I am Toby, an independent funeral celebrant in Hastings (UK). I work with families prepare for funerals, and I write and deliver the services.
At different times I have been a composer, an opera singer, and a Russian Orthodox priest; I also have experience of Jungian depth psychology. It turned out these four strands provided an excellent background for working as a celebrant. In 2017 a friend warmly encouraged me to have a go – and I’ve never really looked back.
I do my work because it is profoundly worthwhile. It fulfils, I believe, a priestly role in a secular world, which I think is sorely needed. I also do it for the joy of it: it is creative work, and through it I help people touch something of greatness and acceptance.
If someone you love has recently passed away, I may be the right celebrant for his or her funeral. I may even be the person to celebrate your funeral one day. A sympathetic ear and someone who can calmly put a service together and deliver it professionally and with warmth are of the greatest value. I have celebrated 250 funerals, and I use my experience to tailor each service to what is needed. But most of all my services have warmth and meaning. They touch a place of tranquility where you and the one departed can meet and then part in peace.
If you have read this far and think I could be the right independent funeral celebrant for you, then why not get to know me a bit better. Read about my life and about how I work. See what other people have written about me. If you feel I could help, please get in touch. I am always happy to speak on the phone without commitment.