Simon Smith - Humanist Celebrant for Brighton and Hove
Description
I work with the family and friends of the deceased to create unique Humanist (non religious) funeral ceremonies in Brighton and Hove. I work with the bereaved, the family and close friends of the deceased to create ceremonies that are unique for that individual, together we create a ceremony that is meaningful, personal and respectful. As a Humanist funeral celebrant I would be delighted and honoured to create, with you, a funeral ceremony to celebrate the life of your loved one.
A Humanist funeral ceremony is a rite of passage. It is a chance for the family and friends to witness together the end of a loved one’s life, to formally say farewell and to mark what is often a transitional moment in their own lives. A Humanist funeral ceremony is also a celebration of the deceased’s life and an opportunity to acknowledge and reflect on the memories they leave.
People tell me I am a kind, funny, approachable and creative man. I have lived in Brighton for nearly 25 years and for almost all that time worked in the media industry, a lot of it for the BBC. I am a widower, so understand something of loss, and have two young daughters. I consider myself very lucky to have become a funeral celebrant and feel privileged to be of service at what is a very important time in people’s lives.
To find out more about what I do, and how I work please get in touch.
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RECENT FACEBOOK POSTS
facebook.comStephen Fry: 'What is a humanist ceremony?'
Simon Smith – Humanist Celebrant » Wedding Ceremonies
Happy New Year everyone. Just prior to Christmas I completed my training with the British Humanist Association to conduct wedding ceremonies. This is a lovely evolution, a positive one too. I will continue with Funeral Services. It is an honour and a privilege to be of service to people when they are in grief and put my own experience to use to benefit them. But this will be Fun! I have had my first enquiry today and will I hope be conducting my first wedding ceremony in the Spring. You can read more here: http://humanist.org.uk/simonsmith/wedding-ceremonies/
This is the culmination of the Burning of the Clocks in Brighton. This year I am really proud to have instigated the 'Memorial Lanterns'. Bereaved folk make a lantern for a lost loved one and they can say goodbye to some sadness and say hello to a new sun by burning it on the beach. I am really grateful that @ArkaFunerals liked the idea and sponsored it to the tune of £4k. Thankyou. Thankyou
Lanterns for lost loved ones at Burning the Clocks event - Brighton & Hove Independent.
Nice article. http://brightonandhoveindependent.co.uk/lanterns-lost-loved-ones-burning-clocks-event/
Burning the Clocks
I am a trustee of 'Same Sky' the arts group who organise the children's parade and the 'Burning of the Clocks' in Brighton. This year we are launching a lovely new initiative for those mourning someone who has died in the last 12 months. The initiative, kindly and generously sponsored by Arka Funerals in Brighton, will give grieving families a chance to make a commemorative lantern, to have their loved one's name read out, and VIP access on the night. If you want to take part or share this with a family or individual you know who would like to do this then get in touch or write directly (yes write!) to ARKA Original Funerals, 136 Islingword Road, Brighton, B2N 9SH. The first 25 will be invited to join the parade on 21st December.
Simon Smith – Humanist Funeral Celebrant » Feedback and recommendations
I have now created and delivered 22 funerals. Each one has been a privilege and an honour; I absolutely love this work. It's a vocation. People are saying some pretty nice things about my ceremonies too. http://humanist.org.uk/simonsmith/feedback-and-recommendations/
Creating Ceremony
For Local Friends in Brighton and Lewes there's a great opportunity to learn about how different faith groups and communities deal with death and dying. Should be a good discussion, loads to learn.
What Will Matter, by Michael Josephson (charactercounts.org)
I conducted a funeral yesterday for for a woman who had spent a good 40 years of her life doing charitable work for a huge number of people and organisations. The family were all Humanists, and frankly, delightful people. They had chosen this reading which I had not come across before and it was read by her son in law. I am not usually given to cheesy inspirational quotations on posters, they are just not my thing. However, this sort of hits the spot. https://youtu.be/Y-Lm_U9yEP0
A Video introducing Humanist Funerals, from the BHA
Quiz
