JEM Independent Celebrant

04/10/2024

How lovely is this?

04/10/2024

This is really useful information.

Also from my own perspective, I find it interesting that some of the marketing material I see from some direct cremation companies seem to imply that they somehow give people more freedom to have a “personalised celebration of life”, when in reality, this is exactly what every good funeral director and funeral celebrant already aim to provide - i.e. personalised service appropriate to each individual.

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18/07/2024

I’ve been a bit quiet on here lately despite continuing to work very hard behind the scenes.

It’s a privilege to have been able to help hundreds of families say goodbye to their loved ones over the past few years, each time with an appropriate and uniquely crafted ceremony.

Please feel free to get in touch via messenger or email if I can help with anything.

Maybe you’d just like to understand more about the role of a funeral celebrant or how we work alongside funeral directors?

It would be lovely to hear from you.

28/01/2024

Receiving messages like this makes me happy.

Not happy for me that I’ve done a good job; I take care to do my absolute best for every single family that I work with.

But happy for the family who feel the final farewell for their loved one was right for them, and will therefore always remember it as such ❤️

I hope every person in this sad and difficult situation finds the right people to help them in the right way for them.

We are all unique and deserve something just as unique.

22/12/2023

Disclaimer: I haven’t sent a Christmas card for possibly 15 years or more and it’s quite a few years since I even bought a Christmas present…

It’s just not for me, even though I do like the Christmas season for what it really represents to me (ie goodwill to all men*).

But this poem I was asked to read at a recent funeral service sums up a lot.

This particular lady adored Christmas and she always had a card ready for every occasion. I suppose it was her way of expressing herself, which is lovely.

The poem really resonates with me, even though I don’t send cards myself that doesn’t mean that I don’t think about so many people who have crossed my path over the years, left me with memories and taught me something about myself.

I hope you all have a Happy Christmas but realistically and statistically I know that’s not possible.

Please know that I’m thinking of every family I’ve worked with in 2023, and it’s been my absolute privilege to help you make each service personal to you.

Christmas brings up all sorts of emotions and it’s honestly ok just to feel them.

Here’s to 2024.
Julie

14/11/2023

As it’s I thought I’d reintroduce myself.

I’m Julie and I am an Independent Funeral Celebrant based in the North East of England, covering the Tees Valley, North Yorkshire and surrounding areas.

It is of huge importance to me that each funeral or memorial ceremony is unique; that it reflects individual’s personality as well as their family’s wishes. I will always endeavour to really understand what a family needs and get to the heart of their loved one.

My background as an IT Analyst and Trainer, and also as a fitness professional and yoga teacher, have both served me well in the role of Celebrant, both needing the same thorough preparation, communication and seamless presentation.

I give every family I work with my fullest attention, meticulously gathering the information I need to put together the most fitting service and guiding them every step of the way.

When you’re dealing with bereavement & grief, while also having to organise a funeral and all that entails, it’s often hard to take in everything that needs to be done.

Obviously this is the role of the Funeral Director that you choose, who will be there as the first port of call to support and guide you.

But did you know that, although each funeral director will have their own list of recommended celebrants for you to choose from, you can also appoint your own if you wish.

It’s so important to choose someone that you feel comfortable with and who you trust to create the perfect tribute to your loved one, tailored to meet your needs.

Many of the services I deliver have been via direct requests from the family. Please get in touch if you have any questions.

10/11/2023

I got to play “that” song by the Killers at an (in)appropriately LOUD volume to end this mornings service; it was perfect for the occasion and for that particular family.

Whichever funeral director Im lucky enough to be working alongside, it’s always a pleasure to make sure the family are as certain as they possibly can be that the service will be what they NEED, rather than just any preconceptions about what they think it SHOULD be.

New Album ‘Imploding The Mirage’ Out Now:https://thekillers.lnk.to/ImplodingTheMirageIDFollow The Killers:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thekillers/Fac...

30/10/2023

I’d obviously never say I’m “looking forward” to a funeral service, but the one thing I’m always hopeful of is that I’ve got it “right”.

“Right” for all of the family, listening carefully to what they want in order to give them what they need.

This message sums it up.

What an honour! 😍

04/10/2023

Tough funeral today, which I feel honoured to have been part of.

I’m definitely not complaining here, because I get to walk away and reflect, whereas there is a family….a husband, mother, father, sister etc etc wondering what the future could have held, instead of being faced with what they are now facing.

This is for any of you/us who have experienced loss of someone who left far too young with far too many adventures still to be had.

19/09/2023

I appreciate and am humbled by each and every word of thanks, acknowledgement, a card, a letter etc that I hear from family or friends.

It’s almost a feeling of relief to know that I’ve done the best job I possibly can, not for me, not for gain, not for ego;
Just for them.
Just for this ❤️

11/07/2023

I tried to add a little touch of glamour for today’s service, for a lady who loved life, clothes and partying!

It was so lovely to see all her family and friends in cheerful colours and some people commented how nice it was to feel so relaxed and celebrate a well lived life so fittingly.

Just curious, what’s your view?
Formal, less formal or informal? Black/dark colours or the brighter the better?

I also loved reading this poem I found and listening to the music slightly louder than usual.

10/07/2023

It’s not only the tone and content of every service that deserves lots of thought and consideration.

When a family specify “no black to be worn” and the gentleman loved the outdoors, wildlife and his garden, for me it’s important to choose an appropriate outfit.

I decided on a dress covered in butterflies, plants and flowers.

Tomorrow’s outfit will have roses and hopefully a party vibe 🌹

05/07/2023

I’ve just officiated at one of the most uplifting, humorous and fitting “Celebrations of Life” I’ve ever been to.

