Nicola Norrie Independent Celebrant

25/01/2023

Celebrating a life.
Contrary to popular belief, nowadays you don’t have to conform to expected or conventional funeral arrangements. You can have any kind of service you desire, you don’t have to wear black, you don’t have to have it in a specific place, you can even be there yourself to hear what others say about you or leave a video message to be shown on the day.
It may sound unusual but for families caught up in a time of grief, knowing your wishes can help them as they navigate their way through the funeral process. Funeral Directors will guide you through all the practical side of the service with care and compassion and they can where necessary choose music etc but if you want to have control of your final farewell then working with me we can create your perfect ceremony. This can be added to your funeral plan and make it easier for your loved ones to ensure that you get the send off that you wanted, tell your story your way.
There are more and more people opting for a living funeral and you may think that a living funeral is for you, if that’s the case then there are lots of things to take into consideration and I can help and guide you through all of these! Where do you want to have the service, up a hill, in a forest, on the beach, in a hotel or place that holds special significance for you. Who do you want to attend? What are they wearing? What time of day will you hold it? What do you want to say and share? And what do you want those attending to do? What is the tone? I will help to make it the perfect farewell.

For some people this may sound a bit morbid but there is only one certainty in life for us all, and that is death! We just don’t know when, tomorrow isn’t promised to any of us!

If you want to have an informal chat about creating your funeral service please just get in touch. [email protected] or 07716 027370

18/08/2022

It can be hard to talk to those we love about what our wishes are when we pass away. But it is without a doubt one of the best things that you can do for your loved ones! Not only will it help them at an incredibly difficult time but it will take away the stress of wondering if they are doing what you would have wanted them too, if they are giving you the kind of send off they would have wanted. It can offer them comfort and help give them peace of mind that they are doing the right thing.

There is only one certainty in life for us all and that certainty is that one day we will pass away.

But people still don't like to talk about their mortality and dying, it is an almost taboo subject avoided so as not to upset those around us. But there are many ways to do this without fuss or drama. You may decide that you want to plan the whole thing down to the last second and leave your loved ones a comprehensive set of instruction and attendee list. You might decide to throw the odd comment in here and there over the years and hope that your family remember the comments that you have made. Or you could speak to someone like me who can help you discuss what you want and help you to articulate your wishes. Leaving instructions for when the time comes is not morbid, talking about death is something that should not be so difficult to do, and it doesn't have to be.

If you would be interested in exploring this more or indeed working with me to create your instructions please just get in touch for an informal chat.

26/07/2022

I'm often asked what is the difference between an Independent Celebrant and a Humanist, and why when humanists are recognised by the law that I choose to remain independent.

For me my answer is always easy, to become a Humanist I would need to believe in Humanism as a religion or faith and to put it simply I really don't know what I believe. When I was growing up there was so much focus on religion, it was the cause of hatred and discontent, I decided I didn't really want to be part of any group. Instead choosing to live my life as best I could not conforming to any one particular set of beliefs.

Many of the families I've encountered over the last few years have chosen an independent celebrant because of the flexibility it offers them. Perhaps they are not practicing their faith but they still hold a connection with it, sometimes it offers comfort to other family members who do have strong beliefs and it helps them through the service. Whatever the reason, the most important thing to me is that I give you a meaningful and heartfelt service that reflects everything that you need it to, so if you ask me to read a prayer, to include a hymn or something else that symbolises a faith then I am happy to do that.

As a completely independent celebrant I am not bound by beliefs or restrictions about what I can and cannot say or do during a ceremony. I am bound by a simple passion to give people what they want for their ceremony. My job is to represent your wishes, to work with you to capture your requirements and to provide you with what you need. Being a celebrant is a privilege and an honour.

So if I can help you with a significant life event, a marriage, renewal of vows, a naming ceremony or even if you wish to help your family by putting in place plans for how you would like to be remembered then please get in touch for a free informal discussion to see if you feel I would be the right fit for you.

