Paula Clements Celebrant

24/06/2026

Pre- service checks – some of the things I do as a funeral celebrant to make sure each service runs smoothly.

24/06/2026

This map is such a great resource. Just walking and talking can make a huge difference to those who have lost a loved one.

18/06/2026

Amazing Grace – an enduring legacy
Yesterday I listened to a piece on the radio about the story behind Amazing Grace, and what a powerful piece of music it is to play at weddings and funerals. John Newton who wrote it was a former slave trader who found faith and became ordained. I thought about all the different versions of Amazing Grace I have heard played at the services I have led – from Elvis to Andre Rieu, a male voice choir to solo bagpipes, Johnny Cash to Gospel, and of course sung as a traditional hymn. My personal favourite was a live performance by a professional soprano at a celebration of life service. Everyone in the room was captivated. It was stunningly beautiful.
If you had to choose a version of Amazing Grace, what would it be and why?

11/06/2026

Poems are a wonderful way to personalise a funeral service. This poem was recently read in a service for a nature lover.

Finding Peace in Nature
The mountains rise, the rivers flow,
A life of nature you did know.
Now free from strife, from weary miles,
Find peace in nature’s gentle smiles.
The wind whispers your name so sweet,
A quiet rest, a perfect feat.

05/06/2026

There are 3 crematoria within 15 miles of central Farnham – Aldershot, Guildford and Woking. Each location has its own character in the chapel, at the flower viewing area, and how the grounds are landscaped. When you want to ensure your loved one has the right farewell choosing the location can be as important as the content of the funeral service, or the choice of flowers. Contact any of the crematorium to arrange a visit so you can make an informed decision.
The photos are of Woking and Aldershot.

29/05/2026

I am sorry if you need to plan a funeral or end of life ceremony. My job is to support you through those most difficult days, across Surrey, Hampshire and Berkshire.

21/05/2026

11/05/2026

It was such a privilege to be part of the Dying Matters Awareness Event at Festival Place, Basingstoke on Saturday (9th May) and to welcome all the members of the public who stopped by. I was joined by fellow celebrant Carol Bode of Memorable Ceremonies. Margot Konitzer a volunteer reporter from Hospital Radio Basingstoke joined us to record interviews for a health and wellbeing programme.
Every person or business who took part makes an invaluable contribution to the community. Many gave presentations. All were passionate about how they can help to make the journey through death and dying more manageable and more respectful of someone’s wishes and beliefs.
Hayley, a paramedic talked about how important having a Preferred Priorities for Care Document easily to hand can be when she attends a call-out ( on the fridge door was recommended). Beckie and Elaine travelled from Devon to spread the word about their organisation Parenting Neurogrief. They have set this up to support parents and carers raising neurodiverse children who have suffered the bereavement of a significant person or pet. Thank you everyone because I certainly learnt some new things on Saturday that I can share with my family and friends. (I also ate a few too many sweets and biscuits!)

06/05/2026

It was lovely to get this message on my time line yesterday.

"Thank you Paula for such a wonderful service for us to say goodbye to my lovely Ian at this very difficult time.
It was the best we could have done for him and you made it so very special.
Thank you
Zoe"

It was an honour to take Ian's service. He will be greatly missed.💜

04/05/2026

The 2026 DYING AWARENESS WEEK is between 4th May to 10th May. This year the theme is LET'S TALK ABOUT DEATH AND DYING. Conversations with people who are grieving are just as important as talking about how to plan for death and dying.
Here is a recap on some amazing free local resources that provide the opportunity for socialising and sharing experiences with others who are trying to cope with grief. They all offer safe spaces to start conversations.

Friends Together Bereavement Support meets at The Riverside Café, Farnham Maltings. There is an afternoon meeting on Monday 11 May at 3pm and an evening meet-up on Monday 18th May at 7pm. https://www.friendstogetherbereavement.org/

A Bereavement Café at Heatherley Park, Grayshott is held on a Saturday morning each month. The next café is Saturday 6th June 10am-12noon.
https://www.greenacresgroup.co.uk/bereavement-cafe/

Local hospice care charity Phyllis Tuckwell is offering group bereavement support sessions to anyone whose loved one died of a terminal illness, such as cancer or motor neurone disease. Sessions take place at the Beacon Centre in Guildford, from 1.30pm to 3pm on the second Monday of every month. https://pth.org.uk/

The Princess Alice Hospice at Esher offers Community Bereavement Walks and Talks at places like Claremont Landscape Gardens near Esher and Denbies in Dorking. They also hold many bereavement cafes across Surrey. https://www.pah.org.uk/

St Michael’s Hospice Basingstoke offers a range of bereavement support services. There are Bereavement Coffee Mornings in Basingstoke on the last Friday of the month from 11am to 12:30pm at St. Michael’s Hospice, and in Alton on the second Monday of the month from 11am to 12:30pm at Alton Maltings. Bereavement Walk and Talk is held on the third Friday of each month. Meet at the Hospice at 10.15am for a leisurely 40-minute walk followed by refreshments.
https://www.stmichaelshospice.org.uk/our-care/patient-family-support/bereavement-services