriate for them as well as the adults there.
It was a beautiful celebration of life and one I’ll remember for a long time for so many reasons.

11/07/2024

Another rewarding day in the life of a celebrant ❤️