30/01/2026
JANUARY | I eased into the year with a few days away with my mum in the Canaries. We flew home on my 40th birthday, which turned out to be more eventful than expected when we landed in a headwind and snowstorm… at the wrong airport. It took 24 hours longer than planned, but we made it home in time to celebrate with family.
I assumed January would be quiet, especially as we were halfway through the month before I even turned my computer on. I was very wrong.
My first funeral ceremony of the year was for Pam on a crisp, cold day in Erw Rhun, where the resident sheep do an excellent job of keeping the lawns tidy. Then it was off to Bangor for Barry’s funeral, a first for me as he had two ceremonies, one here in North Wales for friends, and another elsewhere with family. A reminder that there’s no single right way to plan a funeral.
I also led a funeral where young grandchildren were present. It mattered to the family that they felt included and that the day felt positive overall. I’m a big advocate for children taking part in funerals when it feels right, and I hope it was an uplifting way to remember their grandad together.
My final funeral of the month was for Tony, a Royal Signals veteran. His daughter created a slideshow set to David Bowie’s Space Oddity, weaving together video clips from across his life, a really personal touch.
Huge thanks to and John Turner & Daughters for keeping me out of trouble.
On the wedding front, while many suppliers slow down in January, it’s a busy planning month for me. All of my 2026 couples now have their questionnaires, and I’ve met with Ann & Cameron to plan their Capel Curig vow renewal, and Tom & Louise to begin shaping their handfasting ceremony.
Outside of work I’ve been spending less time doomscrolling and more time crocheting, watching Yellowstone, and walking on the beach in the mornings. I also escaped to Nottingham for a weekend of friends, food, and escape rooms. My 100% success rate remains intact.
February brings more lovely funerals and lots of planning meetings, so plenty of writing ahead. And maybe it’s wishful thinking, but the days already feel like they’re beginning to stretch.
