Hello, I'm Bill.

I was born and brought up in Southampton.

I went to University in Leeds where I

lived and worked before moving to Worcester in 1990.

I've been married to Rachel for over forty years and we have three married children

and eight grandchildren.

I enjoy playing golf

(I'm a member and past Seniors Captain of Puckrup Hall Golf Club),

I love family history and am the proud owner of a classic 1989

BMW K100 RS SE motorbike which I've owned for decades

and have ridden all over the place  (though it's currently in bits!).



What Made Me Want To Become A Celebrant?


I've always had an awareness of bereavement and loss for as long as I can remember.


My eldest sister, Marian died when she was ten years old. Although she died before I was born, I was aware of the sense of loss that my parents carried and there were regular visits to her grave.


Just before my fourteenth birthday, in December 1974, my Gran came to  live with us - she had reached the stage where it was no longer safe for her to live on her own. Gran became increasingly more frail and passed away on the 7th March 1975.


Following Gran's death, my Mum received the news that she was suffering from breast cancer. Despite surgery and chemotherapy, the cancer spread and Mum died on the 29th January 1976, not long after my fifteenth birthday.


Having two significant bereavements as a young teenager within the space of eleven months had an impact on me, and gave me a first hand experience of the pain of bereavement and loss.


More recently, in October 2015, our Granddaughter Joy was born, but died after living for one hour.


I've been to a number of funerals over the years. Some have been good, some bad and some indifferent. I have seen how a good funeral can help people process their grief and move on in their bereavement journey whilst a mediocre or poor funeral can achieve the exact opposite.


A few years ago, I was asked if I would officiate at the funeral of a golfing friend who had died. It was an immense honour to be asked and it was one of the most fulfilling things I have done.


I looked into the different options available to qualify as a funeral celebrant and decided to apply to Civil Ceremonies - their selection process is rigorous and their training is rated by Ofsted as outstanding.  I was awarded the NOCN Level 3 Diploma in Funeral Celebrancy on 23rd June 2023.


  • I have experienced bereavement and loss personally
  • I have education in the field of bereavement and loss
  • I have empathy with those who are going through bereavement and loss



Whilst the funeral ceremony is all about your loved one, it is important that you feel confident in your choice of person to lead this very special ceremony.


I trained with Civil Ceremonies Ltd - their training has been graded by Ofsted as outstanding and has a reputation for being professional and thorough. 


I have successfully completed and passed the National Qualification -

NOCN Level 3 Diploma in Funeral Celebrancy (RQF).


This means that:

  • I have achieved the highest possible qualification in Funeral Celebrancy in the UK.
  • I have been rigorously assessed for my skill and suitability as a Funeral Celebrant.
  • I am able to create and deliver an appropriate and unique funeral ceremony with sensitivity and empathy.
  • You can have every confidence in me to create and deliver the funeral you are arranging.


I am a member of the Association of Independent Celebrants and have adopted the Funeral Celebrant Accord. This means that:

  • I follow a strict set of guidelines to ensure that I offer you the best service.
  • I am fully insured.
  • I have access to a wide range of resources to help create the perfect ceremony for you.