THANK YOU...

Gwendoline Hutchison

On behalf of the family I would like to offer our sincere thanks for the last minute and excellent service you provided for Mum's funeral. Your professionalism, guidance and compassion permitted us the composure and strength to give Mum the 'send off' she so deserved. We cannot thank you enough Steve. Kind regards and Best wishes Julie, Linda, Terry and Families

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Dave Harman

Dear Steve,

I wanted to say thank you for the amazing job you did today in leading my Dad’s funeral.

So many people commented on how much you brought his story to life and people could not believe that you had never met him personally as you spoke about him in such an authentic way.

We are extremely grateful and wanted to express this to you.

I was also very touched by your comment that he would be proud of Sally and I for speaking.

Thanks again. Kind regards, Kate Harman

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Jack Doughty

Dear Steve,

I can’t begin to thank you enough for the way you conducted the service for Jack.  The whole family were moved and at the same time so pleased that it reflected the Jack and father they knew.  Thank you.

Sincerely, Margaret Doughty

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Arthur Barnes

Dear Steve

On behalf of Margaret and the family can I take this opportunity to thank you for the professional and caring manner that you supported the family through this difficult time. The time you spent with the family encouraging us all to tell our stories and memories allowed you to really capture the essence of Dad during the service.

We were surprised and elated by the enhanced copies of the Order of Service and the cds.  These unexpected and added touches have brought a great deal of comfort to all of the family for which we thank you.  Although you only spent a couple of hours with the family, many people commented after the service that it was as if you had known Dad for many years. 

We would be grateful to receive the pdf file as many of the grandchildren would like a copy.

Once again, many thanks for your thoughtfulness.

Kind regards

Carol

 

Maureen Ross

Dear Steve,

We would like to express our gratitude for how beautifully you conducted the service for Mum.

 It truly was a wonderful celebration of her life on earth and the visual tribute was the icing on the cake.

To share her life in words and pictures made the service so much more personal and I know those pictures brought back many memories for the family.

We most certainly chose the right Celebrant to deliver the sentiments of all those that knew her.

With kindest regards,

Maureen & Dennis Ross

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Olive Attridge

Hello Steve, Thank you on behalf of myself, my mum, uncle Gordon and all of my family for the beautiful service you gave for Auntie Olive. Everybody said it was absolutely lovely and very true to her, she would have been so proud. Thank you for the lovely booklets you did for us and for all your help throughout.

Kind regards Vicki 

 

John Tatham

Hi Steve, I just wanted to say thank you so much for yesterday. So many of our friends and relatives said how lovely the service was, and it really couldn’t have been more perfect for Dad.
The wake was also lovely, hearing stories about Dad that we hadn’t heard before from relatives that we haven’t seen for a very long time. Their was a lot of laughter, a few tears but will be very memorable.
The books containing the Service for John and photos are so special, thank you.
Kind regards Nicola

 

David Evans

Hi Steve, 

Thank you so much for everything you did today. Everybody commented on how impressive you were. You helped make the whole day special.  I will not hesitate to pass your details on to friends or family if required.  Thanks again for the work you put in to make this day extra special. 

Kind regards, Dave 

 

Betty Bygrave

Dear Steve, I just wanted to write & thank you for the wonderful service for my mother, Betty, you gave on Monday. It was so personal & warm. Many of my family said the same thing about the words you said & how you said them. 

 

Thank you once again, Linda

 

Derek Harvey

Dear Steve, As you may remember from the day it was a all a bit too much for my mum Grace,  However I was talking to her about the funeral service today and she was saying how good the service was and how well you captured Derek's personality.  She really likes the copy of the script you gave us too. 

I have also had a number of comments from other friends and family about how good the service was. 

I would like also to add my personal thanks, you captured my dad perfectly and made a tough day a lot more bearable.   

My mum has asked that I book you for her service, though not for a while yet I hope 

 

Thanks very much. Kind Regards, Richard

 

Jonathan Spall

Dear Steve, On behalf of the Spall family, I would like to express our heartfelt thanks to you for conducting the funeral service for my brother yesterday.  We all felt that you did a great job in striking the right note for the service, one which felt fitting for Jonathan.  You choreographed it beautifully, and handled all the contributions (both short and long!) with sensitivity.  As Cynthia and my mother said, it is a real skill to get across the essence of someone you have never met.  We have had so many compliments about the service: ‘a wonderful farewell’, ‘beautiful and very moving service’, ‘a total celebration of him’ etc etc.

Thank you again.

With very best wishes Claire, Cynthia, Kay, Alex, Charlotte and Dominic

 

Keith Salmon

Dear Steve, As we enter the new year, we felt compelled to write to you to say thanks for the wonderful service you gave our Dad and husband, Keith Salmon on Tuesday 4th December.

We have been overwhelmed with the comments from those in attendance who said what a wonderful service we gave to Dad.  Your support and guidance during a very difficult time was very much appreciated.

All the very best for 2019. Kindest regards, The Salmon Family

 

 

 

Harry Wright

Dear Steve, I am sorry it has taken me a few days to thank you …… I think all my energy went into making sure that last Friday went as well as it could and this week I feel so tired.

I sincerely would like to thank you for everything you have done to ensure that Harry’s Funeral and Celebration of Life service went so well.

I am so glad that Tina recommended you to me.

You have a very calm manner and seem to take everything in your stride!

You “got” the essence of what I wanted the day to look and feel like and I really appreciated the time you took with Hugh, Richard and me, to get it right.

Thank you also for visiting Simon Balle School; I felt it was so helpful having you there to see the room and feel the ambience.

Both services went so well and my Fathers’ cousin said “Harry would have been blown away”.

Harry’s friends Sam, Grace and Tiffany are now organising an Open Mic informal music event on Harry’s Birthday, 22nd December, which I think will be wonderful.

Many, many thanks once again, Jo

 

 

Maureen Dunn

Dear Steve - On behalf of Tony and myself I would like to send my warmest thanks to you for such a lovely service at my sister Maureen's funeral on Tuesday. The way in which you conducted this service was impeccable and there were many approving comments afterwards from those in attendance. Once again, very many thanks - the professionalism which you displayed in the lead up to Tuesday and during the service itself was superb.

