Caroline James, Farewells & Funerals

09/08/2023

I HAVE BEEN HACKED! PLEASE DO NOT ACCEPT OR COMMENT ON ANYTHING FROM THIS HACKER ACCOUNT. PLEASE REPORT FOR ME. THANK YOU

04/08/2023

SIDE by SIDE by SU***DE

Maggots in wounds, soiled nappies little food and care are just some of the reasons a married elderly couple have decided to take their own lives, they have no confidence in aged care and know a few who’ve been subjected to abuse on a level they will not allow each other to be subjected too.

The couple have planned out their deaths meticulously making sure neither will be to blame. (Not a murder su***de but a double su***de).

Should the couple be exposed it’s no doubt they’ll be forced into care either by authorities or their son who’s accused of elder abuse, both fear they may be drugged and separated.

Both are sound of mind and have their own illnesses and needs and may not survive without each other given they have been together for nearly 60 years.

Whilst plans have been made the ex*****on of said plans are unknown.

The Coffin Confessor has agreed to perform a number of tasks free of charge for the couple once he has been notified of their deaths.

02/08/2023

I found this amazingly moving!

31/07/2023

This is a photo of a fox found dead
last week. There were no signs of
any injuries, so an autopsy was done
only to discover a balloon in
his digestive system.

I know you miss your loved ones,
but releasing balloons into the sky
does nothing but kill innocent wildlife.

Please STOP this practice.

🎈🎈🎈😵☠️💀

06/07/2023

I have always thought that a direct cremation would be something I would like for myself; no attenders or mourners, no procession, no soulful words or music. Cheaper option.  Perhaps have a party later and spend the money on people having fun in my name, I would muse. But my own personal experiences have led to something of a change of heart. Read my new blog to find out more. Link in bio

22/06/2023

17/06/2023

Too Crazy!
Funerals-Today.com

28/05/2023

🧡🧡🧡🧡

19/05/2023

When I write a service, I often include words about living life to the full and making the most of it, if we can because as they say, ‘none of us is getting out alive’ and I try hard to stick to that. Today I learned that my friend’s much loved father-on-law Kevin Ireland, a renowned poet and author from New Zealand, has died. His poem ‘Striking A Pose’ is so simple yet so powerful. Rest in peace Kevin.

02/05/2023

Did you know Bill Owen and Peter Sallis who played Compo and Clegg in The Last of the Summer Wine are buried next to each other?

They are Buried at St John's Churchyard, Upperthong, Metropolitan Borough of Kirklees, West Yorkshire, England, UK 😇🙏

23/03/2023

Today, Thursday 23 March 2023 marks the third National Day of Reflection. Many will feel that the anniversary of this event marking the first day that the UK went into its Covid-19 national lockdown is an unnecessary distraction. However, we like the many millions impacted by grief over the last few years know that this event should not be confined to history because we continue to live with the grief.

Read more:

https://www.lossandhope.org/national-day-of-reflection-23rd-march-2023/

Marie Curie UK
Covid-19 Bereaved Families for Justice UK
Covid19Families Uk

17/03/2023

Are you thinking about holding a memorial service for someone and don’t know where to start? Part one of my blog on options for memorials gives you food for thought as you decide on how, when and where. Link in bio

16/03/2023

This piece really resonates ❤️

I would rather be ashes than dust! I would rather that my spark should burn out in a brilliant blaze than it should be stifled by dry-rot. I would rather be a superb meteor, every atom of me in magnificent glow, than a sleepy and permanent planet. The function of man is to live, not to exist. I shall not waste my days trying to prolong them. I shall use my time.
Up to a certain point, it is necessary for a man to live his life in the world in which he finds himself, and to make the best of it. But beyond that point, he must create a world of his own. And the greatest thing about life is that it is always giving us the opportunity to create something new. It is never too late to start over, to make a fresh beginning, to blaze a new trail.
Life is short, and we have but a brief time in which to explore, to learn, to experience, and to create. Let us make the most of that time, and let us burn brightly, like meteors across the night sky, leaving behind us a trail of light and inspiration for those who come after us. ~Jack London

(Book: I Would Rather Be a Meteor https://amzn.to/3Lgek5L)

21/02/2023

A well written piece about the stark reality of direct cremations and reminding us that funerals are very much for those left behind.

