I came to celebrancy work many years ago as a result of feeling very unsatisfied with the very limited funeral options presented to my family at the time of my mother’s death. I felt that we deserved more empathy, and a sense of being heard, so decided to do the funeral myself. It was a very powerful experience and as a consequence, I was asked to conduct a friend’s funeral, which was a pleasure and a privilege to be part of. The feedback was so positive from the family that I decided to study the whole process involved in the conducting of funerals (including the OBOD funeral celebrant’s course) and to offer my services to the wider community.
I bring to the funeral my own sense of awe and respect each unique life and for the transition of this life to death. The essence of the entire funeral service is the honouring and expression of the wishes and memories of the family. I deeply believe that it is so important to listen carefully to the family, and weave the stories and memories into a beautiful ritual that honours the deceased with warmth and compassion and joy. The service can include hymns or songs, prayers, poems, reflections and anecdotes from those special to the person. This can be created into a deeply spiritual celebration or equally it can simply honour the person with no religious content whatsoever. Whatever the choice, the celebration will be deeply honouring of the person who has just passed. I come from Bristol and I am able to cover most of the west country region, I am also willing to travel if the situation required it. Contact me at adeoftheoldways@hotmail.co.uk – tel: 07950316218 or 01275542369 . Website link below.

Testimonial for by Heather & Jim Ramsay for Adrian Rooke – Handfasting Celebrant 26th May 2018. Where to begin to give thanks to Adrian to show how magnificent he was as our Handfasting Celebrant. His calm support and guidance whilst encouraging Jim and I to plan our ceremony as we wanted. His readiness to share his experiences and wisdom whilst drawing upon our own. His patience and easy manner. Adrian always gave us his time. On the day of our Handfasting Ceremony at Stanton Drew stone circle he was beautifully organised. His very presence was reassuring and calming. He managed our 129 guests with clear guidance and kindness. His Energy shon through him. His passion for his role on our very special day emanated. He oozed with Ceremonial Grandeur. What greater Blessing upon our day to have Adrian Rooke as our Handfasting Celebrant. He gave us incredible memories on a Unique and wonderous day. Thank you from our hearts Adrian. You helped us join as one in our favourite place with our favourite people. Blessed be to Adrian and all lucky enough to call him their Celebrant and most of all our friend.