With kindest regard John

 

 

Raffic Ali

When I was first given your contact details and read your website I was surprised how many people said you spoke as if you personally knew the person. All the communication was over email, text and phone so I was concerned having not met face to face you may not have all the information you needed. My concerns were short lived because on a beautiful sunny October day with steel pan music playing you made a speech to celebrate the life of my dad Raffic Ali that left family and friends asking if you was a friend of his? The atmosphere was totally different to any funeral I have been to and you even read an impromptu speech my uncle handed you without hesitation. You only get one chance to give a loved one a good send off and that's exactly what we got entrusting you with the task.

Thank you

 

Maureen Drane

Hi Steve - We want to thank you for your wonderful service yesterday!

It was read with such warmth and emotion.  It was a pleasure for us to have such a lovely fellow doing mums service.

Many people commented on what a wonderful job you did, and if you in fact knew Mum personally.

Which is a great testament to yourself.

Many many thanks for helping us through this difficult time

Lee

 

Viv Hall

Dear Steve 
We felt we had to write and tell you how much we appreciated your help and expertise with Viv ‘s funeral. All of the friends and family who attended remarked on how you pictured her persona and life in the service.
Many said it was the most moving funeral they had attended in many years and what a beautiful service it was
Thank you from Keith and family

 

Margaret Burton

Good afternoon Steve
My wife and I would like to say a thank  you for the service yesterday,considering you didn't know Joan  you took on board what we said about her and put together a lovely piece about her life and gave a beautiful service. Once again thank you
Kind Regards
Tony,Margaret Buryon

 

 Ken Lowing

Dear Steve, We want to tell you how much we appreciate what you did for Dad’s service yesterday. We are all so pleased with how it all came together and without your guidance we don’t think that would’ve been possible. It was a beautiful service from start to finish and there was nothing we would’ve changed, we know our Dad would’ve been so happy and proud with what was said.

Mum would also like to say a special thank you, she was so pleased with the service and thought it was nice that so many people kept saying how lovely it was.

It was also  very kind of you to provide us with the full leaflet of the service, we are very happy with this copy so we will not be sending on any more photo’s for you to add, we are all happy with the way it is.

Thank you again on behalf of myself, my sisters and Mum.

Kindest regards,

Suzanne 

 

Bud Dewar

Once again, thank you for conducting the service for Bud on Friday which was all I had hoped it would be. Many people commented afterward on how nice a service it had been and how you spoke as if you had known him. I will have no hesitation in recommending you should anyone require an excellent celebrant in the future. On behalf of the family and myself, I wish you continued success, happiness, and good health. Best wishes Maureen

 

Steve, Many thanks from all of the family for the address for Bud that you gave on Friday afternoon. The entire service was conducted flawlessly, with absolute ease and was very professional.

Many times during the afternoon I was asked how well you knew Dad, it was uncanny people said that you had his nuances and character down to a tee. Little did they know that your time was limited to only an hour with the family but a testament to you that you delivered a very polished speech, with little deviation from the script which was recalled perfectly. 

We cannot thank you enough as this is more than Dad could have actually asked for and words cannot express how we all felt as you walked us through his life.

We would be happy to give a testimonial to your talents at any time as the time you put in, the practice and delivery were absolutely wonderful.

Steve, all of us we wish you that you continue your talents and ensure that others receive the same peace that we did in a very traumatic time of our lives.  Thank you. Stuart Dewar

 

Terry Price

Hello Steve, I just wanted to thank you for a beautiful service yesterday.

My dad would have been very proud of how you represented him.

My friends and family asked if you were a friend of my dads as it was such a lovely and personal tribute. You have a very special gift and I am so pleased that we had the honour of you doing this for both my mum and dad.

Once again heartfelt thanks xx

Kind regards

Debbie x

 

John Baker

Steve - I just wanted to say the response I have had from John's funeral has been overwhelming.

No one has ever attended a funeral where the celebration of someone's life has been expressed in such an amazing way.

It came together beautifully and I'm sure Jenson bought a sense of "life does go on " with it.

So thank you.

With kind regards

Teresa

 

John Kelly

Dear Steve, I just wanted to send you a quick 'thank you' for the script you provided for my dad's service last Friday, and for your professionalism in handling the service on the day and also the time leading up to it.  You seemed to encapsulate the message and more importantly portray the person we knew and loved as our dad perfectly despite the very contradictory answers we provided to your questions beforehand.  The whole service was everything we had hoped for and your words really lifted us despite the sad occasion.

From the discussion we had afterward with our friends who attended, they agreed too that the words you chose and the way you had written the script was perfect and made the ceremony as pleasant as an occasion like this could be.

So from us all, thank you very much indeed.       The Kelly's (Steven, Wendy and Sandra)

 

Rose Francis

Dear Steve. We would like to thank you for all your help, advice and kindness.

Thank you for your lovely service today and all your help over the last week...it was nice to meet you..we had lots of laughs and memories later on. Your service for our mum 'Rose' was perfect, thanks to you. Without your help with the service sheets and advice on words to have etc, I'm sure I would've been more stressed and your help ensured mum had a good send off.

Thank you again from the bottom of my heart

Jane & family x

 

Fred Hubbard
Hi Steve  We would like to thank you so very much. From our first meeting, you made us feel comfortable and calm enough to tell you all about our Dad. From that meeting, you told his life story picking out unique characteristics of our Dad perfectly. The ceremony was exactly what we wanted and couldn't have asked for anything more. Everyone said how lovely it was - that was all down to you.I'm sure my Dad was looking down approvingly and very proud too. Thank you again, Steve           Carol, Paul, Ryan, Nicola and Sarah x

 

Peter Beedle
Steve, A couple of weeks have now passed since my father's funeral. I would like to take this opportunity to express the gratitude of my mother, Jayne and myself for not only the wonderful service but also the kindness and sensitivity you showed when we met to put together the service and my father's story. Your guidance was thoughtful, kind and most welcome, during a very emotional time. Many thanks, Simon

 

Peter Westall
Good afternoon Steve, My family have asked me to contact following the service yesterday. We just wanted to express our thanks for your wonderful speech. You made everyone feel included and spoke eloquently throughout. On such a difficult occasion you brought tears, smiles and a sense of closure.