Cremations without a service are on the rise, but others say they need a funeral to deal with grief.

01/02/2023

Yesterday evening, I was a contestant on The Chase and realised my dream of meeting the luscious Brad Walsh! Yes he is as nice as he seems…… 😂 It was an exciting but terrifying experience but I’m glad I did it. I’ve had so many previous clients get in touch since to say they’d watched the show and enjoyed it. Lovely to hear from those people again. So often, once a service is over, inevitably that’s the last time we are in touch.

19/01/2023

A fabulous morning discussing our collaboration on Celebrations of Life, Wakes, Receptions and Memorials. Watch This Space!

07/11/2022

There is no doubt that receiving a special thank you gift is the best feeling…and when that gift contains a bottle of champagne and some lush chocs, it simply couldn’t get any better!

20/10/2022

https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2022/oct/19/shallow-grave-kids-picnic-alternative-undertaker-funeral

Rupert Callender didn’t know what to do with his life until he realised he could help people mark the deaths of their loved ones. Just don’t mention pallbearers and the other traditional trappings

11/06/2022

Such a beautiful day today; after officiating a farewell service, I went on to what I believe I might just be the most beautifully appointed venue in the Chichester harbour area, Chichester Yacht Club. I was there to assist a gentleman in hosting his post service reception whilst enjoying the breathtaking views of the harbour and marina. This setting offers people such peace and tranquility. I love it here.

23/02/2022

https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2019/09/16/releasing-doves-at-ceremonies-why-you-shouldnt-do-it/

There are some traditional practices in which I would not be able to take part as I don’t believe they are the right thing to do. We can always find alternatives.

Guest post by Michele Wellard Much has been written on the subject of white “doves” released for weddings, funerals and ceremonies and why it is not a good idea. I hope that this information is starting to reach the wedding … Continue reading →

19/02/2022

Such a beautiful and peaceful place, particularly in the sunshine, to remember a loved one. The pond is full of colourful mature Koi Carp who clearly thrive here. You can see one in the photo! It’s quite an inspirational place, Chichester Crematorium Memorial Garden. I quite understand why people enjoy coming here, particularly on a bright Winter’s day, at the weekend. Perfect peace.

05/02/2022

We all love to receive positive feedback, don’t we, so imagine how thrilled I was when I received this video review from a client! Thanks so much.

31/01/2022

Talking about stepping away from the norm……

14/12/2021

Season’s Greetings! Sending love and best wishes to all my followers , friends and supportive colleagues. May 2022 bring us light love and peace. ❤️

26/11/2021

You don’t have to have a service in a crematorium, there are lots of other choices.

22/10/2021

What sort of poems or funeral readings can you have? Do you like something sad and melancholic or would you prefer a humorous and uplifting theme? My new blog offers a few ideas. Link in bio ❤️

20/10/2021

Yesterday I led a service at Worthing Crematorium; it was the first time I had been there for a while as I usually find myself at Chichester, Guildford or Havant and I had forgotten how much I enjoy the peace and serenity of the place. The grounds are so beautiful and the staff are helpful and accommodating. All of this helps to promote a sense of hope and positivity for the families.

01/10/2021

Have you been worrying about arranging a Celebration of life service or memorial and you just don’t know where to start the planning? Are you seeking some vision but are too short of time to spend on making it the special and unique occasion that you really want it to be? Call me and let’s see what we can create together

29/09/2021

In a suburban warehouse in the US, Seth Vidall and one of his employees have built a "vessel" they hope will usher in a more environmentally friendly era of mortuary science.

