Honestly, it was worth every moment of effort to get the ceremony we did.
Every single person has said to us what an amazing ceremony it was, and many said it was the best they’d ever been to which is exactly what we’d hoped for, so thank you!
Archives
I do, I will, I have, by Ogden Nash
I am about to volunteer a definition of marriage.
11/11 – a Humanist Poem of Remembrance
To the nameless millions who lie in mass graves,
From the forest of Katyn to the killing fields of Cambodia,
From Treblinka to Shatila:
We will remember you.
You want a physicist to speak at your funeral.
Many humanists are scientists, by inclination if not actual training, and I noticed today a new summation of what humanists believe that places emphasis on ‘science and reason’. As someone who failed physics ‘O’ Level and had a chemistry essay published in his school magazine as an example of ‘humorous writing’, you may already have … Continue Reading
A Story about A Lovely Love Story
‘A Lovely Love Story’ by Edward Monkton is a perennial favourite at weddings. Yesterday, I heard it being read by two ten year old girls on a beach and it reminded me just why it’s so popular. I decided to have a look at Edward’s web site where he’s installed a clever new thing called … Continue Reading
A humanist
Tom Leonard is a Glaswegian poet whose work deserves to be better known – and I am talking to myself here as much as you. I thought I knew his writing quite well, until I came across this today: it’s a wonderful, thought-provoking poem and I am delighted that he has given me permission to … Continue Reading
A Cockney Jock
I’ve conducted a number of ceremonies recently for former members of the armed forces, and I’ve been very touched to see their old comrades turn out wearing their berets and regimental ties, accompanied by a standard bearer with the colours bearing their battle honours.Peter’s funeral had all of those elements, but what made it extra … Continue Reading
Remembrance Day
From the flowers of the forest
To the fallen men of Flanders field,
At the going down of the sun
and in the morning,
We will remember you.
Death, by Sean Hughes
Unlike quite a few of my friends, I never had the pleasure of meeting Sean Hughes, the gifted writer and comedian who died yesterday. I was aware of his comic genius, but I’d never read this poem, which was reproduced today in The Guardian. I hope someone is asked to read it at his funeral! … Continue Reading
Speak the speech, I pray you – Jim and Becky’s wedding at the Caves Part II
I was delighted to see this story in the current edition of the Scottish Wedding Directory: what Jim and Becky did was a great way to use poetry which allowed them to involve lots of their guests at the same time! You can find out how to do that if you read my original post … Continue Reading