Again, thank you for everything. Many thanks, Toni-Anne, Elaine, Rick and all the family/ friends.

 

Mick Dunn
Dear Steve, I am writing on behalf of my Mum to say thank you very much for the lovely service and fantastic tribute to Mick. Mum was disappointed to not have had the opportunity to thank you personally.

Steven, Rachel and I would also like to extend our thanks for the service and how Dad's life story was articulated in such a wonderful way; we received so many comments from family and friends to say that the service was lovely and everything that was said about Dad was so true and personal, making it such a touching tribute.

Best wishes for the future. Kindest regards, Michelle.

 

Elly Danziger
Dear Steve, On behalf of myself, my family and friends I would to thank you very much for yesterday and conducting the funeral of Elly in such a lovely way. Everyone commented favourably. Pity the weather was against us but some would say it was appropriate. Wish you all the best. Regards, Ronnie

 

Dennis Robbins
Hello Steve   Just a line to say thank you on behalf of myself and the family for conducting the service so sincerely as I know it must be difficult when you have never the known the person concerned.  It was also the hottest day of the year so far which was pretty uncomfortable at times but once we arrived at the golf club the air conditioning came into its own!  We had a lovely afternoon there overlooking the course which was looking so beautiful, a place that Dennis loved in the summer when at it's best!   Also, lots of people paid compliments to the lovely service and your words. Many thanks again for all your advice and experience!
Regards Eve Robins

 

Diana Clement
Hi Steve, I know my Dad thanked you on the day, but we just wanted you to know again, what a wonderful job we thought you did for my Mum’s funeral service yesterday. So many people commented and said such positive things. It was really lovely, and so much work on your part. We are truly appreciative.  Best wishes, Nicky, Debbie and Jim.

 

Derek Graves
Steve, I wanted to drop you a short email at the end of a very emotional day and thank you for delivering an excellent service for our Dad. Words cannot express how much this meant to us as a family and we know that our father would have loved the service, and the way in which it linked his life with his late wife Joyce. Thanks from all of us to you for your professionalism, guidance and empathy during our time of need.     Best wishes Peter & Carol 

 

Patricia Nutter
Dear Steve,
I just wanted to drop you a quick line to thank you for conducting today's service.  So many people spoke to me after and said what a beautiful service it had been.  The time you put into finding out about Pat, preparing and writing the service and then presenting us with copies afterward was a lot of work in a very short space of time and we are extremely grateful to you. Regards Ruth

 

Bryan Tyrrell
Dear Steve, I would like you to thank you so much for the very beautiful and moving service you carried out to celebrate the life of Bryan Tyrrell. Without exception, every person who came to the Wake spoke in appreciation and admiration of your empathy and sensitivity.

I would also like to thank you personally for taking the time in the days before the funeral to talk to me in your lovely calm and gentle way.  As you know I was very concerned about Steven but he held it together on the day and did not let Bryan down.

You do wonderful work Steve, and in the future, I shall have no hesitation in recommending you.

Warmest thoughts and wishes. Denise

 

Norah Savage
Dear Steve, Peter and I wanted to thank you for the beautiful service you conducted for Norah last Thursday. You were sensitive, professional, eloquent and gave us a sense that you knew Norah even though you hadn't met. There was a lot of praise from our family and friends.

It was a very hard and emotional day, and we feel content that we gave her the best send off possible.

I was hoping to see you at the College Arms to express our heartfelt thanks personally.

On behalf of all the Family we wish you all the best.

Gina and Peter Bridgman.

 

Dave Bright
Hi Steve, Julie, myself & the Girls would love to say a big thank you for Dave's celebration of life.
Friends and family said how well you presented the service, How you managed to capture Daves character perfectly. It was a beautiful service in every way.
We all thank you so much for all your support and advice.
Kind regards Bill , Julie & Girls 

 

Vicky West
Thanks again Steve for an exceptionally fitting, well constructed and perfectly delivered service today for Vicky.  Sincerely, 
Jamie, Harry & Jonathan.

 

Steve Knight
Dear Steve, Just emailing you to thank you so much for making Steve's funeral so special. Everyone who attended said what a wonderful celebration of his life it was. The bound copies of the script are lovely too. 
Thank you once again. Kind regards,
Jane & Sarah Andrews

 

Hi Steve, I just wanted to thank you for giving such a beautiful service for my Brother last Friday. It was everything I could have wished for in terms of a great send off! So many people were praising you at the wake - saying how real the service was and how it made them feel personally. It meant so much to my family that Steve was remembered with such love and laughter. 
I thank you also for your professionalism and kindness. As you know it is such a difficult process and with people like yourself to help it has made things so much easier. 

Please take care and look after yourself. Regards 

Donna (Steve's Sister)

 

Ray Leese

Hi Steve, I just wanted to thank you so much for the beautiful service that you gave for Ray. I always said that I didn't want anyone talking about him if they didn't know him but you spoke as if you were a family friend and had known him for years. Everyone said it was beautiful and they have all said that is what a funeral should be. Thank you for the service books you gave the family we will cherish them forever. 
We also raised £2,200 in donations for the defibrillator and a bench in Rays memory. Thank you once again I will be forever grateful.

Jackie Leese

 

Les Bailey
Just wanted to say thanks again for the lovely service you performed for my uncle - Les Bailey - on Tuesday.
I'm afraid I wasn't in that fit a state to chat properly outside immediately after the ceremony, and by the time I'd composed myself I couldn't find you to properly say thank you. I hope someone from the family found their way to you, though.
Many thanks for sharing the pdf of Les' service - I have already passed that onto many of those who attended, plus a few other friends who unfortunately couldn't make the day.
Many thanks once again
Regards
Jonathan Collins

 

Peggy Cotgrave
Dear Steve, Thank you so much for making our Mum's funeral such a good, honest, thoughtful, happy and calming time for us, her children.... family and friends. At the start we were all feeling crushed inside as you would expect, our youngest brother, in particular, was completely distraught but those feelings we shared started to evaporate the moment you began to refer to my Mums humour, her funny sayings and colourful limericks. Your mention of The Filthy Beast was met with true laughter, everyone there knew who My Mum was referring to when she said it and the way you relayed it really lifted everyone's spirits.