25/09/2021

We have all heard the old saying “laughter is the best medicine” but when is it ok to have laughter at funerals? Sharing a laugh can be a bonding experience and take the fire out of a tense situation. Read more in my new blog. Link in bio ❤️

23/09/2021

Yesterday I had the honour of visiting this legend, my old friend Tony Rowland. I was given a complete tour of Rowland Brothers’ amazing main premises in Croydon and met some of his top staff. All polished off with a sumptuous lunch. 😍Looking forward to working with you Tony, Steve, Joe and Fiona ❤️

21/09/2021

Yesterday, I led the farewell service of a real legend and afterwards we went to the Tangmere Aviation Museum for some really excellent refreshments amidst lively anecdotes given by representatives of his regiment, including the Commanding Officer. A really meaningful and unique send-off for a thoroughly decent man ❤️

06/09/2021

People often ask me how I go about writing a eulogy for someone who has died, something that reflects the essence of that person while also bringing comfort, solace and positivity to those present to say farewell. Go to my website and read my latest blog for more

15/07/2021

It’s been a long time coming! After many tough months, we are finally able to make plans. If you are one of the many bereaved folk who weren’t able to say a proper farewell to a loved one, I am now taking bookings and crafting celebrations of life events to remember and honour people who have gone. Give me a call and let’s see what new memories we can create together

13/07/2021

THERE’S A WOMAN IN MY MIRROR

There’s a woman in my mirror
And she looks a lot like me,
Though there’s lines around her eyes,
And her hair is wild and free.
She is plumper than myself,
And she is definitely grey.
Did I miss the day this happened
Has she always been this way?

And this woman in the mirror
Has an air of something calm,
Like a tide that’s going out,
And a beach that’s soft and warm.
She has seen the world in colour,
She has learned to know the truth.
There’s a wisdom in her wrinkles,
There’s a knowledge brought from youth.

And she seems to move more freely,
As though released from earthly binds.
Is she made of something lighter?
Perhaps the weight she left behind.
Like the press of expectation,
And the need to yield and bend.
I like this woman in the mirror,
She’s fast becoming my best friend.

Donna Ashworth
Poetry books: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B08LRGWY74/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_fabt1_OYLVFbX4YR91V
Hilda by Duane Bryers

13/07/2021

This really hits the spot for me.

WHEN YOU HAVE LOST SOMEONE YOU LOVE

Do not make the mistake of living in sadness, or living small to honour their absence.
You owe it to them to live even more vividly than before.
If they could reach you, they would surely say..

“Take the love you had for me and turn it into gladness,
use the love you had for me to drive away the sadness.”

Love is an energy, so powerful, so all-consuming that when the person you felt all that love for is not here, you are a vessel filled with a boundless source of power that has nowhere to go.

Harness it.

Use it to burn even more brightly and live even more loudly than before.
Share the love you felt for that person with all the other special people in your life, for it is limitless. There is no end to it and there never, ever should be.

If they could reach you they would surely say…

“Make my time on earth count loudly, so I’ve not lived in vain.
Use the love we shared to make more love and not more pain.”

If you are struggling to move on, to find the way to carry on. Without them.

This is it.
Use the love.

Carry them with you in all that you do, using their love as the source.
It is what they would want.
Tell their stories, mention their name, feel their love – and share it.
Do not let the pain of their loss overshadow the love that they created whilst alive.

Make them count.
Remember, grief is the price you pay for a love divine. The stronger the love, the deeper the grief but love, love will always win in the end.

Donna Ashworth
Author : https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B08LRGWY74/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_fabt1_OYLVFbX4YR91V



Art By Oliver Henggeler

08/07/2021

Can you afford to wait until you’re old before you make a will? If not, when is the right time?
Read my new blog about making your Will and protecting your loved ones. Link in bio.

30/06/2021

Arranging flowers around the deceased is one of the oldest forms of mourning and the tradition of flowers at a funeral dates back further than you might imagine! Plants first appeared on Earth during the Cretaceous period, some 130 million years ago. Of course, in relative geologic time, that is a mere drop in the ocean for Earth……. Read more about the history of floral tributes in my latest blog. Link in bio!

29/06/2021

You don’t have to follow the crowd and use the celebrant suggested by your funeral director, particularly if you seek a less formal, traditional service. It’s worth having a look online and speaking to some other funeral celebrants to see if you can find your perfect fit yourself. I am Caroline James, Farewells & Funerals; why not call me now for a chat or email me your thoughts. Together we can create something truly unique.

20/06/2021

Last week I led a service at The Oaks Crematorium in Havant. All crematoriums generally work in the same way with the same end result but the chapels themselves vary a great deal. This chapel is very light and airy which I find heartening and more agreeable when presenting a service.