Working as a celebrant is an honour. I take my role very seriously and always do my best for each and every family I am privileged to work with. 

 

I had never even considered becoming a celebrant - in fact I hadn't even heard much about celebrants - until I attended the funeral of a friend. She was a lovely woman who was taken from us far too early. Yet, she remained upbeat, humorous and positive until the end. Walking out of her funeral, I was dazed. It could have been about anybody. How could such a vibrant woman who had lived such an interesting life have such a dull, impersonal service? It made me upset and I know her family were devastated. 

 

I started to hear the same story from friends, colleagues and family. The 'one size fits all' funeral seemed to be the 'easy' option but what about the families who were robbed of their final goodbye - the final memory? Funerals are so important. No family should be denied a fitting funeral, personal to their loved one. 

 

 I was in my twentieth year as a teacher at the time but decided to sign up with Celebrant Academy Scotland to train as a celebrant. After learning such a lot and gaining valuable experience, I passed with distinction. I made the decision there and then to pursue my role as a celebrant and I haven't looked back. 

 

 I don't see my role as a job - it is so much more than that. My role allows me to meet families, liaise closely with them and then write and deliver services which truly reflect their loved one and the family's needs. It is a deeply rewarding vocation and I am proud to be a civil celebrant. 

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Although I found my job as a teacher rewarding, I have found my role as a celebrant deeply satisfying; nothing makes me feel more proud than when a family thanks me for working with them and delivering a fitting service. 

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 However, my time as a teacher did allow me to develop many of the skills I employ as a celebrant: communication skills, public speaking, being inclusive, planning, timing, flexibility and most of all having empathy. 

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I am also a keen writer and have completed quite a few creative writing courses, most recently with the Open University. My creative writing has helped me to create eulogies which weave together memories and truly reflect a departed loved one and their family's wishes. 

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I was also lucky enough, for a short time, to work as a teacher and celebrant but, within a very short time my business really started to take off. I had to make a choice. I chose to be a full time celebrant because this is my passion. 

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Infinite Blessings, 

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Ashley 

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