About me

Where & Why?

My Practice covers Funeral Services and Memorial Services for Shrewsbury and Telford and the surrounding towns and villages.

I decided to become a Funeral Celebrant after recalling how much I enjoyed organising my Mum's funeral.  I know that might sound odd but I loved putting the story together to celebrate 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. So, if you or someone you know is ever in a similar situation I've created a page of guidance on what to do as there wasn't a guidebook for me. 

I was also closely involved with a best-friend's final few years of their life, supporting them with their business, shopping and generally going here and there for them. I also had an Aunt who lived in a care home for years suffering with dementia and 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 however, 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 people-focussed career in HR management and before that, retail management.  Wanting to escape the hustle and bustle of an ever busier and crowded London, we love living alongside the greenness and clean air of Telford and its access to local walks, and it's not too far away the beautiful Shropshire Hills.  

Engagement to protect nature is important to me and I have volunteered in conservation since 2011 across Telford and Shropshire and I worked for over ten years for local environmental charities.  

I really love gardening and our garden and its mixture of order and wildness!  I grow lots of vegetables, a variety of fruit plus the usual flowers, garden shrubs and trees.  I love our wildlife and we have quite a large pond which is home to lots of frogs and 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 remembering her too.

What next?

I support people through loss and sadness, creating stories of joy and celebration with rich, reflective recollections. In these delicate situations, it's rightly all about your loved one and friends and family.  

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