South London, Kent, Surrey & Sussex

 

078 999 26700

richardwoolnough@hotmail.co.uk

After a mixed career that included being a soldier, a policeman, a professional actor and stand-up comedian, life took a small turn. How this happened was largely by accident. I, together with my brother and sisters, performed my Mother's funeral service, following which, the Funeral Director (who was a personal friend) asked if I would be available for other services. I thanked him for the offer but politely declined his outlandish suggestion. Well, that was over 14 years and approximately 1,500 services ago. Since then I have assisted more families in the South East region than I can count. For many of these families, it has been my huge honour to have performed multiple services.

My work as a secular celebrant has always been and continues to be something in which I take great satisfaction and pride. It is a privilege to be involved with families at this difficult time and to receive their trust and confidence. I have been included in family conversations and discussions where I have heard incredible and touching stories and memories. Some of them hugely sad, many inspiring and invariably including others that were hilariously funny and warm. These, of course, I would never discuss outside of the family circle concerned, however, as they say, "one day I must write a (very discreet!) book".

I am often asked where I stand on religion. So, in order to avoid any confusion, I include here a brief outline. I have no personal faith, however, I am very aware that within the families for whom I work there may well be differing religious or spiritual perspectives and beliefs, I am happy to incorporate religious music or readings in a service. However, should you require any form of faith based sermon, it would be wrong of me to 'pretend' to posses a faith as well as being disrespectful towards those who genuinely hold such views. Nevertheless, I have, on many occasions, performed services in tandem with various clergy or family members who wish to mark the occasion in accordance with their own individual beliefs. My personal favourite was a service conducted (due to an intriguing mix of family members!) as a 'team effort' by myself, a Roman Catholic priest, an Orthodox Jewish Rabbi and a Sikh Granthi. It sounds a perfect recipe for chaos! However, it was a truly joyous experience and, most importantly, one that the family were delighted with.