Terri Negus - Celebrant

28/07/2025

As a local Rotarian with Thatcham & District Rotary Club I am very pleased to be helping with this forthcoming quiz night. All profits of the evening will be donation to Daisy’s Dream - a charity which supports bereaved children, and is a cause very close to my heart. Please do come along and support a great event if you are able. Daisy's Dream

10/07/2025

So many people are opting for Direct Cremation with national companies following aggressive TV and media advertising by certain funeral plan organisations. These adverts make many people feel guilty about ‘burdening’ their families with a funeral, but few people truly understand the reality of these online plans rather than dealing with your local funeral director who can still offer a personalised meaningful alternative.
Reynolds Funeral Service in West Sussex have put together this simple comparison sheet, and I would recommend anyone thinking of direct cremation speaks with their local funeral director first before taking out one of these national plans.

Considering Direct Cremation? 🕊️

Direct cremation is a straightforward, cost-effective option that's gaining popularity. But is it the right choice for you and your loved ones?

Here are some key points to consider:
No ceremony or attendees – just a private, dignified cremation. Some families feel a sense of loss from not having a communal goodbye.

It's important to discuss this option with your family beforehand as too often, decisions are made without conversation, leaving family members feeling uncertain or distressed.

Take the time to sit down with your loved ones. Understand their preferences and ensure everyone is aligned. When the time comes, choose a local funeral director who knows your community, rather than a distant call centre.

If you change your mind, a local funeral company offers flexibility to add or modify services, unlike many online providers.

29/06/2025

I am doing less training this year than I have done in the past, but this week I had an amazing few days in Ascot training these wonderful people as funeral celebrants. As per most of the courses I run, there was a mixture of laughter and tears, and I have no doubt some new friendships which will last for years. I’m never ceased to be amazed however by the passion and dedication with which people enter this profession and I have to say that the standard of work produced on this course was exceptionally high and I feel truly honoured to have helped these people as they embark on a very special new vocation.
It’s not about making a living - it’s about making a difference.

16/06/2025

Yesterday was my 6th Fathers Day without my Dad. It still hurt, just not quite as much as the first year which came only a month after his death and was excruciating. What I have learnt over the years though is that grief doesn’t just come back to bite you on days like birthdays, anniversaries etc, you somehow prepare for these days and find a quiet strength to carry you through. It’s the insignificant dates when grief sometimes comes with no warning, and no obvious reason, like a rouge wave that completely knocks you off your feet.
There is no time span for grief, you don’t have to be over it in a set time, and you don’t have to be silent about it, even years later - you are allowed to scream, and cry and yell “it still hurts, and it’s not fair”
Give yourself permission to grieve, but give yourself permission to keep living and to still find joy in every day. It’s all OK - and it’s also OK not to be OK ❤️

05/05/2025

🌼✨ Today marks the beginning of Dying Matters Week 2025, a vital time to engage in conversations about a topic we often avoid - death and dying. It’s essential for us to recognise that discussing our wishes, fears, and plans around end-of-life care can bring comfort, clarity, and connection to ourselves and our loved ones.

💬 Whether it’s about funeral preferences, financial planning, or simply sharing our feelings about mortality, these conversations help to demystify death and empower us to live more fully. Let’s break the silence and foster openness.

🤝 I am always here with an open door and an open heart, to listen, to guide, to advise and to reassure

Together, we can create a culture of compassion and understanding around dying, death and grief. which ultimately enriches our lives.

# DyingMatters

18/04/2025

22/03/2025

How I now start my Friday mornings! Since relocating to West Berkshire in October it’s been tough as I know NO ONE, and it’s my second relocation in two years. All my friends and business associates are in Sussex and going solo to start or re-launch a business where you are completely unknown is not easy, even with 20+ years of experience under my belt.
That’s why I decided to join the Newbury connected chapter of BNI, the world’s largest networking organisation. Now once a week I get to meet with 35 fabulous business people who are now also becoming my friends, and once a individual of a profession is accepted into the chapter you lock out any other competition from anyone else doing the same job. So now, not only am I out there looking to grow my business, I have 35 other people who are out there looking for new business opportunities for me whilst I am doing the same for them. I was a member of a BNI chapter in Sussex over 25yrs ago in a previous job, and I just love being a part of this organisation again. There are BNI chapters all over the U.K. so if anyone else is interested in knowing more do feel free to get in touch. For me in a new area it’s definitely been the best professional gift I have given to myself.

