Mallon, Maureen

I'm 46 years old and have worked in education and community work for over twenty years. I joined the Humanist Society a couple of years ago when my husband Malcolm and I decided to get married. Since then I've been actively involved, helping out at the National Executive and then training as a celebrant.

I've always had a strong belief in society and humanity and its great to find somewhere to put my beliefs into action.

Being a funeral celebrant is about working on behalf of those who've lost someone to make sure the person who is gone is well reflected on the day. I spend a lot of time listening to family members and friends and teasing out the story of the persons life. I come home and write it all down straight away, going back to edit it the next day before emailing it to the nominated family member to add to and check over.

Everyone has their own unique story, the things they liked as children, the relationships they had with family, friends, their community and workmates and its my job to get their story right as a fitting tribute. We work together as a team, some families know which poetry and music they want, others need advice and ideas.

 I feel honoured to undertake this role and find it amazingly rewarding.

A couple deciding to commit to each other, sometimes just themselves or a big occasion with friends and family, is a wonderful thing to be involved in as a celebrant.

The fact that couples can express their own vows in a Humanist ceremony means that no two are ever alike. Most people have their own thoughts about what they want to say, what kind of readings, music and poetry they want, but I'm always happy to work with couples and share advice and ideas.

Formal or informal settings, outdoors or indoors and anywhere within a few hours drive is fine with me.

Weddings are wonderful occasions to be involved in and I really enjoy being able to play a part in making a couples day be just what they wanted.

The fact that couples can express their own vows in a Humanist ceremony means that no two are ever alike. Most people have their own thoughts about what they want to say, what kind of readings, music and poetry they want, but I'm always happy to work with couples and share advice and ideas.

Formal or informal settings, outdoors or indoors and anywhere within a few hours drive is fine with me.