“My sister and I knew exactly what we wanted for our memorial celebration for our late father and Doug listened to our requirements and made appropriate suggestions. He never judged us, and allowed us to have our input, even when not so conventional! His suggestions were relevant and we never felt pressured into having to conform to the rules.“
I like to think I can work with a wide range of clients because I’ve got a lot of life experience. I’ve done many jobs including gravedigger, customs officer, accountant and teacher of English and I’ve travelled widely in Europe, the Middle East and Asia. I’m an experienced celebrant, having practised since 2015 and I’m also now part of the team that trains and accredits new celebrants for Humanists UK.
From 2016 to 2019 I combined celebrancy with being a humanist “Faith Adviser” on the Lincoln University Chaplaincy team, working side by side with priests, imams and other religious leaders providing advice and guidance to students. That experience made me realise that I am very comfortable working with people of different faiths and seeking common ground.
I have some specific experience which may be relevant to some clients, including:
- I love and have an understanding of Italian culture and language.
- I’m a keen motorcyclist and more recently a scooter owner too.
- I love sailing and lived on sailing boats for several years in London and the Mediterranean.
If you’d like to get a flavour of my style and presence as a celebrant, here’s a short clip taken at a local natural burial ground: