It’s my pleasure this month to introduce you to George Hulme, Celebrant and Graduate of our Funeral training. Working with George was such a positive experience as we talked about faith and how it supports and comforts those who grieve. As Independet Celebrants, we are able to include elements of faith in our services, something that was essential to George, who is a Lay-Minister in the Church of England. He brings empathy and love to his work, and I am sure he is going to be a huge support to families in his community.
What made you decide to become an independent Funeral Celebrant?
George Hulme, Celebrant:
My decision to firstly explore becoming an independent Funeral Celebrant began after a much-loved member of the congregation I serve as a Lay-Minister died. Her family asked me to conduct the celebration of her life at the local crematorium. This was quickly followed by a request to help write and present her eulogy at the Cathedral. Prior to this I had held the belief that funeral ministry was not for me. But in fact, I found the whole proceedings incredibly satisfying.
Helping people in their loss, helping to design a celebration that truly reflected the character of the deceased, and presenting this in the most professional and yet comforting way possible, is both challenging and fulfilling. I therefore made the decision to train so that I may adopt best practices and improve the experience of funeral services and celebrations for those who are vulnerable and often bereft. It is also a very emotionally and spiritually valuable thing to do.
What skills do you think you bring to the role?
George Hulme, Celebrant:
I’m told that I have good interpersonal skills. I think that’s because I listen. So many people feel that they are not heard. Being listened to helps to make a person feel good about themselves, and that’s important.
I love to write, okay, I love to type on my laptop (but that doesn’t sound so good). I write a bit of poetry, the occasional song, sermons, and some technical articles about electrical engineering (not really what I want to write about, but they pay me!).
For the past ten years or so I’ve served as a Lay Minister in the Church of England, so I’m used to ceremony and standing in front of people, talking.
Church services often have to be designed for special occasions or for seasonal celebrations, I love doing that. Choosing appropriate hymns or worship songs, finding suitable scripture readings, prayers and blessings, can be challenging but is also fulfilling when it all comes together.
I also sing, in church, certainly, but also do the odd open mic, I love swing and soft jazz but have been known to sing folk songs too.
I’m what might be called a bucket filler, rather than a bucket emptier. By that I mean that I like to build people up rather than knock them down. I was bullied as a child and know what it’s like to feel bad about myself. And I also know that each one of us is unique, is a person to be cherished and valued. I completed a Level 2 Certificate in Psychotherapy which focusses on unconditional love for each person.
Can you share something that really stood out for you from the funeral training you completed with us?
George Hulme, Celebrant:
I found the whole course outstanding! However, what really caught me was the work around preparing a funeral service for Betty Jackson. At first it seemed that Betty had led a simple and uneventful life, and I felt a great sadness that a life had ended without really beginning. However, the further information that was revealed demonstrated something quite different. The new revelations stimulated my imagination and enabled me to write a true and representative celebration of her life and to compose a poem in her honour.
You’ve only recently completed your training. How are you planning to promote your new venture? (One or two ideas)
George Hulme, Celebrant:
I have produced a website using WIX which highlights my services. I add testimonials as I receive them (not forgetting to ask for them).
Collaboration with local Funeral Directors, building their trust in me and my skills and services.
I know your faith is very important to you. Can you tell us how you plan to use your funeral celebrant training in conjunction with your faith?
George Hulme, Celebrant:
In October, I’m starting specific training to conduct Church of England Funeral Services. Unfortunately, the Church doesn’t recognise training provided by outside agencies. Once qualified, I know that the training given by Dinah will help me to be a much better funeral celebrant in this context.
You’re part of a group who collaborate to ensure that members of your communities have support for their faith. Can you tell us more about this?
George Hulme, Celebrant:
Faith support groups are a great way to explore one’s faith and one’s doubts in a safe environment. They are often a means whereby people find out more about themselves and discover their ‘calling’. By which I mean that they uncover the natural fit between the talents and skills that they possess and can develop, and the needs of the world. It’s essentially about finding out how we as individuals best express love, to ourselves and to those around us.
What top tip would you give to anyone exploring the idea of training as an independent Celebrant?
George Hulme, Celebrant:
My top tip is that they should speak to Dinah!
Tell us five things about yourself – George, the person, rather than the Celebrant.
I’m happily married, third time lucky!
I have a daughter from my second marriage who was brought up from the age of nine by me and my third wife, who she calls mum. She’s now thirty-two!
I meditate each day.
I consider love and all those things that come from love, kindness, generosity, care, joy, peace, to be the most important things in life.
I’m a walker with Jesus Christ; trying to keep up, falling behind, falling over, getting lost, but he shows me the way of love.
How can people contact you: details of website, email, phone, and social media profiles.
- Tel: 07366 900091
- Web: www.georgehulmecelebrant.com
- Email: admin@georgehulmecelebrant.com
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61559779507632