Nicola Norrie Independent Celebrant

06/06/2022

What a privilege it was to share a precious moment in time with Chris and Liz as they said I do last weekend. Officiating a wedding ceremony is such an honour, it was wonderful getting to know Liz and Chris, we had so much fun as they shared their love story with me. We worked together, crafting a ceremony that reflected all the things that are important to them, translating their feelings for one another and hopes and dreams for the future into words. A most perfect day from start to finish all set in the beautifully idyllic Horsely Hale Farm near to Cambridge.

26/02/2022

Spring will soon be here with brighter nights and longer days, and I for one can't wait!

What better time to plan a special event a Baby Naming Ceremony, A Wedding or Renewal of Vows, a memorial service for a loved one. I would love to know if I could help you make your significant life event amazing. Get in touch if you would like to know more about the services that I offer.

www.nicolanorriecelebrant.co.uk

Nicola Norrie Independent Celebrant As an Independent Celebrant it is my privilege to represent families during significant life events. My role is to work with you to create meaningful, heartfelt ceremonies that fit your needs and meet your expectations, whether that be to welcome a new life into t...

23/02/2022

When I took the leap and started my celebrant journey back in 2020 I knew that I was taking a chance! We were in the middle of a global pandemic, there was no vaccine and life was very different than it is now. Going out and visiting new funeral directors, introducing myself and asking them to take a chance on me was very daunting! I always had faith in my abilities and confidence that I could do the job, but I had to help other people to believe in me too.

I have been very lucky to be supported by some amazing funeral directors who took a chance and trusted me with their families, and then helped me to expand my network.

But the feedback that I get from families is what is most important to me, it is nice to know that I have been able to help them in a small way. Recently after a funeral I received a lovely message from a family member who had stood to read a poem at her Uncles funeral service.

Hi Nicola
You did my Uncles funeral yesterday and I got up and read a poem, I just wanted to say I thought it was the nicest funeral I've been at so personal and well delivered. You have actually inspired me and I'm thinking of becoming a celebrant myself. Thank you so much.

I haven't looked back since I started my journey as as celebrant and it is so nice to know that my work is valued by others.

This image captured by my lovely friend Jaclyn at Mountain Mutts and Moggies, made me think of my journey taking the plunge but at the same time a clear path ahead filled with endless opportunities to expand and grow.

Be brave and do a bit more of what makes you happy.

Nicola
Mountain Mutts and Moggies

19/02/2022

As a celebrant, I am privileged to give families the kind of celebrations of life that they want, where they want. Today, I was privileged to do my first service celebrating someone's life on the Millport Ferry, then on the beautiful beach at Crocodile Rock.

The ashes spread over the side of the boat by the family in a short service on board. 3 hoots of the horn by the captain of the boat and a service on the beach celebrating the life of a wonderful man. We gathered stones and held them whilst we shared memories and placed them all in a tankard at the end for the family to keep. After this weeks weather, we were very grateful for the sun shining down on us and the gorgeous rainbow 🌈 as we waited to board the boat 🚢.

Thank you to the family for allowing me to share in the celebration of their loved ones' life. It was an honour to be part of your special day of rememberance.

Nicola

31/12/2021

As 2021 ends and 2022 begins. I wanted to take the opportunity to thank each and every person I have had the privilege of working with in 2021 for trusting me with their service.

I am thinking of all those no longer with us and of all the families who are heading into 2022 without their loved ones.

This time last year I was apprehensive and nervous about where I was headed. But I kept believing and kept trying, each new opportunity I was presented with I grabbed with both hands. It was a steep learning curve (it still is), it was challenging, exciting and invigorating. As I sit here tonight I am so grateful.

I am grateful that I was able to take a leap of faith away from a regular 9 to 5 and follow my dream.

I am grateful for all the lovely people I have met along the way and I hope I was able to help them a little to get through a small part of a very difficult time.