16/03/2025

At the wedding fair today, several people asked if my turtle logo had particular symbolism? The answer is YES it does.
When I started as a celebrant, I chose a pink lily for my logo, it just seemed to fit for all occasions, baby namings, weddings and funerals. It didn’t really have any significance it was just a ‘pretty flower’. It followed me for around 20 years though on both my stationery and website.
I have always LOVED turtles, and when I was travelling through Polynesia in 2019, I discovered that for some of their cultures, instead of believing (as many westerners do) that when we die our soul/spirit goes up in the sky to heaven, they believe that when a loved one dies and the sun sets that night, that the spirit of the deceased travels with the sun down into the ocean, and therefore the sea is their heaven. (Remember Moana’s Grandmother rising up from the sea as a manta ray??)
Because the turtle comes out of the sea onto the land, natives consider it a sacred messenger and a conduit between the living and the dead. As a funeral celebrant, I loved that significance and it was the main reason that when I re-located and changed my name due to marriage, I also re-branded and adopted the turtle as my logo.
Turtles have many significant meanings and associations, some being healing & strength to navigate deep emotional waters, and also being present to guide and accompany others on their journey for a while. I hope I have the ability to embody at least some of what the turtle symbolises in both my professional and my personal life. And yes, I do also have a Polynesian turtle tattoo on my back, created by a Hawaiian tattoo artist in Honolulu (the dolphins represent my two children - free to explore the world and travel back to be by my side whenever they wish)

16/03/2025

I admit, I haven’t exhibited at a wedding fair for a very long time, but having recently re-located to West Berkshire and joined the BNI Newbury Connected chapter, I wanted to support their fabulous wedding fair In Hungerford today. Everything re-branded and changed from Terri Shanks to Terri Negus, as it’s always been important to me to have my ‘new’ husbands name and not my ex-husbands!
I strongly believe in marriage and I strongly believe that everyone should have a turtle-y unique and awesome ceremony.

15/03/2025

Stationery re-print, fully stocked for the next few months!

08/03/2025

Today marks International Woman’s Day and it therefore means the world to me to have received this ‘Influential Woman in Business’ accolade just a few days ago.
With absolutely everything I do in life if I can inspire or help just one person then it’s been worthwhile. We all have the opportunity to throw a pebble into a pond and then watch the ripples spread out to the furthest shores.

To all the phenomenal women in my life, both personally and professionally. Thank you for being you - don’t ever change. 🙏🏻💕

As Coco Channel once said “A girl should be two things, who and what she wants”

04/03/2025

💐Are you ready to make a meaningful impact in the lives of others? Join us for our enriching training courses to become a Wedding and/or Funeral Celebrant, where you will learn the art of crafting unforgettable ceremonies that honour life, love, loss, and everything in between.

💖 Why Become a Celebrant?

In a world where every moment counts, celebrants play a pivotal role in creating heartfelt experiences. Whether it’s uniting two people in love or providing solace during times of grief, your words and presence can bring comfort, joy, and connection to those in need.

✨ What You Will Learn:

- Crafting Personal Ceremonies: Discover how to tailor weddings and funerals to reflect the unique stories of individuals and families.
- Public Speaking Skills: Gain confidence in delivering heartfelt messages that resonate deeply with audiences.
- Emotional Support Techniques: Learn how to guide families through their most significant moments with grace and compassion.
- Business Essentials: Equip yourself with the knowledge to establish a fulfilling career as a celebrant, including marketing and client relations.

🌈 Join a Community of Change-Makers!

When you enroll in our course, you’re not just learning a skill; you’re joining a community of passionate individuals dedicated to celebrating life’s milestones. Share experiences, collaborate, and grow together as you embark on this incredible journey.

🌟 Your Journey Begins Here!

Take the first step towards a rewarding career that allows you to touch hearts and create lasting memories. Whether you’re seeking a new path or a meaningful way to give back, becoming a celebrant might just be the calling you’ve been waiting for.

💌 Sign Up Today!

Spaces are limited, so don’t miss out on this opportunity to make a difference. Visit www.celebranttraining.org.uk to secure your spot now, or email us at [email protected]

Together, let’s celebrate life’s most precious moments. We can’t wait to welcome you to our FPC community! ❤️ Fellowship of Professional Celebrants