Memorable Ceremonies by Carol Bode

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 ❤️

10/07/2024

After a few days away with friends and family it’s rewarding to be back leading two very special celebration of life services today which couldn’t have been more different. Always enjoy working with lovely staff at Basingstoke Crematorium and Cemetery who are so very helpful and supportive.

18/06/2024

Sunshine and warmth at last and such a beautiful and peaceful place to be. Only the ducks for company out here in the splendid grounds.

24/05/2024

Sea Princess just now leaving Southampton for Bergen. Not the best of shots as taken directly into the sun but just to put into perspective the size of these cruise ships as they pass Warsash on mouth of River Hamble. Just had to enjoy a glass of cold white wine as I watched her pass. Happy holidays everyone xx

24/05/2024

Beautiful morning in Aldershot this morning… if a little breezy as the hair testifies 😂 …for the very emotional celebration service for baby twins in the delightful intimate chapel at Redan Road. Tough one, but a very special service to lead for their courageous ad inspirational young parents . Bye bye little ones- fly high ✨🌈✨

14/05/2024

I took my first celebration of life service today in Redan Road Chapel in Aldershot today as Aldershot Crematorium is now closed for refurbishment. What a delightful and intimate little chapel this is with a lovely waiting room opposite. They have really have done the very best to make this a lovely environment with limited space. Only in its 2nd week of operation, the staff are absolutely wonderful in helping us all adjust to a different way of working that always has the family wishes at its heart.
Back there next week for 3 very different services so every day will be a learning day for us all …FDs and Officiants alike! So thank you to the staff for making this happen xx

29/04/2024

The sun is shining as I start my week that’s jammed with lots of things- 3 celebration of life services, a training day for NHS Providers training NHS Trust Governors, giving my time as a magistrate and packing for my first ever cruise on Saturday to Norwegian Fjords. I love the variety of it all … and especially working with, and supporting, all my lovely families to help them say goodbye to their loved one. Learning so much from people’s individual life stories, each of which is unique and special in their own way, quite often leaves me in awe of their experiences and achievements. Most job satisfaction ever doing this ###

22/04/2024

Here learning about Google Business Profiles - watch this space

15/04/2024

First time for me taking a service in the lovely little chapel, followed by a graveside burial at Hollybrook Cemetery in Southampton, for a lovely gentleman described as a beautiful soul and totally selfless, always putting family ahead of himself. Oh and if you’re wondering he loved his flat caps so guess the dress code.
Beautiful spring day he so deserved. ❤️

10/04/2024

This makes it all worthwhile. Precious feedback ❤️

“ Good morning Carol
I just wanted to express our extreme gratitude to you yesterday for delivering such a perfect service in respect of my late dad. The whole family and friends/neighbours that attended were greatly impressed by your kindness and professionalism and said that they had never attended quite such a service delivered in the way it was, along with personal family tributes.
Wishing you well and hoping you have fun times with your grandson.
Many, many thanks - you made our day far more tolerable.
My kind regards -xx “

❤️❤️

09/04/2024

Being requested by a family for a service is the greatest privilege anyone could ask for.

05/04/2024

Another rewarding day in the life of a funeral celebrant in different ways. Get so much satisfaction from helping families at the most difficult times in their lives- if I can provide that little bit of comfort simply by listening and C responding to their needs for a celebration of life of their loved one, I’ve done my job ❤️

10/02/2024

26/12/2023

My Christmas’Bundles of Joy’ ❤️

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