Hawkins, Brian

Background & experience

I trained as a humanist celebrant in May 2009. My background is in training and development and I work as a coach. I was motivated to become a humanist celebrant after searching in vain for an alternative, non-religious funeral for my father.

What humanism means to me

It is inclusive, it embraces the core values of many religions: it is based on respect, tolerance, goodness, kindness, a concern for the natural world and a recognition that every individual deserves to be valued for who they are. I am a scientist and I believe in a rational world but I respect that others have the right to hold their own beliefs.

My approach to Funerals

I take my role at a funeral as a serious responsibility and I work to ensure that each ceremony is exactly as the family want it to be.

The most rewarding aspect of the role is to see the family after the ceremony and how they have begun to come to terms with their loss. It is a privilege to be allowed to share in the highs and lows, the triumphs and disappointments of a life lived and an honour to celebrate and share these moments during the ceremony.  And because we celebrate the person's life, I love to see people laughing at a happy memory and realising that it's OK to do that in a humanist funeral.

 Some of the things people have said about my Ceremonies

"My wife and I cannot thank you enough for the wonderful tribute to our daughter. Everyone present commented that you had her down to a "T", it was as if you'd known her from birth"

"I can't thank you Brian, adequately, for yesterday. The ceremony was absolutely perfect - and commented on by everyone (you have 3 more lining up). And thank you especially for your warmth and understanding."

My Approach to Weddings

Your wedding day is your big day and I will do everything I can to ensure that it is a day that you will remember for the rest of your life.

Your wedding ceremony is your wedding ceremony and I will work with you, to inspire you, to have fun and to create something that is entirely and uniquely yours.

Your wedding is for the two of you, an opportunity to pledge your love and to express how you feel about each other, why you want to marry and what the rest of your life together will mean for you. As I work with you I will help you to crystalise what that means for you both.

Your wedding is also about your families and friends and I will help you create an event that really includes them and that helps bring the two sides of your new extended family together.

Your wedding day is the first day in the rest of your married life together. I will toast your happiness and wish you well.

Visit my wedding blog: http://humanistbrian.blogspot.com/