You did everything so well and people really did think you were a family member who knew my Mum.

So Thank you very much for putting in so much time and effort. . . for getting memories of our Mum spot on. . . . . making people feel happier and less sad. . . but most of all Thank you for making our Mum real and unique. . . .she would have loved you, she was always looking for a nice young man! Haha!

Take care Steve, we will always be grateful to you.                       Love Carol, Bill, Robert, Max and Families   xxxx

 

Scott Taylor
Hi Steve, I just wanted to say what a wonderful service you carried out on Friday and for our dear friend Scott. So many people commented how personal it was to the point that they thought you were a personal friend. Once again many thanks Rob Sally Paul and Graham

 

Irene Ruggles
Dear Steve, I just want to say thank you for the excellently presented service you provided for my mother's cremation yesterday it was clear you understood what we and mum wanted in the tone of the presentation.

We have had many compliments on the way you delivered the story of mum and it will remain in our memories and those who attended. Many thanks again Steve Ruggles

 

Michael Spalding
Dearest Steve, I cannot thank you enough for the amazing service for my dad.  It was perfect and even better than I imagined for him.  Everyone was blown away by how personal it was and so many lovely comments on what a wonderful send off it was for him.  My mum’s sister was over from Ireland with her partner and they could not stop talking about it.  They have never seen anything like it and want the same thing now!  As a shrinking family, the remaining brothers and the children and wives of those we have already lost really appreciated the reminders of how it was when everyone was still here.  

I will be sad not to be speaking with you (well, hopefully for a little while yet!) as I have so enjoyed the time spent with you planning everything.
 
Again, thank you so much for the care, compassion and understanding of getting everything perfect for us.  It will never be forgotten. With love and best wishes, Michelle and Pat 
 
Bryan Jarvis
Dear Steve, I just wanted to drop you a line to say a huge thank you for the wonderful service that you did for our Dad on Friday.  It really was extremely special and we thank you. 

Lots of people came up to me to ask me how long you had known Dad and what a lovely service it was - thank you.  You really did understand him and we really appreciate it.  

If you do get a moment, I wonder if you could pop the PDF over of the service that you very kindly gave us please.  I am going to send a copy over to my Dad's two brothers - one of whom did make it to the funeral, which was lovely. 

Thank you again Steve and we won't hesitate in ever recommending you to people.....a tricky one to do but we will always do so.  Alex

 

Stephanie Downey
Hi Steve, Allan and I would like to thank you for the excellent service your carried out today.  Your words were well put together and expertly delivered.  I think you extended the essence of Stephanie's life and did her justice.

Many thanks Sarah and Allan

 

Roy Barrett
Hi Steve, it's been a bit of a whirlwind since Friday, but I just wanted to say a massive thank you for Dad’s send off. We have had so many comments from the people there, saying that it was an amazing ceremony the best they'd been too, tears and laughter, credit to you. The Barretts

 

Toni Flynn
Dear Steve, Thank you for preparing and delivering my mum's ceremony today.
It was perfect and we could not of asked for anymore. My mum would of been very happy with the way it went. You helped make a time in our lives that was very sad much better than we thought it would be. 
I'm not very good with words and writing so I hope you understand how much we appreciate what you did for us and I can see why Daniel Robinson said you are the best. 

Thank you so much Clive Flynn

 

Margaret Ward
On behalf of Dad, Michele, myself and the rest of the family I would like to say a Huge Thank you for such a super and poignant service that you conducted for Mum last Friday.
You captured Mum to a T and it so .......... well just as she would have wanted.
We were so pleased to see so many of mums friends and relations there and we received so many comments afterward about how wonderful the service was. We continued for a couple of hours afterward at the Legion sharing photos, stories and fond memories of mum.
Thanks again for making the day so special for everyone there. A Sad but Lovely day.  Gail

 

Stan Guyver
Dear Steve, I would just like to say thank you so much for doing my dads service under such circumstances, so sad for us but also for yourself.
The Service was beautiful, I didn't realise how much until your reading and putting it all together for us, all my familly and friends  said it was the nicest one they have ever been too.  Very emotional for me, it was so personal, but I was so pleased that you managed to do it for us in such a caring way.
I wish to send condolences from my self and family in the loss of your wife at your sad time.

Best wishes, Carol

 

Bill Stock
Dear Steve, On behalf of us all, I would like to say that we appreciated the care and tenderness which you delivered your service for dad, making a very hard day a little easier to manage. The feedback we received from family and friends was one of joy and they asked if you knew dad as the delivery was personal as if you had known him for years. The printed order of service is something of comfort which is to my knowledge a unique touch that will comfort us in days, weeks and months to come. Your service allowed people to talk openly about their memories of dad bringing new memories or knowledge of him. 
Thank you Steve. Blessings on the comfort you bring to people at times of grievance. 

Kindest regards Suzie, Jenny and Christa

 

Peter Webster
Good afternoon Steve, I would just like to thank you for Peter’s service yesterday, everybody commented on how much they enjoyed it, sort of!  It must certainly be rewarding to you that at sad times like these people feel that their loved one has been given a good send off.  

Anyway thank you once again and all good wishes. Regards  Carol Falloon

 

Ann Parker
Hi, Steve, Just felt I wanted to drop you an email to thank you for the fantastic service you gave today for mum. You managed to capture her amazingly well even though you hadn't met her yourself. We will always be grateful to you for making the most difficult of days bearable.
Yours with gratitude Emma Ormondroyd (Ann Parkers daughter)

 

Jim Kenyon
Hi Steve, Just a short note of thanks on behalf of Glenn, Marion, Barry and I for conducting such a lovely Service for Jim on Wednesday. we were very fortunate with the weather, and it was nice that so many friends and family turned out.
Thank you for your support throughout, and for the folders that you put together of the event. All appreciated.