I could feel the warmth radiating from a packed house of family and friends, some sitting and some standing in the beautiful and comfortable surroundings of Maple Park.

I don’t even want to use the word “funeral”, because it conjures up different images to how this morning felt.

No two services should be the same and it’s my privilege to be able to make sure families get something that’s right for them.

07/06/2023

25/05/2023

Stockton-on-Tees Crematorium is opening its doors next month so people can come to take a look at the services they offer and the support they can provide after the death of a loved one.

The open day will take place on Saturday, June 10, from 10am until 3pm.

If you would like to find out more, come along on the day to talk to the friendly team and other partner organisations.

You will be able to take a tour of the crematorium, view the landscaped grounds and take a look at the memorial options available.

There is no need to book. For more information visit www.stocktoncrematorium.co.uk or telephone 01642 527342.

14/04/2023

It was a real honour to officiate at the funeral service of a 103 year old lady this morning, helping her lovely family pay tribute and celebrate her long, happy and meaningful life.

Without sharing too many details, I felt the need to share a few facts to put the age of 103 into some perspective:

She was born just over a year after the end of World War One.

In 1940, she was engaged to be married. However World War Two resulted in the wedding having to be delayed for 5 years until her fiancé returned from serving his country. She wouldn’t have even known his whereabouts all that time, let alone have any contact.

At the age of 17, she owned a car and passed her driving test. Nothing notable in 2023, but this was 85 years ago…the driving test had only been introduced 2 years prior (and it wasn’t even compulsory), there were no motorways and the first edition of the Highway Code had only recently been published.

Always an active member of her local community, a contributor, a long life, well lived.

28/03/2023

This is a beautiful place with amazing facilities.

The Crematorium at Maple Park is one year old

23/03/2023

When you’ve done everything you possibly can to create a fitting service for a family, it’s always reassuring to hear their positive comments and gratitude afterwards.

But it’s just as reassuring to feel appreciated by the funeral director who has recognised that you’re a good “fit” for that particular family and employed your services.

It’s important that people know about the choices they have and it’s so important to get the right match.

13/02/2023

Just a bit about me…

My name is Julie and I am an Independent Funeral Celebrant based in the North East of England, covering the Tees Valley, North Yorkshire and surrounding areas.

It is of huge importance to me that each funeral or memorial ceremony is unique, and that it reflects each individual’s personality as well as their family’s wishes. I will always endeavour to really understand what a family needs and get to the heart of your loved one.

My celebrant journey began after attending a truly lovely and fitting funeral service. It was such a wonderful celebration of that person’s life that it led me to consider the many funerals I have attended – some beautifully delivered and some quite mediocre or impersonal. It got me thinking what a wonderful thing it must be to be able to provide a family with exactly the ceremony that they need – personalised for them and their loved one.

After some research, I decided to attend two different training courses, the first of a very practical nature and then I trained with Heart-led Ceremonies Celebrant Training to further my knowledge and expand my writing skills.

My background as an IT Analyst and Trainer, and also as a fitness professional and yoga teacher, have both served me well in the role of Celebrant, both requiring thorough preparation, communication and seamless presentation.

I give every family I work with my fullest attention, meticulously gathering the information I need to put together the most fitting service for you and your loved one. I’ll always give a family the opportunity to approve the words I’ve written prior to the ceremony, before preparing and presenting the service on the day of the funeral or memorial service (or sometimes, guide and support family members to present part of the service themselves if you so wish).

My main aim is to ensure that each and every service is unique, personal and paints a picture of your loved one in your way.

03/02/2023

I’m very much about creating a bespoke service for each family that I get the opportunity to work with.

To really listen to them, so that I understand not only what they want, but what they need.

Everyone is so different and that’s exactly how it should be; every service should be unique.

Todays “Celebration of Life” included plenty of humour and happy memories, I got the opportunity to read a poem by Pam Ayres about sheep and listen to this gem from Morecambe & Wise.

Beautiful, fitting and personalised, as I strongly believe these things should always be.

Tv Theme Morecambe And Wise End Credits

26/01/2023

I had a drive out to Maple Park Crematorium near Thirsk this morning. I wanted to familiarise myself with the layout before my first service there next week.

It’s a bit out of my usual area but, wow - what a fantastic facility… the ambience, layout, craftsmanship and the surroundings. Even a lovely cafe, all with so much attention to detail.

The photos of the exterior don’t do it justice; what a peaceful place.

10/01/2023

Following a service this morning, a close family member thanked me for remembering little details from our initial meeting, which I used to help paint the picture of their loved one.

If there’s one thing I do pride myself on, its attention to detail.

Often this attention to details isn’t even about what has been said; I listen carefully to what is left unsaid, too.

It’s a privilege to be able to do this job and I’m grateful for each time I get the opportunity.

Often, the best reward can be the comments I get from extended family and friends telling me I described the person they loved perfectly.

The little memories really do count 🥰

20/12/2022

I was just about to write a post about how emotive and individual music can be at a funeral service, but it appears someone has written it for me!

I couldn’t have put it better than this - It’s possibly one of the most important decisions for a service and a celebrant can help with choices too and there’s often more to these choices than you’d imagine.

A service I conducted today included a song that featured heavily in my early childhood, and I needed to spend days over-listening to it to desensitise myself before standing up in front of the packed chapel.

Another recent funeral featured George Ezra, Englebert Humperdinck and AC/DC and the combination couldn’t have been more appropriate for that family and the deceased’s story.

There’s no right or wrong, it can be as individual as we all are, which is what I find so rewarding about doing this.

Ever given any thought to what music you would like at your funeral? Would you choose music that was poignant or uplifting, music related to specific events,

09/12/2022

Had to re-share this post from my friend and fellow celebrant True Harmony Celebrants