CLAIRE
STARKIE
I am passionate about helping people. I have worked as a counsellor in private practice for 5 years and have previously worked in customer facing roles with vulnerable adults and with families and individuals that require assistance with difficulties they may be facing.
Becoming a funeral celebrant was a natural choice for me as I wanted to offer both my skills and compassionate nature to families who are arranging the funeral or memorial service for a loved one, by bringing their loved one’s story to life and sharing it and celebrating it on the day of the funeral or memorial service.
I am inspired by the families I work with to actively listen to their stories, because no two lives are the same, so every funeral service should be unique. I will always go the extra mile in providing exceptional service and care for my client to ensure that every last detail of the ceremony is executed perfectly.
I would be delighted to have a conversation with you about how we can create a bespoke service for your loved one, filled with memories of love, laughter, respect and dignity.
Services
FUNERAL PLANNING CONSULTATION
I offer a compassionate and understanding approach to help you plan a personalised funeral service that truly reflects the life of your loved one.
MUSIC SELECTION GUIDANCE
Music can be a powerful way to honor and remember your loved one. I can help you choose meaningful and fitting music for the service.
EULOGY
WRITING
Let me assist you in crafting a heartfelt eulogy that beautifully captures the essence of your loved one.
MEMORIAL SERVICE OFFICIATING
As a celebrant, I will lead the memorial service with warmth, compassion, and professionalism, creating a heartfelt and respectful farewell.
I'm registered with The Academy of Professional Celebrants
Fees
My fee for a funeral ceremony (burial or cremation) is £220, which includes:
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All telephone and email communication
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Visit to the family home or another venue to talk about your loved one’s life to enable me to produce a bespoke service and also to discuss any potential music, hymns and readings for the ceremony
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Production of a draft service including any readings and music, which will be emailed to you for any amendments until you are 100% happy with it
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Liaison with any additional speakers
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Liaison with funeral directors regarding order of service which includes readings and music
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Officiating on the day of the funeral service
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A presentation keepsake copy of your loved one’s bespoke service after the ceremony
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Travel of upto 30 miles radius of Stalybridge
Additional services I provide:
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Interring (burial) of ashes with a short service - £75
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Scattering of ashes with a short service - £75
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Memorial Ceremony full service - £200
Frequently Asked Q's
WHAT IS A FUNERAL CELEBRANT?
A funeral celebrant is someone who officiates at a funeral service. As well as conducting the funeral itself celebrants are involved in planning the order of service, music, writing the eulogy and creating a meaningful service for the person who has died.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF HAVING A CELEBRANT LED FUNERAL?
One of the biggest benefits of a celebrant led funeral is the openness and inclusivity they allow you to create a ceremony that is a true reflection of the deceased. A celebrant led funeral will bring a sense of light to the ceremony, reminding the mourners that the individual lived a beautiful and meaningful life. It also gives you the flexibility to factor in different beliefs and wishes without being tied to a specific structure.
HOW DO I PAY FOR THE FUNERAL CELEBRANT?
This will be included as part of the costs that you pay to the funeral director.
WHO SHOULD SPEAK AT THE FUNERAL?
That's personal choice. Many people will leave the majority of the funeral to the celebrant, which is perfectly normal and understandable given the emotion of the day. However, should any family member or friend wish to speak or carry out a reading or poem, that is absolutely fine and welcomed. This will be discussed as part of the initial home visit. Should you wish for hymn or a prayer to be included in the ceremony, this can easily be accommodated.
WHAT SHOULD I CONSIDER FOR THE CONTENT OF THE FUNERAL SERVICE?
As part of the planning of the ceremony, I will carry out a visit to the family home or another venue as agreed, where I will ask questions about the deceased and will make note of any stories and memories that you wish to talk about.
Things that you may wish to think about for this appointment are:
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where your loved one was born and grew up
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their siblings and family members
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school days and childhood memories
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partners children grandchildren and other family members
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their closest friends
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their career
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groups and societies they belong to
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interests and achievements
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favourite memories
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favourite music
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any significant events that have happened
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any funny stories that you may remember
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what you personally will most remember about them
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have they made any personal requests about their own funeral
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whether anybody else will be speaking or participating at the service.