Journey Ends & New Beginnings

After five years, and almost 800 funeral services, my time as a celebrant has drawn to a close. It has been an incredible experience and I thank you all those families who welcomed me into their lives at the hardest and most challenging of times. I do feel blessed to have experienced this chapter of life.

But now off for a fresh start. We have opened a Bed and Breakfast in South West France; somewhere we hope will offer a peace and a sanctuary to us as well as our guests. It is called, "Le Petit Cochon" - the little pig and it is set in the tranquil and delightful area of Gascony, South West France. We look forward to welcoming you, should you ever need to escape the stresses and strains of life.

www.lepetit-cochon.fr

Autumn at Haycombe Crematorium

Haycombe Crematorium looking fab in the autumn sunlight...always a relief to see sunshine when I am there to officiate at a burial!

Andrew is an independent funeral celebrant available in Bristol, Bath & beyond.

Bereavement Company Leave: How Long?

I saw this article on the BBC website which discusses Facebook's decision to clarify their policy re leave taken following bereavement. 

Thank You

I have been meaning to write this blog for ages, so apologies that it has taken so long...

Being constantly surrounded by the sadness of death can make for a challenging life at times and, sometimes, it does feel rather overwhelming. But I really appreciate and take great encouragement from the wonderful feedback and thank you's that families send me. I'm sure I have said this before, but with so much going on at a time of bereavement, I am always rather surprised that anyone finds time  to say thank you - but so many do and it is always so appreciated. 

I rarely quote feedback on the website - it feels a bit too "me, me, me" but I will share this because the words really touched me: "Words can't express how special you made the service for my husband. It was emotional, heart warming, spoken with compassion and care". How wonderful is that?

Andrew Jackson is an independent funeral celebrant available in Bath, Bristol and surrounding area.

Lovely Words

“There was a magic about the sea. People were drawn to it. People wanted to love by it, swim in it, play in it, look at it. It was a living thing that was as unpredictable as a great stage actor: it could be calm and welcoming, opening its arms to embrace it's audience one moment, but then could explode with its stormy tempers, flinging people around, wanting them out, attacking coastlines, breaking down islands. It had a playful side too, as it enjoyed the crowd, tossed the children about, knocked lilos over, tipped over windsurfers, occasionally gave sailors helping hands; all done with a secret little chuckle” - Cecilia Ahern, The Gift.

Shared because the words are lovely and resonated with me.

Andrew is a funeral celebrant available in Bristol, Bath and beyond.

Coffee Pending in Bristol & Bath

Hands up if you have heard of 'coffee pending'... despite the many hours I spend in coffee shops, this initiative was news to me, so I'm spreading the word about a brilliant, yet simple scheme to help the homeless in the Bristol & Bath area. Next time you purchase a coffee in Bristol (I'm hoping that places exist in Bath too), pay for a second one and leave it 'pending' so someone who truly needs a hot drink at this time of year can claim it. 

Have you any experience of this? And do you know which cafes in Bristol and Bath offer it - do please share your experience.

Not every coffee shop offers this, but it is certainly worth posing the question and perhaps encouraging coffee shops in areas where there are homeless to introduce it. Look for the #KBW (Keeping Bristol Warm) on twitter or refer to www.365bristol.com (the post on 5/12/16). It is a great idea. It is sometimes difficult to know how best to help homeless people and this feels a very sensible, simple action to take. Please let me know if you find a coffee shop in Bristol and Bath area and I will list the names below. In the meantime, some Bristol outlets are listed on the 365 website. (*Photo is a stock shot & not one of mine).

Today I have been mostly listening to the Rolling Stones; our ceremony tomorrow includes "Gimme Shelter" - brilliant!

Happy New Year

New Year's Eve is an interesting time. Personally, I can't wait for 2017 to arrive; 2016 feels a year of sadness and regret, of division, of goodbyes and separation. A year when being kind and open hearted was banished to the side lines, or so it felt at times. Lets hope that in 2017, compassion and kindness can take centre stage once again.

For those facing the start of a New Year following bereavement, perhaps some of life's optimism is also missing. The future now feels unknown; the only certainty is that life has changed forever. Generally speaking, life does get better. Not because we forget, but because we learn how better to carry the burden of grief. Lovely memories become woven into life, carried with you, always part of you, but increasingly balanced with the rest of life. May I wish everyone who stumbles on this blog a happy and healthy 2017.