CELEBRATING MEMORIES

For many, a traditional funeral may not align with their wishes. Families are now seeking a service that reflects the life of someone who has passed away, a celebration of their life that will provide a more positive funeral experience.

 

There are several service options, and, in the past, a clergy member would automatically be nominated to officiate. They may not have known the person who died or even had time to speak with the family before the funeral. The person who has died may not have been to church for years; religion may not have played an integral part in their lives, and a religious service could prove an inappropriate option. Religious services remain very popular, and we encourage families to select the service option that best suits their needs. However, an ever-increasing number of people now seek an alternative that offers more celebrational content and is in keeping with the person who has passed away.

 

The Searson family can recommend a range of celebrants, or you can nominate your own; the choice is yours. You may not be aware, but you can officiate the funeral service yourselves if this is an option you'd like to take. However, the Searson family have their in-house Celebrant. Andy Searson has been providing officiating services for many years and brings a much more positive approach to the lives he has been asked to remember. The 'Celebration Service' focuses on the lives lost, the years lived, the personalities, interests, and the love they shared. These services offer a positive focus, allowing family and friends to share an opportunity to remember and bid farewell. 

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THE TRIBUTE

The core element of any service of celebration is remembering the lives lost; that is what the day is all about. Andy will sit with you, reminiscing and reflecting on the years, sharing humour, stories, and life experiences. He will create a fitting tribute, which we will offer during the funeral service. This will comprise almost half the service time,  giving everyone a chance to learn about the early years, smile at the funny times, share tears of sadness and joy and generally be enriched by the memories.

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Andy's approach, regardless of the circumstances, is very informal, relaxed, often conversational, and at times interactive, to help guests feel an integral part of the service. Andy has created thousands of services for young children and older people; all have been received exceptionally well. Many people who attend a celebration service often say how wonderful it was, how unexpected but very much wanted, and even comment, such as 'the best funeral I have ever been to'. The Tribute can be audio recorded for future reflection; we even provide printed copies for the family to keep. In addition, and unique to the Searson family, we can incorporate the Tribute into a DVD story, featuring photographs from the years, which makes a beautiful memorial to cherish alongside the memories.

 

THE SERVICE:

It is essential to remember that you will never forget the day of the funeral, regardless of its creation and delivery. It is such an important day, and we do everything we can to put together something you will never forget, filled with positive thoughts. It is also important to remember that the day is more than just commemorating the lives lost; it is also a time to share in the grief and bid farewell. The funeral service is structured to balance emotions, so that when the farewell part of the service arrives, everyone feels relaxed, inspired, and emotionally prepared for the final moment. We can create a service tailored to each family's wishes and requirements. Aspects such as music, readings, verses, and poems all contribute to a fitting service that fully reflects the life lost.

 

MUSIC:

Gone are the days of the 23rd Psalm and "Abide with Me"; today, many people strive to create relevance with music, making it an integral part of the service experience. Whatever your loved one enjoys in life, whether it's Pop, Rock, Country, or Classical, is a relevant and appropriate music type to play. Careful planning is given to music; the Searson family arranges this, putting together a well-scheduled repertoire of songs that precisely suit the moment. We can source your music requirements from a library of over one million songs; we also offer them on CD or iPod, depending on your preferred service.

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POEMS / VERSES:

The readings offered during service should also be relevant and appropriate, not necessarily the more mainstream and typical poems often used. Once the Tribute has been taken, the Searson family will offer suggested readings that are relevant, not necessarily religious, but meaningful and reflecting life. However, many celebrational services incorporate spiritual comfort and, where suited, include prayers should this be a wish.

 

OVERALL EXPERIENCE:

Our services aim to capture the life, love, and personality of the person who has died. It is an experience of smiles and tears, a warming and emotional service which provides a lasting and fitting tribute and farewell. We recognise that we have only one chance to get the service precisely right, and no stone is left unturned to ensure that all those attending have a lasting, positive experience.

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