Evelyn Temple is an experienced, qualified civil funeral celebrant. She is passionate about helping people recognise that they have the freedom to choose the funeral they want, at a price they can afford, and at a time and place to suit them. If you would like any advice about arranging a funeral, or choosing a funeral director, or just a sympathetic ear to listen to your thoughts and questions please get in touch with Evelyn, or visit the Natural Death Centre online for advice on funerals. (DIY isn't as hard as you imagine, and it's much cheaper than the traditional route.)
When leading a ceremony she spends time with the family to prepare and lead a modern, independent, bespoke ceremony which is tailored exactly to what they feel their loved one would have wanted. She weaves together the words and memories of family and friends with their chosen music and readings to carefully and individually frame a fitting tribute and contemporary funeral ceremony. An independent, or civil funeral can include as many popular cultural elements and as much or as little religion as desired. Evelyn works with bereaved families to arrange funerals that are not tied to any church nor any particular secular group - so you can go your own way - totally non-religious, or including some spiritual elements as you choose.
Bespoke funeral ceremonies are individually and carefully prepared to meet your personal preferences. You may be thinking about planning your own funeral or you may be recently bereaved and needing to arrange a ceremony that you, and the person who has died, would feel comfortable with.
ABOUT ME
I love my job...People generally
think it must be a 'hard' job. Sometimes it can be quite pressured,
but I really enjoy meeting families and friends and listening to their
memories and ideas. It is also a very satisfying job - knowing that we've
successfully created a personal, meaningful ceremony and got it just
right. The feedback I receive is so rewarding and makes me feel that
what I do really 'makes a difference' every time. Someone described me as being 'a bit like a midwife - but at the other end of life', like a good friend helping you walk through the massive transition that death can bring.
I found out about Civil Funerals whilst researching alternative and non-religious funerals when studying for a postgraduate diploma - The Rhetoric and Rituals of Death at Winchester University.
The course was a fascinating insight into funeral practices throughout history and around the world. I decided I really wanted to be involved in something practical and creative to help people at this difficult and vulnerable time in their lives. I'd like to help people to break some of the taboos and fears associated with funerals and to go their own way, and not be driven by tradition, or the fear that they maybe aren't 'allowed' to do something they'd really like to. I offer people the opportunity to say goodbye to a loved one in whichever way is most appropriate and meaningful to them.