So – the National Funeral Exhibition is now a few weeks ago, and things are getting back to normal after all the networking and catching up with old friends. It was inspirational to meet so many great people with so much in common. Of course, we all ultimately have death in common, but I’m referring to other things like spirit, humour, tenacity, ingenuity and a healthy disregard for our own mortality.

In no particular order, I especially enjoyed meeting the guys from Colourful Coffins – with their selection of (frankly) amazing and ingenious wares www.colourfulcoffins.com

I loved the stand from www.funeralhumour.co.uk  and of course, our own stand from the FPC - Fellowship of Professional Celebrants www.professionalcelebrants.org.uk  It was also lovely to re-acquaint myself with Ian and Amy Hazel from www.ianhazelfunerals.co.uk – I’ll be hoping to work with them someday soon.

There were lively debates with members of the clergy on day 1, including a chance and lovely meeting with Rev Kate from Gogglebox (what a lovely lady). We also chatted to Humanist Celebrants who do the same job as us independents, but with differing beliefs. Like I say – there’s room for us all. In essence – humanist beliefs  won’t have any mention of God, or spirituality, or an afterlife as it’s not what they believe, whereas an independent celebrant is happy to express the beliefs of the family, regardless of what they may be.

I’m very happy that I chose the path I did and undertook celebrant training with the FPC, but attending an exhibition like this underlines how important it is to have so many choices available to accommodate all our numerous religions, beliefs and needs. Inspirational!