The Humanist Celebrant Podcast

What actually happens when the curtains close? In this episode I am behind the scenes at a Crematorium talking to a technician Steve Wilkinson about his work.

What happens to our human remains at the end of the day, what is it like to work in a place where, on a busy day, up to 17 cremations take place. What happens to hip joints, what coffin is best for the process and what must you absolutely not put in a coffin as a keepsake?

In this episode I am talking to Janeen Key from Obitus. Obitus are the UKs leading supplier of the technology in crematoria and funeral homes.

Janeen explains the process for choosing music, uploading photos and live streaming a ceremony using the Obitus system and we discuss the future for technology in the funeral sector.

Doug is a humanist celebrant based in Newark and conducts ceremonies in the East Midlands and London. He's done lots of different jobs in his life including gravedigger, customs officer, accountant, actor and teacher of English and he's travelled widely in Europe, the Middle East and Asia. He's never believed in a god, but he doesn’t have a problem with people that do. From 2016 to 2019 he combined celebrancy with being a “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.

Here we talk about local cultural significance, Ashes based ceremonies and ...er... auditing.

Doug's Music Choice:

Ronnie Ronalde - In a Monastery garden

And his reading: Joyce Grenfell

If I Should Go

If I should go before the rest of you

Break not a flower nor inscribe a stone

Nor when I'm gone speak in a Sunday voice

But be the usual selves that I have known

Weep if you must

Parting is Hell

But life goes on

So sing as well.

Email: douglas.duckworth@humanistceremonies.org.uk

Phone: 07596 774153

In this episode I am joined by three UK based Humanist celebrants, Felicity Harvest, Douglas Duckworth and Roger Payne, and together we offer some advice to anyone who has been asked to speak at the funeral of a friend, relative or colleague.

How to tackle difficult lives and difficult deaths, how to deliver a great Eulogy, what to expect in the crematorium, how to manage strong emotion and the whys and why nots of using display technology...we all know the phrase...death by powerpoint.

In this episode I am joined by three UK based Humanist celebrants, Felicity Harvest, Douglas Duckworth and Roger Payne, and together we offer some advice to anyone who has been asked to speak at the funeral of a friend, relative or colleague.

How to tackle difficult lives and difficult deaths, how to approach preparing and writing a eulogy that is personal, memorable and thoughtful.