Rooke's Nest Ceremonies

12/10/2026

Tomorrow morning, I, along with fellow celebrant Tracey Hewitt and End of Life Doula, Diane Barkham, will be joining Tim Quick on West Wilts Radio to chat about our upcoming Death Cafe's.

Tune in at 10am! 📻

Really excited to share some upcoming Death Cafe's that we've managed to organise.

I have been very lucky in being able to gather some likeminded individuals who are also really keen to open up the conversation around death and mortality. These include palliative care nurses, death doulas and there may also be some local funeral directors in attendance.

We'd like to thank the wonderful Kelli at Haus Of Her Society and Liam and Natalie at The View Westbury for hosting us.

Although each death cafe is free to attend, donations to Dorothy House will be appreciated, and there will a QR code for you to scan to donate at each cafe, alternatively you can follow this URL - https://gtap.uk/WJKXDH

We look forward to welcoming you to one of these events!

09/10/2026

How this is allowed absolutely astonishes me.

There is no dignity in this.

If you want a direct cremation, or if you choose that for your loved one, please speak to your local Funeral Director, they and your local crematorium can offer that exact service.

You or your loved one will be cared for and treated with the utmost respect, something this faceless company cannot offer.

If you come across this post, are local to Trowbridge, Wiltshire and would like a recommendation of a local Funeral Director, please reach out to me.



Britain's 'biggest' mortuary that can hold 700 bodies branded a 'human conveyor belt' | News UK | Metro News https://metro.co.uk/2026/10/05/anger-council-approves-britains-biggest-mortuary-29680793/?ito=article.amp.share.top.native

09/10/2026

Having just got back from Germany (little trip to see the Backstreet Boys - no judgement please 🤣), it's back to work this morning.

I have the honour of writing the funeral service for a wonderful man that is going to be a true celebration of his life, followed by lots of things to get ready for next weeks first death cafe!

I will be on West Wilts Radio on Tuesday morning to talk about the upcoming Death Cafe's, so tune in.

I was also really pleased to see the coverage of the Death Cafe's in yesterday's edition of White Horse news too!

05/10/2026

Taking a moment on my morning walk to stop and watch the world go by.

We all live such busy lives, rushing from here to there, work, family, the pursuit of happiness.

It's important to pause every now and then and just take a moment to reflect, or to breathe and be in the moment, before life resumes at it's inevitable rate of knots.

04/10/2026

What better on this beautiful autumn day that a bit of wedding or vow renewal planning!

Pop down to the Love Actually Weddings Wedding Fayre at MShed, chat to some vendors, taste a bit of cake and brainstorm some fabulous ideas whilst taking some sips of bubbly.

02/10/2026

I will be at the M Shed Wedding Fayre THIS Sunday!

Come along, get some great ideas for your wedding and lets have a chat about what a Celebrant led wedding would mean for you!

30/09/2026

We are two weeks away from our first death cafe!

Is death a subject that you'd like to explore, are you curious about others thoughts and views, and also want to share your own?

This is a safe space to discuss all and anything death related. This is not just about bereavement and there is no agenda, it's somewhere to voice questions or concerns and have an open discussion around death, dying and mortality.

We will have a lovely group of people there to facilitate the conversation. Including palliative care nurses, death doulas, celebrants and other professionals from the funeral community.

Do we have all of the answers - no. But between us we can open up that conversation and take the taboo out of talking about one of life's great certainties.

Our first cafe will be take place at The View Westbury on Wednesday 14th October from 6.30pm.

Everyone is welcome - with that being said, this is an 18+ event.

All of our death cafes are free to attend, although donations on the night to are appreciated.

Refreshments for this event can be purchased from the venue.

So come along, have a coffee, and lets talk!

27/09/2026

Rooke's Nest Ceremonies is one year old today!

A year ago yesterday I completed my in person training up in North Yorkshire, the following day Rooke's Nest Ceremonies was born.

What a year it has been, has it been plain sailing, not at all, but I didn't expect it to be.

In November of last year, I took the leap to leave my corporate job as a Project Coordinator and in January of this year, I delivered my first funeral, for my grandmother.

I've delivered nineteen services since then, including two interment of ashes services, having already officated the cremation services for both gentlemen.

I have been blessed to have spent time getting to know and then retelling the stories of some remarkable individuals, and hope to continue to do so.

Thank you to everyone who has been on this journey with me, and who has championed my decision to do this as a career - vocation really.

Most of all, I have the thank my amazingly supportive Dad and also my wonderful husband, who is my biggest cheerleader. He is behind me every step of the way and at times has more faith in me than I do in myself, giving me the drive and confidence to continue to deliver meaningful ceremonies and fitting goodbyes for each family I have the privilege to meet.

25/09/2026

Really excited to share some upcoming Death Cafe's that we've managed to organise.

I have been very lucky in being able to gather some likeminded individuals who are also really keen to open up the conversation around death and mortality. These include palliative care nurses, death doulas and there may also be some local funeral directors in attendance.

We'd like to thank the wonderful Kelli at Haus Of Her Society and Liam and Natalie at The View Westbury for hosting us.

Although each death cafe is free to attend, donations to Dorothy House will be appreciated, and there will a QR code for you to scan to donate at each cafe, alternatively you can follow this URL - https://gtap.uk/WJKXDH

We look forward to welcoming you to one of these events!

19/09/2026

In August I had the honour of delivering a short attended direct cremation service for the immediate family of a much loved rugby fan.

Today it was my pleasure to officiate a celebration of the same man's life during an interment service at Bath Natural Burial Meadow.

It was honestly the most beautiful service I've done, not because of my words and not even due to the stunning surroundings of the meadow, but because of the energy of this mans family, the love and togetherness they shared, the deep sense of loss and yet fervour to celebrate the life he had, that they had as a family, it was inspiring.

Funerals don't have to follow what is considered 'traditional', you can chose to celebrate the life of a loved one, to say your goodbyes, in whichever way feels right to you and them.

Today this family did that. I was in awe of their strength and fortitude.

All to often we feel rushed into making decisions about how we celebrate the life of those we lose.

Never feel bad for taking a breath, a minute, and moving forward in the way that is appropriate for you.