Regards from us all Sue

 

Jim Jewell
Thanks again for all your help and the service. Everyone thoroughly enjoyed and praised the service you delivered! My uncle from Bristol, who's a J/Witness said he loved it when you said 'whatever your beliefs are'. Thank you so much again Steve for making it a wonderful celebration of Dads life x 

Thank you Karen

 

Reg Humphreys

Hi Steve, I'm sorry I didn't speak to you on Tuesday but I would like to say thank you for conducting my dad's funeral and for interpreting our discussion with you in a special and meaningful way for the service. I think it went as well as it could have and I did receive comments regarding how nice the service was. 

Regards Christina and  Matthew Richardson 

 

David Whitaker

Dear Steve, Thank you for the manner in which you conducted David's Service. Everyone said they thought you must have known David well yourself.
Thank you also for sending me the email which I have now forwarded to the family 'down under', and for the beautiful copy of the Service for me to keep.
May you continue to help others in the same way as they endure their bereavements.

With Regards, Mary Howard

 

Chris Patmore
Dear Steve, I was present at my dear friend's funeral - Chris Patmore, last Friday and felt moved to write to you.
Nobody would have believed you were not a relative of the family. You spoke with such compassion and genuine feeling as though you HAD known Chris all your life and pitched it perfectly.
It was a beautiful time spent in reflection of who Chris was and what she stood for, and what defined her and the legacy of love she left behind.
Jo, her daughter, told me after the funeral, you had spent 4 hours with the family getting to know them and their life with Chris.
I did not manage to catch you at the end of the service and wanted to write. I am a practising Christian and found the service to be spiritual and very special in every way. One of the loveliest I have attended — it was so meaningful.
Thank you and if you wish, please do use this letter as a reference for others so they may feel confident in asking for your services at their loved ones funeral. Bless you 
Very best wishes  Marilyn Woods Benington Road Aston SG2 

 

Lawrence Seddon
Steve, Thank you so much for the way you conducted Lawrence's funeral yesterday ..We couldn't have wished for it to be more personal and run more smoothly.
You read The Eulogy as if you knew Lawrence personally. It really was lovely...I am so sorry in our sadness, we didn't say for you to come back with us to have a drink. It wasn't until we got back I realised we didn't say, but we hope you know you were more than welcome to have joined us..It was so nice with so many friends all telling us their memories and funny stories..It couldn't have been a better send off for such a lovely man… 

Many Thanks Wendy

 

Peter Morris
We would like to say a big thank you to you Steve for making our dad's funeral such a memorable occasion. Your care in spending time with us beforehand, to get to know us and our father, was really appreciated. You made the celebration of his long and remarkable life inclusive of all who were able to be there. There were tears but there was also much laughter and smiles. In fact, just the way we wanted the day to be and how he would have chosen. The special compilation of the order of service with photos was such a lovely memento. Our families have enjoyed browsing through its pages. 

Best Wishes from All the Morris and Morley families.

 

Audrey Leighton
Dear Steve, I just wanted to say thank you again for conducting the service for my mother, Audrey Leighton, on Friday afternoon.  Our family and friends all said how much they enjoyed it, as much as you can enjoy such an event, and one of my cousins said it was one of the most beautiful ceremonies she had attended as it was so personal and a wonderful warm celebration of Audrey’s life.  It was generally felt that the way you spoke about Audrey made them feel as if you had known her well.

With kind regards, Hilary

 

Linda Jenkins
Hi Steve, Thank you so much for all your hard work and conducting a superb service. Everyone had compliments and we feel Mum was well sent off so thank you for delivering the service so well. Even my words sounded good. Thanks also for the link and pdf and of course the DVD of photos which people enjoyed watching this afternoon. We were all impressed with the slideshow, great job. 

A big thank you! Craig

 

Bert Felstead
Hello Steve, I just wanted to say a big thank – you for the lovely service you did on Thursday for my brother Bert. It was done with such feeling from you, with people laughing and clapping and smiles all around at the way you told Bert's story. In fact, you have converted most of the people that were there as they were so impressed with you and the whole service. Once again, Steve, a big thank you for making a sad day a happy memory. 

Kind regards   Janet & Kipper.

 

Hi Steve -We would like to thank you very much for the service for Bert last Thursday - everybody said that it was just 'him' and very much enjoyed it.  

Many thanks. Best regards Nadia 

 

Margaret Chapman
Hi Steve, we just wanted to thank you very much for the lovely service you gave for my mums funeral, I have had lots of comments back saying what a lovely service it was and how professional and sincere you were. 

Thanks once again, Linda, Clive, Jonathan and Jade Holland

 

Terry Allright
I just wanted to say a massive thank you for the beautiful service you did for my brother. Everyone that was there commented how good it was, even more so for the lack of information you had, it was just perfect. 

Thanks again Kind Regards Mandy x

 

Wally Little
Hi Steve, just liked to thank you again for a wonderful service yesterday. My dad Wally would have been proud. Everyone commented and said it was the best funeral they had been to if you can that about a funeral? When you said you would do 4 copies of the service keepsake, I wasn't expecting that, they are beautiful, so much so my dads 2 sisters in laws would love one. 

Thank you again Teresa x

 

Stan Culverhouse
Dear Steve -We would like to say thank you for conducting Dad's funeral service in such a caring way.
Many people commented on how his personality came through as you told 'Stan's Story' and this reflected his life as a husband, father, grandfather, and friend. 

Once again, many thanks. Kind regards, Paula and Andy Clare, Gill Bullen

 

Doug Datlen
Good morning Steve - Just want to say a very big thank you for the excellent service you did for Dad. Without exception, everyone came up and said what a lovely service it was and how much dad would have enjoyed it. Mum was delighted with everything even the weather. 

Many many thanks it was perfect.  Judy

 

Steve Wells
Hello Steve – just to say many thanks for the beautiful service you arranged for my dear son. I was so pleased to see so many turn out for him – am sure he would have been thrilled to see old friends and colleagues. As you know I was distraught, but the service, burial and buffet all went well and I hope that we did my boy proud.

