Hilary Herring | Family & Funeral Celebrant

I was educated at Trowbridge Girls’ Grammar School (1967 - 1972) and Trowbridge College of Further Education (1972 - 1974) where I gained A levels in Social and Economic History, Sociology and English Language. I also
passed with distinction the AEB Use of English examination. I commenced work for Wiltshire County Council in 1974 and studied part time for the Higher National Certificate in Public Administration. During my 38 years of employment with the council I worked in a variety of roles: the assessment of children with special needs, student financial support, adviser and curriculum support and latterly in a trainer and training co-ordinator role.
Since retirement I have worked on a freelance basis as both an Ofsted inspector of schools and as an Expert by Experience inspector for the Care Quality Commission. I am also the principal carer for my husband.

I am an elder of the United Reformed Church in Westbury where I have frequently led worship at services. I am also the Authorised person for wedding registrations for our church which means I have had training in the registrar role and can carry this out in Churches in the Wiltshire Area United churches group.

I have attended several weddings in a ‘working’ role as well as attending as a guest at a variety of marriages at different types of venues and elements have included handfasting, secular, informal, woodland and traditional. I have observed how the most successful events have suited the individual couple and have been very privileged to join in their celebrations.

Although personally I have a Christian faith I am aware that many United  Kingdom residents do not. This has drawn me to completing the UKSOC Diploma in Family and Funeral Celebrancy. In the role of celebrant I can appreciate that people may want to  share the most significant occasions of their, and their relatives’ lives in a  tribute or celebration that ranges from non religious to traditional at a time  when people may be grieving, anxious or excited.

Attendance at funerals weddings and naming ceremonies have impressed  upon me the need to ensure family and friends ‘own’ the event.  Each ceremony therefore will be unique

Throughout my working and personal life I have always striven to ‘make a  difference’. In the role of a celebrant I wish to further this intention and to help the event be memorable and supportive for all those  who attend.

All my work roles both in employment and freelance have involved the need for public speaking and equally important, listening. They have given me experience of working with people  from a diverse range of backgrounds and in many different social and personally challenging situations.

I will work the client/s on a be-spoke basis. Together we can arrive at preparation and delivery of events such as: ceremony script writing, naming ceremonies, wedding ceremonies, civil partnership ceremonies, renewal of vows, funeral ceremonies and memorials. These can be traditional, modern, themed or personalised and all designed to suit the clients' vision and expectation.