I am grateful for the amazing feedback I have received from the families I have worked with, and to each funeral director who has offered me the opportunity to work with them.

Who knows what 2022 will bring, but I am excited to continue my journey as a celebrant.

To each of you I wish you a happy, healthy and peaceful 2022.

Nicola

Photo Credit Thomas McDonald Premier Imaging

25/11/2021

Making a special occasion memorable is what us celebrants do best. We can help you to plan the perfect ceremony whatever the occasion. So if you are thinking about getting married, renewing your vows, having a memorial service for someone, or if you have a new baby that you would like to officially welcome into the world 🌎 surrounded by your loved ones. Why not get in touch, and let me help you have a day to remember and we can spread some light together.
Drop me a message to arrange an informal chat.

17/11/2021

Day 3 of World Celebrants Week

Did you know some of our wonderful Celebrants at SICA are leading the way with and helping to educate and empower individuals with end-of-life, funeral and bereavement choices.
Want to know more or even attend their meetings, there's a space left at Coffin Club Caledonia Dundee and Angus tomorrow Thursday 18th 10am till 1pm at the Malmaison in Dundee - Contact Angela Maughan on 07770 985736 for details

16/11/2021

Day 2 of World Celebrants Week

It is an exciting week for me! On Sunday I have the absolute honour of conducting my first Naming Ceremony. It has been a pleasure working with the parents to explore what they want for their ceremony and bringing their vision to life. I even had a precious cuddle with baby when I met with them at the weekend. Thankfully I passed the most important test of all and we shared lots of smiles together.

Here is a throw back to my own little ones big day!

15/11/2021

This week I will be celebrating World Celebrants Week 2021. In recognition of the amazing work of Celebrants all over the world.

As a celebrant I am able to conduct all different types of celebrations, Funerals, Memorials, Baby Naming Ceremonies and Weddings (Weddings need to be solemnised at the registry office).

It has been my honour and privilege over the last year or so to conduct funeral services for many bereaved families.

Saying goodbye to a loved one can be very difficult, my job for families is to alleviate some of that burden acting as their voice on the day, representing their wishes and sharing their story of their loved one. As an Independent Celebrant, I am able to ensure that your service is completely bespoke, that you are able to incorporate the music, songs and readings that you wish, I can offer suggestions or guidance about anything that you are unsure of, but mainly you can have the peace of mind of knowing that your loved one's service is in a safe pair of hands.

For those of you who are new to my page why not check out my who am I section on my website.

https://nicolanorriecelebrant.co.uk/about/

About Nicola Norrie Following on from a successful corporate career spanning over 25 years working in a variety of different organisations I decided to utilise my skills to make a difference to others. I chose to become an Independent Celebrant as I love working with people. As an Independent Celebr...

09/11/2021

✨ Introducing World Celebrants Week! ✨⁠

Yes, you’ve read that right, World Celebrants Week. An entire week of doing what we do best, celebrating and spreading joy among communities worldwide, but this time we’re going to be doing all of that and more within our very own celebrant-officiant community. And because we have so much to celebrate, we need more than a day, don’t we? We need a whole butt-kicking week! Whoop!

As celebrants and officiants, we bring so much joy, happiness and comfort to our communities, to our couples and families who rely on us to help create and lead their life celebrations. We may not be heros and saints but we definitely deserve a week to celebrate ourselves and raise awareness of what we do. For sure!

Put November 15th to 21st in your diary! It’s going to be epic! Who’s excited to join us?

Claire & Natasha x

[Image description - hot pink graphic with white and teal writing that says ‘SAVE THE DATE, November 15-21 2021, World Celebrants Week, You’re invited to join us for 7 days dedicated to celebrating celebrancy worldwide. Are you in?’]

