***************

 Why Choose a Humanist Ceremony ?

(From the British Humanist Association website.  Click the link more more details.)

It is natural to want to celebrate the most important events in life with a special ceremony, usually involving speech, poetry, music, song, feasting and dancing. People have always needed to mark the important times in their lives, and to commemorate the lives of people when they die. Public celebrations of "rites of passage" are different from ordinary parties, which we often hold for events like birthdays, anniversaries or graduations - they are more focused and formal, and we usually use special language, music and places. Humanists like to celebrate too, but prefer to do so in non-religious ceremonies, where they will not find themselves saying things they do not believe. There are no special rules or observances that non-religious people have to keep: they are not obliged to attend any kind of service, or have any ceremony beyond basic legal requirements, but there are humanist ceremonies for those who would like to mark special occasions. They are always created for the people involved, so each one is unique and personal. Sometimes families of mixed religious beliefs choose a humanist ceremony because they can all agree on the non-religious, personal content. The British Humanist Association has books and leaflets about humanist ceremonies for those who would like more information. We also train 'celebrants' or 'officiants' to prepare and conduct ceremonies, and can put people in touch with a local one.

***************  

Officiants in Cumbria and Surrounding Area (CHG Members)

Ian Breach (Hexham)
Email contact
Phone  01434 609973 or 07713 160350
Postcodes : NE, CA, LA, DL, SR
Ceremonies : Funerals

********************  

Jan Dunckley (Canonbie)
Email contact
Phone  01387 371344 or 07941 101686
Postcodes : CA, DG
Ceremonies : Funerals, Weddings, Civil Partnerships, Namings

********************

Local Authority Bereavement Services 

Local Council Bereavement Services are very sympathetic to the wishes of family and friends when planning funerals, and will offer advice and support whatever the cultural or faith requirements.  We offer links to the websites, and we are asking the Councils to link to our site.

Carlisle City Council : Bereavement Services specifically Civil Funerals 

Allerdale Borough Council : Funeral Services

Barrow  Borough Council

Copeland Borough Council : Bereavement Services 

Eden District Council : Bereavement Services

South Lakeland District Council : Funeral Arrangements

Roucan Loch Crematorium, Dumfries

********************

Funeral Directors

Both the  National Association of Funeral Directors (NAFD) and the National Society of Allied & Independent Funeral Directors(SAIF) are professional organisations for funeral directors. They can offer advice and provide contact details for their local members.

********************

Woodland and Green Burials

Natural Way Burials - for such burial sites in the region.

Dignity in Dying

Dignity in Dying is the leading campaigning organisation promoting patient choice at the end of life. It is also a major information source on end-of-life issues. Dignity in Dying is independent of any political, religious or other organisation and is supported entirely by voluntary contributions from members of the public. 

********************

email : info@cumbria-humanists.org.uk