Where & Why?
I cover Shrewsbury and Telford and surrounding towns and villages and decided on Funeral Celebrancy following redundancy and a recollection of enjoying organising my Mum's funeral.
I know that might sound odd but I really enjoyed putting the story together, celebrating Mum's life and sharing that with friends and family. I had a Celebrant on hand if I needed him and for doing the graveside piece but remember thinking at the time, I'd love to do this, perhaps when I retire. So, now I am, just sooner than I thought!
Mum's death was sudden and so there is also a page of guidance on what to do in a similar situation, as there wasn't a guidebook for me.
I was also closely involved with a best-friend's last few years of their life supporting them with their business, shopping and generally going here and there and had an Aunt who lived in a care home for years suffering with dementia. I have very fond memories of Auntie Marion; She was the matriarch of the family but seeing her deteriorate in a home was heartbreaking. One of the good memories was of her waking up during a visit and saying, "Oh 'r Craig, it is so nice to see you" before her memory failed again quickly, For that 10 seconds, I knew she knew who I was and I hold this dear.
A bit about me.
I have lived in Telford since 2008 having moved here following a career in HR management and before that, retail management. We wanted to escape the hustle and bustle of an ever busier and crowded London, and we love living alongside the greenness and clean air of Telford and its access to local walks, and not too far away the beautiful Shropshire Hills.
I worked (and volunteered) for over ten years for a couple of environmental charities.
I really love gardening and our garden and its mixture of order and wildness where I grow lots of vegetables, a variety of fruit plus the usual flowers, garden shrubs and trees. I love wildlife (hence the work and volunteering) and we have quite a large pond that is home to lots of frogs, some newts and which attracts regular visits from garden birds and honey bees.
"Charles" is my middle name and I like it! Also, my lovely Mum used to call me Craig Charles so it's a nice nod to her too.
What next?
I hope you like this brief introduction. In these delicate situations, it's rightly all about your loved one and friends and family. But if our values and ethos align, I hope you will chose me as your Funeral Celebrant and I look forward to meeting you in the very near future.
Please contact me, or speak with your Funeral Director if you would like me involved as I'll need to liaise with them.
Thank you.
Craig
Please contact me for a discussion on 07736 453 780, or drop me an email to craigcharlesIFC@gmail.com
My Values
I was asked a few years ago by a mentor to outline what my values were and these remain with me to this day:
Truth
Respect
Care
Compassion
Pragmatism
Collaboration