10/10/2021

A great day at my first ever Scottish Independent Celebrants Association AGM. Actual real life celebrants all in a room together AMAZING!👏 It was an honour to be in such esteemed company and to make lots of new connections with fellow celebrants. Was also very honoured to be asked to serve as committee member and looking forward to learning even more from a wonderful group of professionals.

22/09/2021

Time certainly flies.... it seems just like yesterday that I started out my journey to become a celebrant, now here we are a year later and I've realised my dream.

Being a Celebrant is so much more to me than just a job, it is an honour and a privilege to represent families as they bid their loved one farewell. My role as their voice on the day sharing their precious loved ones story and celebrating their life offering comfort and support at a very difficult time.

When I am welcomed into a families space and able to spend time with them learning about their loved one, as an outsider I am always in awe of how everyone deals with their grief. The mixture of emotions on display as everyone comes to terms with their loss, there is sadness that their loved one has passed, there is happiness that they have lived, there is relief that they are free from pain if they have been affected by an illness, shock and disbelief if they have been taken suddenly and so many other emotions to contend with.

It acts as a reminder to me of the amazing resilience and power that we have inside us all that helps us deal with the circumstances and situations that we are faced with. People are so much stronger than they ever imagine the can be. Finding strength they never knew they had to face the challenges they encounter.

Time will be up for all of us at one point, we just don't know when, our lives are all precious and fragile. That is why it is so important that we make every day count and do our best to be our best as much as we can. We don't have to be the perfect versions of ourselves, but we could try to be a better version of ourselves than we were yesterday.

Live your best life and if you are blessed with the love of others cherish it, love lives on long after we are gone.

Finally a huge thank you to each of the families who have entrusted me with their loved ones stories and to all the Funeral Directors who have given me the opportunity to work with them. I will always be incredibly grateful for this first year as a celebrant and look forward to many more in the future.

Nicola

01/06/2021

WOW.

Happy 1st June everyone.

I hope those of you who were off, enjoyed the bank holiday weekend. I enjoyed a well earned break with my friends for a few nights. So today as we start this new month I am taking some time to recharge my batteries.

It sometimes feels like life can pass us by in the blink of an eye, so it is good to take some me time when I can. Many of us find ourselves so busy these days, trying to keep up with the pressures we place upon ourselves to be all things to all people. But does it really matter if you put off a job today and do it tomorrow to give yourself 10 minutes to meditate or read a book, over the years I've learned that it doesn't!

So my challenge to you is to take 10 minutes stop what you are doing, sit down and just be quiet, try and listen to the world around you.

You definitely deserve to do that for yourself today.

I have a whole hour session tonight of mindfulness and I can't wait to zone out.

Have a peaceful and joyful day you lovely people.

Nicola
x

17/03/2021

Good Morning,

What a beautiful day outside, it is nice to see the blue sky today.

It occurred to me yesterday whilst writing a ceremony, how much my job as a celebrant is helping me to learn more about things I would never normally have thought about. I've never really been big on history, so when writing my services I often use the magic of the internet to step back in time to see what it was like for the person growing up. What was going on in the world, what kind of music was around, it's a part of my job that I have really come to love.

When I meet with a family planning a service, there is such a short window of opportunity to learn about their loved one, getting it wrong for them is not an option. Their service has to be everything they need it to be. That's why feedback like this is so wonderful to receive. Thank you so much Alfie.

13/03/2021

Absolutely thrilled to share my news!

It is an honour and a privilege to have been accepted as a full member of the Scottish Independent Celebrants Association. Another step forward on my journey as a Celebrant.

Thanks to everyone at SICA for their support and guidance, and to all of you for your kindness.

Nicola x

Please welcome SICA's newest full member, Nicola Norrie.
Nicola is from Alexandria and offers beautifully crafted services and ceremonies across the West of Scotland.

www.nicolanorriecelebrant.co.uk

10/03/2021

10/03/2021

It has been a busy few weeks for me, taking time to not only deliver services but also to make time for myself when I can. I don't think I have quite appreciated just how important it is to make time for yourself until recently.

