20/09/2026
After 30 years of dedicated service to Kirklees Council, my husband ‘Mr Boo’ officially retired on Tuesday! 😊
Having qualified as a horticultural specialist, Graeme started with the local authority back on the 5th of April 1989, helping to maintain and build many of the lovely parks in and around Huddersfield and Bradford. He moved to Kirklees Council in March 1996, eventually joining Bereavement Services in October 2005, working in the cemeteries and eventually at Huddersfield Crematorium.
There have been so many changes in the funeral industry over the years, and more recently within the local council, but after an incident last year and his knee replacement recovery, we both now recognised that there is so much more to life, and he has therefore retired. Although I am not retiring and am still very much a full time self employed celebrant 🤩!
Yes the last year has been challenging, and this past couple of weeks have been especially turbulent for us. We are utterly heartbroken after losing Bob our Springer Spaniel and my little Italian Greyhound Polly Bluebell.
On top of that, due to Boo’s retirement the council are issuing a ‘notice to quit’ for our current tenancy in the Crematorium Lodge house, so after 23years living here we will soon be moving home. Particularly heartbreaking having invested so much into making a derelict house a home.
We just want to say a massive, heartfelt thank you to all the Funeral Directors and Celebrants who have taken the time to visit, send cards and for your generous gifts and calls etc. Thank you also to all our wonderful neighbours and locals in Fixby for your kindness and support.
PS: Just to nip any rumours before they start as I’ve stated “I HAVE NOT RETIRED!” As one of the most passionate, experienced and highest qualified Celebrants in the North of England, I am still very much here and continuing to offer my Celebrant services to funeral directors and families who need me.
Here’s to our next chapter! 🥂❤️ Becky & Boo
