Weddings and Namings
Unfortunately, in the current circumstances, I am not able to take new bookings for any weddings or namings until further notice. All ceremonies due to take place this Spring/Summer have been cancelled or postponed.
Funerals
Funerals are continuing (at present) following the relevant guidelines, detailed below.
Home Visits
As Humanist Ceremonies are personal and individually written this normally involves a meeting with the family. Meetings will now be on the phone or by video link such as FaceTime or Google Meet. We will then work together to create a fitting ceremony via email, phone or again video link.
Crematorium
New Government advice is that funerals should be restricted to the smallest possible number of attendees – ideally only immediate family but no one in the high risks groups or anyone showing symptoms of Covid-19. Even then all mourners should remain 2 metres apart from anyone not living in their household. The curtain must be closed before the mourners stand to leave the chapel. Your Funeral Director will advise you on all other arrangements and restrictions.
Ceremony
The funeral itself is likely to be shorter, without contributors, other than anything pre-recorded. I will have to refrain from personal contact and I will follow hygiene and social distancing, including for greetings and goodbyes. I will not be able to hand you a Presentation copy of the ceremony bit will instead email it to you along with a title page for you to print if you wish.
Live Streaming \ Recordings
Many Crematoriums offer webcasting\live streaming using professional services for those who are unable to attend or you can live stream the ceremony yourself. As live streaming is relying on connectivity it may be worth asking for a professional recording, or recording a video on your phone which you can share later.
Burials
Graveside committals should only be attended by the immediate family and mourners should remain two metres apart from anyone not in their household.
Future Memorials
When it is safe and permissible to do so, I will be happy to be involved in preparing and conducting a full and fitting farewell to your loved one in the form of a Memorial event.
Network backup
If I am unable to conduct a ceremony I have prepared for any reason, I will ask a colleague in the Humanist Celebrant network to conduct the ceremony on my behalf.
If you have any questions at all please do not hesitate to contact me.