Kind regards Chris

 

Cyril Whitehead
Hello Steve, Just wanted to thank you very much for service you gave for my Dad, Mr Cyril Whitehead on Friday 2nd October.
So many people commented after, that they were able to take comfort from the way it was delivered.
You were able to capture and give a true reflection of my dad's character, told in an upbeat and respectful way.
I will remember this sad occasion fondly, many thanks, With kind regards  Carole Woods

 

Joyce Carroll
Hi Steve, I couldn't end the day without contacting you. It's been long and at times a very emotional day. But I just wanted to say how wonderful you were from start to finish and your writing of the service was impeccable. 
These are not just my words but from everyone who attended, so thank you so much. Lee and Dawn x

 

Connie Mann
Just a little note to say a big thank you for the lovely service and everything you did for Connie on Monday. Your tone of voice and script made everyone feel at ease and I think we got the right balance with the choice of music. 
Thanks for reading the poem - most people will have got the jokes but were afraid to chuckle.
Best wishes, Jeanne 

 

Andy Cripps
So sorry I didn't get the chance to speak to you yesterday I was looking for you after but couldn't find you before we left. I just wanted to thank you so much for such a brilliant service. It was perfectly done. Some people thought u were friends with my dad as you were so personable with your delivery. I thank you also for including the last few notes I asked for it really means a lot. I couldn't have asked for a better send off for my dad. If I could have spoken to you yesterday I would have given you a hug. 
Thanks again, Mel.

 

Donald Scott
Many thanks for conducting the service yesterday ( 22nd July @ 12:15 ) for my dads celebration of life. All the people who attended said how lovely it was and John would be proud to hear what was said about him  We as a family take comfort in knowing he would not want us to be sad and that was reflected in the way you told his life story. Thank you once again

Kind Regards Ian

 

Norman Hood
I would like to thank you for the time you took to get a feel of who my father was. Your service was lovely, if that the right way to say it. The friends of dad’s all said how nice the service was and they had got to know Norman a little more. I will mention your name to anyone who asks about the service as you gave good account of my father. 

Thanks again   Brian Hood

 

Derek Perrin
Just wanted to say thank you so much from all the family for the wonderful service you did for dad yesterday, we had so many people say how much it reflected dad and it was a real celebration of his life. It is such a difficult time for us all and I really appreciate the time you spent with us, we were all amazed how you managed to capture so much.
Best wishes    Sharon 

 

Gary Mitchell
I just wanted to tell you what a wonderful service you gave my husband Gary last Friday and I thank you most sincerely for getting all the details right. I know these occasions are very upsetting but I think you allowed us all to laugh and remember all the lovely things about Gary. I was told by many that it was a beautiful send-off and very personal which is what you set out to achieve on my behalf.
Thank you once again for all your kind words. Kind Regards Lesley  

 

John Knight
Sorry it’s taken me a while to contact you, but as you expect I have been busy sorting things out.
I would just like to thank you for the service you conducted for dad – it really did sum up him perfectly, and made a sad day in our lives a little more bearable.
Thank you again for visiting us and finding out all about dad, it made the service very personal for us a family – it certainly gave us many taking points with friends and family at the wake to remember him by.
The rest of the family – Jan, Dave, Karen, Sarah, Bradley, Bethany, Lauren, Margie and Brenda - would also to thank you for a wonderful celebration of a very special man.

All the very best! Leigh

 

Dick Brown
Just wanted to thank you again for the lovely send off you gave Dick. We have had so many compliments and I just wanted to let you know that your time, effort and care to try and get to know Dick was much appreciated.

Regards Nicky and Wendy

 

Ken Alexander
We all thank you most sincerely for making Ken's service so special. You were brilliant. Sympathetic, efficient, and the story of Ken's life was touching, humorous, and very accurate. We would willingly recommend your services to any bereaved family.
Yours Sincerely, The Alexander’s.

 

James Hickmott
Just a quick email to say a big thank you from us all for the service yesterday. Richard described it as 'fantastic' - if that is a word you can use to describe a funeral service, but it was certainly just what he wanted for James.

Thank you once again for help and kindness, Best Wishes Jenny and Family

 

Bev Harvey
Thank you so much Steve, Everyone commented on how lovely the service was. My heartfelt thanks for all your help in making the occasion as pleasant as it can possibly be in the circumstances.

Best wishes, Amanda

 

Major Michael Oakley
Everyone was full of praise about the wonderful service and particularly how terrific you were. Many thanks indeed for making Dad's service so special. Ideally I should have cut the hymn by two verses....We only put it in for Mum and she couldn't hear it....! I shall always remember your warmth and sensitivity. 

Thanks again. Elizabeth

 

Elsie Ingram
On behalf of Lynn, myself and both families, I’d like to thank you for the service you conducted yesterday for Elsie, at the Vale. It was moving and emotional for us, but we were all very happy with the event.
It was lovely that we had time to communicate and reflect on what Elsie was like as a person, a mother, a wife and a grandmother. Many people did not know much about her early years and it was nice to have the time to tell them her story. And although it was a small gathering, several people said it was one of the best and most intimate of services they had attended.
So thank you for making it such a comforting experience. I am sure Elsie would have approved.

Kind Regards Trevor and Family

 

Pat Ashby
Just a few words to say many thanks for the lovely delivery of my mum's service last Wednesday. You were very compassionate in your delivery and I thought you did it beautifully. Many thanks for the lovely booklets too. It was lovely meeting you, even if, under sad circumstances for our family and I would certainly recommend you if anyone asked me. It all still feels a bit surreal to me and taking time to sink in, but I have a lovely memory of a beautiful service which will stay with me forever, so thanks for that lovely memory Steve.

With very best wishes, Irene, xx

 

Chris Bancroft
I would just like to say a huge thank you from myself and the family for the perfect service you conducted on Monday for us.  Everyone I spoke to thought the service was very personal to my dad and very fitting . It was very engaging; funny; and emotional; a perfect way to say goodbye to my dad .

Thank you again   Kindest Regards Paula Bancroft

 

Sheila Taylor
Thank you so much for the service yesterday it was just perfect mum would have loved it, everyone said what a lovely service it was so thank you again.

