Gillian Perry celebrant

20/05/2026

With CC James Funeral Directors Brecon – I just made it onto their weekly engagement list by being one of their top engagers! 🎉

20/05/2026

I haven’t shared a piece of art for a while. So here is something from my home nation.
‘A Welsh Funeral, Betws Church. 1852’ by David Cox the elder (1783-1859)

20/05/2026

Next week I will be leading a ceremony at Humber Woodland of Remembrance near Leominster. I thought it would be a good idea to make a quick visit first …. and was overwhelmed by the beauty of this little space in rural Herefordshire. Wildflowers nodded in the shade of native trees while wrens and skylarks sang. I now know where I want to rest when the time comes.

11/05/2026

I had a lovely message of thanks from the partner of M. They mentioned how the funeral had provided a comforting atmosphere but, most importantly, how M would have approved! When I meet with families, I always say that if they can look back and think “they would have really enjoyed that”, then we’ve done a good job. So it warms my heart to hear that M would have liked what we did. Comfort indeed.

11/05/2026

I recently used this poem at a funeral as it seemed to sum up everything that is important for a life well lived. I especially like the sentiment about making one other life breath easier because you have lived. Something for us all to strive for maybe.

02/05/2026

Yesterday I lead the memorial service and committal for M. The first part of the ceremony, at M Morgan Lloyd’s chapel of rest in Rhayader, was so beautiful and intimate. M’s family and friends sat around her coffin, quietly and respectfully. And her close family members stood beside her as they spoke about their love and admiration of her. The memorable part for me was the recording by Richard Burton narrating “And Death Shall Have No Dominion” by Dylan Thomas. Utterly moving.

23/04/2026

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23/04/2026

Happy Shakespeare Day from everyone at Humanists UK!

16/04/2026

14/04/2026

14/04/2026

https://youtu.be/KwIe_sjKeAY?si=tsyHb3gMET3jvsTT
I have been asked to lead a funeral for a beloved mum, who was the centre of her family…. and that family included siblings, in-laws, neighbours and many friends as well as her own husband, children and grandchildren. The family home was the centre of their lives… indeed, as Madness describe quite eloquently, “their Castle and their Keep”. Listening to this song made me realise how important hearth and home really are for a family to flourish. I might even use some of the lyrics in the ceremony. Cracking tune too!

You are watching the official 4K video for Our House by Madness. Check out the Madheads 2020 version of the video here: https://youtu.be/HGvqTKev0bYClick her...