About Philippa Howell

I started conducting humanist wedding, partnership and naming ceremonies in 2006. Since 2013 I have been accredited to carry out humanist funerals. I am based in Cheltenham -"the centre for the Cotswolds"- where there is a huge choice of unique ceremony venues. I work mainly in and around Gloucestershire and Bristol but can travel wider afield.

WHY I BECAME A HUMANIST CELEBRANT

I inherited an interest in humanism from my father, Philip Howell, who founded the Norwich Humanist Group in 1976. He began to provide the first humanist ceremonies there. Philip continued as a celebrant of all humanist ceremonies in Gloucestershire. I decided to train as a celebrant after seeing how much satisfaction Philip gained from being a celebrant and how a good ceremony is a fulfilling and memorable occasion for all those involved.

I have long believed that people should be free to celebrate the important occasions in their lives without religion. I meet many people who want to express themselves in their own personal way at their significant crossroads of life.

Each ceremony is uniquely tailored to reflect the wishes and character of the individuals. Most ceremonies combine seriousness with joy. Funeral ceremonies are a respectful way to say farewell, while including personal tributes and sharing memories to celebrate the life that was.

WEDDINGS AND PARTNERSHIPS

Humanist weddings and partnerships can be held in any location, including out of doors, not just at a licensed venue. There is a great choice in the Cotswolds , and the surrounding countryside as well as in the main towns. There are many picturesque barns and lakeside venues as well as elegant hotels,inns and country houses. Some couples have married in fields, with camping for their guests, marquees and tepees. Some have persuaded relatives or friends to hold the ceremony in their garden or rent a large holiday house. Many couples choose Gloucestershire because they have spent happy times walking and exploring the area.

Bristol venues range from city centre and harbourside hotels and restaurants, to country parks and local halls. Anywhere can work!

SPECIAL CEREMONIES

I have conducted weddings for couples who want to celebrate their wedding in two countries but cannot have two legal ceremonies. In these cases a humanist non-legal, wedding gives the couple a wonderful opportunity to celebrate their marriage in front of ALL their family and friends while retaining the special importance of the occasion.

Some couples want to celebrate an anniversary, perhaps a landmark 10th. We can compose a unique personal ceremony for the occasion, perhaps to include a renewal of the wedding vows.

Your wedding or other ceremony can be celebrated in your own way at a time and venue that suits you.
Each ceremony is unique, meaningful and memorable.

NAMING AND WELCOMING CEREMONIES

Naming ceremonies are often conducted in private gardens or public parks, where there maybe opportunities for picnics, barbecues and bouncy castles. A sculpture park and a country farm park have provided unusual and memorable settings for ceremonies. Function rooms in pubs, restaurants and local halls can be personalised. Small gatherings can often be hosted at home indoors at any time of the year. A short ceremony can be celebrated outdoors in a park -even in winter- perhaps with tea served later elsewhere.

Naming and welcoming ceremonies can be held for children of any age. Often ceremonies are held on a first birthday. I have created ceremonies to welcome adopted children, and “double" and “triple" celebrations for siblings. You may consider appointing guideparents (or “odd parents"!) as part of the ceremony and may want to have some symbolic action like lighting a candle or having a toast to your child.

There are no rules – if you have something to celebrate with your child or children we can work together to compose a ceremony to suit the occasion. More information can be found on www.hhbabynamings.co.uk.

FUNERAL CEREMONIES

The death of someone we love is one of the hardest things we have to cope with. Arranging a funeral with the opportunity to remember that person by personal tributes, favourite poems or music provides a respectful and meaningful celebration of that life, not just a final farewell. While often a funeral ceremony is held at the crematorium chapel a celebration can be held after the funeral in more relaxed surroundings giving more time to prepare personal tributes and exchange memories.

Please don't hesitate to telephone or email me to discuss possibilities.
If you leave a message on my landline 01242 583680 or mobile 07564 521516 I will ring you back as soon as I can.

Trading Since

2006