Independent Celebrant Drew Alvy

19/06/2026

An early start this morning! I have hosted 3 French students who have been studying at English In York for 10 days, Victor,Pol and Clovis, and their return to Dunkirk meant dropping off in the city centre at 7.15 am. Dragging their feet, we finally made it on time!
It was also nice to be able to celebrate Victors 21st Birthday on Monday. We started the day before school, with a smoked salmon and cream cheese brioch breakfast, then later in the day, a birthday toast and a catapillar cake. It has been a pleasure hosting the boys, who gave me the title
' Best number 1 Dad. '

At noon today, I had the privalege of officiating at the celebration of life for Clarry Dawson, of West Butterwick, held at Woodlands, Scunthorpe.
It is a real honour to be entrusted with this last honour you can do for someones loved one, and it is important to tell their story in the best way possible, getting it right , and yes, even a few laughs too, reflecting the rich tapestry of light and shade that enters all our lives.
Looking back to these young guys I hosted, just starting out on life's journey, without a care, then saying goodbye to a gentleman, who has lived a life, trodden its paths and faced it's happy and celebratory times, yet lived through the darkest of days too, you realise, life is still full of surprises, some not so welcome, but plenty of good times too, there for the taking. Life is good!

13/06/2026

Interesting and busy week. I'm currently hosting three french students who are in York to study English. We began the week celebrating the French victory in the World cup rounds on Monday, and they've been keeping me on my toes ever since! Nice guys though, and a pleasure to have around. I was even given a balloon with number 1 Dad written on it! 😂
Tuesday, a very dear friend Cristina from Italy, took time, together with her sister and niece, from their London visit, to come visit me in York , which was lovely.
Finaly, Friday , I officiated at a funeral at the Lea Fields Crematorium in Gainsborough. A very lovely funeral, everyone dressed in bright colours to represent the lady, Wendy, whos life we was celebrating. It was a wonderful turn out and the family did her proud, particularly the grandchildren, who had written verses for their nan.
A more relaxing week this week. The students leave Friday, then later, back to Scunthorpe and another celebration of life at Woodlands Crematorium.
Saturday, a well earned night out at Lincoln Castle, Billy Occean and Marti Pellow!

14/05/2026

Not very good at social media! A generational thing, but it's always nice when people write a note of thanks and appreciation. Means alot!
I led the service for Rob's dad, Ian Gray, last Friday. A lovely family, and Ian, an active adventurous man, who truly lived a life.

Thank you Rob for your kind words.
Thanks too to daughter Beki. Means so much!

09/05/2026

A very busy Friday 8th, with two funerals , one in Hull at 12.30 and one in my home village of Gunness at the village church of St. Barnabas at 3.30pm.
The day began with a bus on fire on the Humber bridge, potentially causing chaos, but I left early, and fortunately , the north bound carriageway was open , so I arrived at Haltemprice Crematorium in good time.
It's my first funeral at Haltemprice, and I must thank the staff and chapel attendent for their assistance and encouragement, and afterwards, for their kind compliments following the service.
Ian Gray had had an amazing life, and it was a privilege to lead the tribute to Ian, to get to know him a little, and to meet his wonderful and loving family. A life , indeed, lived.
This was my first time of officiating at two funerals on the same day , and the day could have been allot different if the Humber bridge had'nt reopened .
Fortunately, I made it back in time to Gunness, in good time, to meet and greet the many family and friends , who arrived in the beautiful afternoon sunshine, to celebrate the life of Rhonda Chapman. It was an absolute honour to be asked by the family, to lead the tribute to Rhonda ,in the church, in the village where I grew up, attended by many people I had known from my childhood. Indeed, Rhonda was someone I had known all of my life, was a village character, always a mischivous glint in her eye, always fun, and a big supporter of village events, and particularly of the church. I was pleased to be able to celebrate her life and her faith in the church where she worshiped, and I'd like to thank the family for putting their faith in me to lead this tribute and service of thanks for their dear mum.
Thank you also to Wallace and Son of Crowle for their support,and for making the arrangements for , these two celebrations of life. It is a pleasure to work with you, as ever.
It truly is a real privilege to lead a funeral, a celebration of life, each one with a different story to tell, each tribute unique. Friday the 8th will remain one of those memorable and special memories for years to come.

30/04/2026

A visit to this beautiful chapel and grounds. Thank you Tom for showing me around this afternoon. I'm privaleged to be officiating here next week.

23/04/2026

30/03/2026

Ann Walker and Anne Lister. Day 2 of fundraiser for the gate and anniversary of the sacrament at Holy Trinity, Goodramgate, York.I'm looking a bit worse for wear at the end of a successful day, portraying Edward Gray, their solicitor.

29/03/2026

An anniversary celebration of the taking of the sacrament of Anne Lister ' Gentleman Jack ' and Ann Walker, Holy Trinity Church, York. First day of fund raiser to repair the gate.

07/03/2026

Creating a Celebration for any event is always a privilege, but a celebration of life is something more! Telling the story of a life lived, each one so personal.
I was delighted to officiate at the recent funeral of Maisie, someone who i had know throughout my life, which makes it even more poinient and personal.Thank you to the family for entrusting me with this tribute and the wonderful and appreciated compliments. I think we did Maisie proud!
Thank you also to Wallace and Son of Crowle for inviting me to officiate at yet another celebration of life , my 7th, with Wallace.

01/03/2026

R Wallace and Son.

5.0 ⭐ · Funeral director in Crowle, England