The littlest Norrie is back to school and loving it, Emily patiently awaits her return on Monday. Home schooling here has been difficult at times with lots of varying emotions running high, so I for one will be delighted when school reopens on Monday. Children need to see their friends and socialise properly.

We have been busy with a wee project locally that we started during the first lockdown called the Bonhill Gnomes. This month it has been transformed into The Bonhill Bunnies with lots of bunnies and eggs appearing along the original walk. It has been lovely to get arty making the bits and pieces to go out on the trees. It is so good to see the kids to get pleasure out of doing things for others and the pride they are taking in their local community.

Emily created this picture yesterday, it made me smile she had taken some time to make something really nice for me, away from her school work and technology.

Have you made time for yourself recently?

If like me you love your job it might not always feel like work.

If like me you have a busy home life you might not even notice, how much time has passed since you done something for yourself.

If you can why not set yourself a wee challenge over the next few weeks to make some time for you. Start small even 15 minutes will help and you can build it up over time. Sit quietly read a book, listen to some music, do some meditation, have a walk, do something you love on your own and for yourself.

I can't promise that it will change your life, but it might just help you to remember how important you are! If you do something often enough it will soon become a habit.

Take care everyone.

Nicola

26/02/2021

Good Morning,

Happy Friday everyone, just wanted to share some lovely feedback I received from a family following on from their loved ones funeral service. This is why I love doing this job and what makes it worthwhile, knowing that a family is happy with their service. Everything I put into a service is about your loved one it reflects their wishes your wishes and is whatever you want it to be, formal, informal, religious, non religious or a mixture of both.

With the restrictions surrounding COVID there hasn't been any Weddings or Naming Ceremonies yet, but I am hopeful that come the summer those of you who have requested my services will have your celebrations surrounded by those who matter most to you.

Hang on in there everyone.

Nicola

19/02/2021

It's a funny old world for everyone just now, but the hands of time still move and life carries on regardless. We all walk along the same roads but we don't all see the same things. On my rainy walk this afternoon I saw new leaves starting to bloom on the trees and little snowdrops bursting through the grass. But you could have been walking along behind me and saw and experienced something completely different. That's what makes us all unique!

I wish you all a restful and peaceful weekend.

Nicola

Thanks to Thomas McDonald at Premier Imaging for allowing me to use his images.

20/01/2021

When times seem difficult, it can be hard to find happiness as we often look for the more material things in life rather than what we already have. Since Corona Virus struck a year ago everyone has had to adapt and change many aspects of their lives. The majority of the world has been impacted and the effects inflicted will be remembered for a generation.

Maybe it was just time for the world to slow down, I don't know! That certainly that is what has happened for me. I've had more time to appreciate my husband and children spend time with them that I would never have had previously. I have been able to refocus my attention and pursue my dream of becoming a celebrant, something that just never seemed to be the right time before. I have made decisions that perhaps before I would never have been bold enough to do. It would be wrong of me to suggest that building a business during a global pandemic is easy, it is far from it. Without the ability to communicate face to face it makes things a bit tricky. Conducting meetings on Zoom when discussing a loved ones final memorial can seem cold and impersonal, my human instinct to nurture is somewhat stifled when you can’t provide comfort as you normally would.

So try to be kind to yourself, connect with the people you love safely, appreciate the sound of their voice just be a listening ear or let them be a listening ear for you, you never know the difference it will make or the power that the interaction will have.

Just remember that happiness can be found in even the darkest of places, if you only remember to switch on the light.

25/11/2020

Thanks everyone for following my page. If I can help you or anyone you know with anything please get in touch.

It is a strange time for everyone just now, but I hope you will find this page uplifting. I am always at the end of the phone if you want to discuss any future plans, and I really look forward to working with as many of you as I can.

Thanks
Nicola 🌼

24/11/2020

20/10/2020