Take care Ann

 

Phyl Summers
Phyl’s Service was at a church in Worthing and didn’t involve me as a celebrant.
We were all delighted with the beautiful slide show that Steve created for us to show at my Mum's funeral. Although it took me a little while to go through the old photos and sort out which ones we wanted to include, it was time well spent as the slide show was a far better representation of mum's life than just the eulogy. I was so grateful to Steve for his advice, support and professionalism. He also managed to produce the slide show in good time for the funeral despite tight time scales'.
There were a few people who couldn't make the funeral for health reasons or because they lived abroad and it was great to be able to take/send the CD to them and so they could watch it at home and see what had been shown at the funeral. To see photos of Mum in good times, laughing and full of life, helped us to remember her in the best way. She died of cancer at the age of 80 but until her decline at the end, she had still led a full and active life. 
Thanks again Steve    Kind regards  Rosie Braidley  

 

Allan Evans
Thank you very much for sending a copy of the service for Allan’s funeral I found it very appropriate and it caused a smile just as Allan did in life when you were in his company. I have only just returned from the Caribbean after my holiday so as you know I was not at the service and although I went to church on the day of his funeral and lit a candle, reading your e-mail made me feel that I was there. 

Again thank you for making the service so personal and Best wishes to you from Rita Careford (Allan’s cousin)

 

Cliff Harries
Just a little note to say thank you so much for the beautiful service on Friday you did a fantastic job. Many people actually asked me if you were a friend of my Dads as you made it feel like you really knew him personally. So once again on behalf of myself, my family and of course my dad thank you very much it was a perfect tribute to him and a lovely way to say goodbye. 

Regards Carol and family x

 

Lee Bannocks
I would just like to thank you so much for the lovely service you gave Lee. So many people came up to us after and said how well you put Lee's life story across. I just cannot believe that after sitting in our house for just a couple of hours you could produce such a life resemblance to the person we know as Lee. All the words that I write cannot thank you enough, for helping us and all the family to bid farewell to Lee on his onward journey.

Thank you. Chris and Eddie Yates

 

Tom Emson
I am writing to you as I didn't get time to thank you properly after the funeral service for my late father on Tuesday.We would just like to say thank you for your professionalism and the way in which you conducted the service. Many people remarked on how beautiful the service was and particularly the choice of words and delivery. Your assistance in compiling a fitting tribute to Tom is greatly appreciated and we would happily recommend your services without hesitation. 
Kind Regards   David and Julia Emson

 

Mary McKenzie
Thank you once again Steve... The service was lovely, we all felt that you represented us and our Nanny perfectly. Everyone commented on how unique and personal it was; The pictures helped support your words and showed everyone there today just how much of a full and wonderful life she had. The pictures and music worked out well and gramps was really happy with how the service went. Thank you so much for the bound keepsakes and the disc. It really was very nice of you - Especially for you to include a copy for my mum; I know grandad was pleased about this. Many thanks for your time, patience and attention to detail over the past few days which made this extremely difficult process a lot smoother and easier than I had expected it to be. 
Kind Regards Gemma 

 

Betty Brown
Just a quick thank you for a lovely service yesterday. Many people commented how great it was and we are very grateful for all your help in getting it all together. It brought back many happy memories from our childhood, teens and beyond and at the wake, many people shared their own particular memories of Mum which led to great jollification - she would have hugely enjoyed the party. Thank you once again!!
Kind regards  Carol, Helen and Liz 

 

Pat Hayes
I just wanted to say that I was at Pats funeral yesterday and although I was standing right at the back and could not see what was going on I thought you did a marvellous job with Pats story, he really was a character wasn’t he? David went to school with Pat and lived a couple of doors down from Pat and his family in Ridgeway Drive.
Kerry’s parents were at both my Mum and Dads funerals, so they recommended both White Dove and yourself to Kerry and Liam and once again you both excelled.
I hope that this is the end of funerals for me for a while, I did intend to speak to you yesterday, but you disappeared before I could.

Once again thank you for everything  Janet Mason

 

Richard Scales
Thank you so much for helping us arrange Richard's service, everyone who I spoke to following the service were saying it was uplifting, Richard shone through the service, it made a sad day a pleasure to have come to celebrate Richard's life.
You made a very difficult time for us slightly easier, because of the time that you spent with us, talking about Richard and trying to get to know him through us. I can't thank you enough for creating the disc and the order of service, these are very treasured gifts.
This morning while I was the only one up, I watched the DVD and especially listened to the words of thank you for the music" you were so right they were so relevant to all of us. The music that you put on the disc was just perfect. Richard would have loved it. Another two of his favourite songs Cotton eye Joe and The river of Babylon as well as that dreadful dance song(I do not know the title) which goes you jump to the right etc.

Once again thank you for everything.    Yours sincerely Marie Scales

Henry Penn
A big thank you from my Dad and I for a service that sent him off in style. You captured the man as he would have wished and delivered the service as a friend.

Thank you Darren Penn

 

Ron Hogg

I just wanted to send you a message to say thank you for my dad's service last Monday. It was really lovely, you did a lovely service and everybody said how lovely it was. 

Thank you so much for all that you did, from Sharon and Lorraine x 

 

Lynette Morris
Thank you for a fantastic service for my mum. Everything was just great. It was so good everyone thought you were actually a friend of mum's. If I could describe it as a perfect day I wouldn't be far wrong. Mum would have loved it. The only sadness is that she wasn't there, only in spirit. Will be in touch about the next step soon.

Kind regards Lynda

 

Just wanted to say what a wonderful service you delivered for my mum, everyone thought your were a very close friend the way you did it. Thank you so much it made it so special. 

Kind regards Annette

 

Keith Henry

I just wanted to thank you for the service yesterday at Parndon Wood, for Keith. As upsetting as it was to have to be burying him, I was not in the state that I imagined I would be in and I think that was down to your words - you approached it as a celebration and it was good to hear nice things said about Keith and not just religious 'waffle'.A lot of people commented on what a lovely service it had been and that you had such a nice manner when you spoke of him. They said it was touching that it was all about him and that he would have been proud of itThe copies of the service are a lovely gesture and it's so thoughtful of you to leave me with something to remember the day in a positive way. Thanks once again for your input - it was wonderful and it made a sad day just a little lighter and easier to deal with.  

