As a former Vicar and Hospital Chaplain, Paul has conducted funerals for over 35 years. This experience has taught him that everybody is different and so each ceremony should be different.
Arrange a ConsultationPaul no longer conducts formal church-type funerals and will adapt any ceremony to the beliefs of the deceased and their family. Prayers and hymns can be included or not.
As a 'Times Preacher of The Year', Paul has extensive experience teaching public speakers. He can help family members deliver meaningful tributes.
Perhaps you don't know exactly what you want - Paul will visit and help you create a ceremony that provides a dignified occasion.
Paul was born in York and went to Durham University. He worked for a while in Paris then trained to be a Church of England Vicar. Paul was ordained in Durham Cathedral and all his ministry was in the North East of England; as a Curate in Shildon and Barnard Castle, then as Vicar in Sunderland and at St Mary's, Norton.
Paul became head of Chaplaincy at the local mental health Trust then he became a full time NHS manager, though he still regularly conducted funerals for staff and patients. Over this time Paul began to believe that traditional Church funerals did not work for everyone and he found that he was conducting ceremonies which were less religious or even totally non-religious.
Paul retired from the NHS and wanted to do something which would make a real difference to people. He now offers his services as a funeral celebrant.
He has published a book entitled 'I still haven't found what I'm looking for - God for agnostics' (O books 2005). He has written for the Guardian, The Times and the Northern Echo and appeared on BBC Radio 2, 4 and Tees.
Paul is married with six children and three grandchildren. He has had his fair share of personal bereavements and understands how important a funeral can be.
Paul brings compassion and professionalism to every ceremony, ensuring each service is as unique as the individual being remembered.
Providing dignified and meaningful ceremonies for families across Teesside
Paul creates ceremonies that reflect the unique life and beliefs of your loved one. Whether you want a religious, spiritual, or completely non-religious service, Paul will work with you to create something meaningful and appropriate.
If anyone in the family wishes to speak at the funeral but is worried about exactly what to say and how to say it, Paul is happy to help you make your talk as good as it can be. His experience as 'Times Preacher of The Year' makes him uniquely qualified to assist.
If you don't know exactly what you want, Paul will visit and help you to create a ceremony that will provide a dignified occasion that gives your loved one a send-off they deserve. Like you, Paul wants this funeral to be one that you can be proud of.
"I lost my son and my husband a year apart. Paul conducted both funerals. He was caring and sensitive and produced two very different ceremonies which very brilliantly spoke to two very different men. It was a great comfort."
"I couldn't believe how well Paul managed to describe my husband. Friends said it was one of the best funerals they had ever been to."
"Paul gave our dad the best send off that we could've imagined."
"Paul has conducted funerals (sadly) for several members of my family. Each time he provided a professional yet personal service. I always felt that the departed were cared for and remembered well."
Paul believes in transparency and wants to ensure that his services are accessible to all families during their time of need.
Please discuss fees with your funeral director.
Paul works closely with funeral directors to ensure a seamless experience for families. Your funeral director will be able to provide you with detailed information about Paul's fees as part of their overall service package.
If you would like to discuss arranging a funeral ceremony or have any questions, please don't hesitate to get in touch. Paul understands that this is a difficult time and will respond with sensitivity and compassion.
Contact Paul directly using the methods below:
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Paul will respond promptly to all inquiries