Gill Simkiss Humanist Celebrant

Frequently Asked Questions

Please reach us at thedocqueen@aol.com if you cannot find an answer to your question.

What Is Humanism?

Humanism is a non-religious way of looking at life that places people at the very centre, our shared humanity is our common bond and that is what connects us. It encompasses equality and empathy, compassion and tolerance, freedom of choice, and also a responsibility, not just for our own lives, but the lives of others too. We are each responsible for living in such a way that we respect and enhance the life experiences of those around us - think for yourself, act for everyone.

We believe that there is no afterlife, that this life is the only one that we have and as such we make the most of each and every day .

Many people who have not heard the term humanism will identify with the concepts and ideas and may even consider that their lives are led in a way that would be seen as humanist.

One of the most defining aspects of Humanism is inclusivity, at a Humanist ceremony everyone is welcome no matter what their faith, belief or lifestyle, not only are they welcome they are always included. There is often time within a humanist ceremony for those with differing faiths or beliefs to be with their own thoughts or prayers.

Humanists UK explain it very well here https://understandinghumanism.org.uk/

Why A Humanist Celebrant?

We are caring and empathetic individuals, trained and accredited by Humanists UK, meaning that we have undergone thorough training to ensure that we can provide and deliver a meaningful and memorable celebration of life ceremony. Calm, resourceful and unflappable we are a safe pair of hands in which to entrust the celebration of your loved one's final tribute.

With a network of celebrants if the unthinkable should happen and I break my leg the day before, one of my colleagues will be able to step in and things will carry on exactly as planned.

We are required to continually keep ourselves updated with Continued Professional Development, training and undergo regular peer reviews to ensure that we remain accountable.

In addition my work is covered by full public liability and professional indemnity insurance, I have an enhanced DBS check and comply with the Data Protection Act.

I also fulfil the standards laid out by the Funeral Celebrancy Council and am a member of the Good Funeral Guild, a collective of like minded people working to change funerals for the better.

Do I Need To Be A Humanist To Have A Humanist Ceremony?

Not at all, a Humanist ceremony will be a centred around the individual rather than a religion. We are all about equality and creating ceremonies that are personal and meaningful.

Our ceremonies are non religious in content and appeal to a wide variety of people whatever their background as they are recognised as being incredibly personal, empathetic and beautifully realised.

I Have Heard That Religion Must Be Excluded From Humanist Ceremonies - Is This True?

In a word NO, this is not true.

Humanism is a non-religious approach to life and as such I will not lead an act of religious worship. This is partly due to being respectful of the religion involved, I am not a believer so it would be dis-respectful of me to act in such a way.

However one of the most defining aspects of Humanism is inclusivity, at a Humanist ceremony everyone is welcome no matter what their faith, belief or lifestyle, not only are they welcome they are always included and if there is a prayer or a hymn that holds a particular significance, to those at the heart of the ceremony, it can be included.

For example if your Grandmother's favourite song was a hymn and you would like to include it as a tribute to her we can do so, or if a member of your family is religious and would like to read the Lords Prayer then they are more than welcome to read it aloud.

Can A Symbolic Act Be Included In A Funeral?

Rituals have been a part of human life going back to early civilisations and are there to connect people, be that the family or the whole room of people.

Rosemary, the herb of remembrance, can be left on each chair or in a basket for people to place upon the casket as they leave, notes can be written on luggage tags and again left with the coffin or if the deceased was known to enjoy a drink then perhaps a favourite tipple could be shared and a glass raised in their honour. If there is to be a burial then, again handwritten notes can be left with the coffin or perhaps mourners can be invited to pick up a spade and help to backfill the grave.

The aim of a symbolic act at the end of life is to bring people together as they share their grief and unite them in an act of collective remembrance.

If you would like more information or further suggestions then please do get in touch and we can have a chat. hello@gillsimkisshumanistcelebrant.com

What Is Included?

Grief can be fickle and arranging a funeral whilst navigating sometimes complex emotions can be a challenge so I try and keep things as simple as possible.

From the first contact with you I am available for any questions or queries you may have regarding the ceremony whether that is an addition, an amendment or reassurance that we have covered everything that want including.

I am known to my friends as being warm, friendly and welcoming and I bring that to my professional life too so please rest assured that as your celebrant I am a calm and unflappable presence and I will support you throughout.

Family Meeting

· We will arrange a meeting; this is normally next of kin and immediate family but you can have as many family or friends there as is appropriate for you.
· The aim of this meeting is to gather as much information as possible to create a celebration of the deceased person’s life.
· I will send you an email with questions for you to consider before the meeting.
· During the meeting we will go through and check that all the details for the ceremony are correct
· We will talk about the one that you have loved, I love to hear the stories that made them such an individual and what made them so special to you.
· We can talk about what you would like the ceremony to achieve. Would you prefer something quiet and reflective? Something loud and full of music – be that classical, heavy rock or something in between? Something amusing or off-beat? Or something else, there are no rules with a funeral only choices.
· In most funerals we incorporate a period of reflection, a time to spend with your own thoughts. A Humanist funeral is very inclusive and for those with a religious faith this period can be used for quiet prayer.
· We can discuss music, as a guide there are generally three pieces, one for the entrance, one for the period of reflection and a final piece as you exit however this is simply a guide.
· We can discuss the inclusion of a personal tribute, poems, prose, or anything that was important to them. I can provide inspiration if you are unsure.

Drafting the Script

· Following the meeting, I am available to you for any questions or queries.
· I will draft the ceremony and weave the stories and anecdotes that we shared throughout the script. The music that you have chosen to accompany the entrance, reflection and exit will be put into context and form part of the celebration of life alongside any poems or readings that you have chosen.
· This initial draft will be sent to you for you and your family to read and discuss and provide any necessary amendments.

The Ceremony

· On the day of the ceremony, I will arrive at the venue in plenty of time to ensure that everything is in place and that any speakers have their contribution and know their cues. I will be there to welcome you and conduct a beautiful handcrafted ceremony as you say farewell.
If any contributors are unable to speak on the day I will stand in for them.

After the Ceremony

· Following the Ceremony, I will say goodbye and leave with you a presentation copy of the script. I will also email a copy for you to share.

How Much Does This Cost?

My fees for a funeral are £225 which is fully inclusive of everything listed above, rest assured, there are no hidden extras.

For Memorials my fee is £300 and for Scattering of Ashes or the Interment of Ashes £120.

Are You Happy To Travel?

I am always happy to travel, my fees include a two hour travel time from my home but if your chosen resting place is further afield let me know and I can advise whether there would be any additional cost. Any additional costs will be discussed and agreed ahead of time.

We Want To Book You - What Happens Next?

I am delighted that you have chosen to entrust me with your ceremony, you can either email me at hello@gillsimkisshumanistcelebrant.com or call me on 07971 315515 and we can have a chat and arrange a meeting. If you have already chosen a Funeral Director let them know that you would like to book me as your celebrant and they will get in touch with me on your behalf. I look forward to hearing from you.

Gill Simkiss Humanist Celebrant

Together, let us celebrate life and loss in a way that is as unique as you

Frequently Asked Questions

This website uses cookies.