Kind regards, Nicola. 

 

Steve Farris
Just a note to thank you for the beautiful service on Saturday. I felt you captured Steve perfectly in fact someone asked me how did you know him. Everyone has said it was the most beautiful funeral so thank you for all your work.

Kind regards Barbara

 

Paul Rose
Just a thank you from both of us for a wonderful service in memory of Paul, every one who attended said what a wonderful send off, your words brought Paul back to life in so many ways.
Thank you so much  Teresa and Nicola

 

Patricia Mackin
Sorry for the late message. I just want to thank you from Dad, myself, Jayne Ian and the family for such a wonderful tribute to Mum. It was so 'Mum' a wife, mum, grandma and great grandma as well as a true friend to all who knew her. Thank you again, if you are ever in Sawbridgeworth, please feel free to drop in.

Kind regards from us all Paul

 

Jacqueline Hogan

I just wanted to drop you an email to thank you so much for my mums lovely service on 6th November. Your calming voice and touching speech made an emotional day a lot less painful. Your speech summed up our wonderful mums life perfectly and even got a few laughs on such a sombre day.  Thanks again, you're a star! Kindest regards,Donna & Colin Danielle & SimonSarah & MichaelMichael & Sophie  

 

Arnold Sturley
I just wanted on behalf of all of us to Thank you for my dad's service yesterday. You did a wonderful job and did him and us very proud. While very emotional everything was perfect. The perfect send off for the most perfect man and the copies you did for us are very special too.

Kind regards Amanda

 

Lucy Lawrence
A belated thank you for your time and attention over Mother’s funeral arrangements.
All the comments I heard were that it was a very good ceremony. My cousins agreed with us that you had captured the essence of Lucy/Micky. It triggered many fond memories. A tribute to your skill and care is that I was asked if there were copies of the script – which you have the foresight to include, both electronically and the copies from the day.
My cousin Linda tells me that her mother Barbara has printed off the copy that I e-mailed to her in Spain and framed it!
A sincere WELL DONE and THANK YOU from us.

Very best wishes  Chris & Ann Hall

 

Patrick Bryant
I and the whole family would like to thank you for your lovely service yesterday for Patrick Bryant. Everyone commented on what, they said, was the best funeral service they had ever been to. Praise indeed. Once again thank you it made a very difficult day a lot easier. And as I said yesterday, I hope you are still around (by that I mean) in Harlow ha-ha, when I pop my clogs.   

All the best Heather

Dorothy Rayner
Thank you so much for all your help and your presentation for Dot. You transformed a solemn event into a joyous occasion.

Kind regards and good wishes. Anne, David and Colin Steve White

 

Rex Berry
I just wanted to thank you on behalf of myself and Rex's family and friends who attended his funeral on Thursday for the wonderful way in which you conducted his service. Everyone thought you were a close friend, such was the way you talked about him, you have a real gift, but then I am sure you know that.
It still all seems a bit surreal, but I know the silence will get me sooner rather than later. There is a lot to still do, so that will keep me occupied.
Thank you again for all you did to make what could have been a very stressful day as happy as it was, a true Celebration of a funny brave and courageous man.

All best wishes Anna

 

Derryanna Marson
I felt it important to write and say thank you. I do this on behalf of Roger, Charlotte and myself. Your support, guidance and assistance in preparing the service for Derry were invaluable. You were successfully able to get the three of us to feel comfortable enough to speak candidly about Derry and thus reveal the Derry we knew. You were then able to present this picture of Derry in a wholly appropriate, fitting and respectful way. The service overall, particularly your eulogy, was perfect and allowed us, and all those who attended, to properly say goodbye. Your efforts went an enormous way to make a terrible day bearable and we all felt that the end result was "perfect" and thus we had been able to do Derry proud. For that we will always be grateful. 

Yours sincerely Peter Marson

 

Sylvia Weidman
Dear Steve A very big heartfelt thank you for the way in which you made Sylvia’s service so personal, it was a difficult but memorable day and ran smoothly thanks to you. Hopefully I won’t have to organise anymore funerals for a while, but if I do I know who to contact. Anyway thank you so much for everything you did it is appreciated by my family and myself. 

Kind regards Jan Weidman

 

Richard Smith
I just wanted to say thank you on behalf of the family for the funeral on Friday. Many people said that it was a lovely Service that portrayed Richard's personality very well. Thank you also for the booklets, which are also a great tribute to him. 

Kind regards Sue

 

Margaret Adams
I just wanted to say Thank you for a lovely service yesterday, I didn't get chance to speak with you. We had so many lovely comments on the service and the way her story was told. Lots of fond memories and smiles all round! Thank you also for the copies of the service, the pictures look great and a wonderful keepsake. Again a big thank you for everything, we shall certainly recommend your services! 

Regards Diane

 

Ray Bull
We would like to thank you for the Service on the 15th of August for Ray. It was a truly lovely service and we thank you very much. We found it to be very comforting and everything we wished the service to be. 

Kind regards Pat and Family

Norman Orme
Hi Steve a big thank you again from ALL of us for yesterday, you done us all proud. Mark Orme

 

May Falvey
Hi Steve Just a quick line to thank you for all you did today, everything was perfect. We all appreciate the work you put in and the professional service was a great send-off. 

Many thanks, James & Sonyer
 

Averil Stilton
Just wanted to say thanks once again for all your help in making Averil’s Funeral a less stressful time for Linda and the rest of the family, the service was very uplifting and the slide show was a huge success, that alone made Linda feel as if she was just saying goodbye to her mum instead of losing her forever if that makes sense. Once again thank you for making a sad day as pleasant as it could be. 

Best Regards Ken & Linda Burgess

 

Peter Coward
Now that things have settled down and we are back home in France, we would like to thank you for your efforts in making Peter's funeral not only bearable but memorable as well. You remarked about how the music would stay with us for awhile. We were still aware of the Wild Horses and in particular Should I stay or should I go, banging away in our minds for a couple of days after. They were obviously very appropriate choices so thank you again for identifying them. We trust you will continue to help people in our position as it is a very worthwhile service. 

Regards, Yvette, Mike, Lesley and Tim.