Ross McMurdo Independent Celebrant

20/11/2025

I’m raising a glass to the legend and fellow North Manchester man, Mani! RIP Mani, you are a true Manchester music legend who will live on in our memories & hearts forever! You will always be adored! ❤️❤️❤️

03/10/2025

Having been born and bred in North Manchester and lived there for the first 20 years of my life, I know the area well.

After yesterday’s appalling events I wanted to send my heartfelt love and sympathy to those whose lives will never be the same again and to the whole community who are hurting right now.

Such shocking events have no place in this world and can never be justified. For all of those who are suffering, remember these words about hope:

‘Hope is an invisible blanket, it will warm you at night.
Let it warm you, my friends.
Let the love, and the hope warm you.’
Donna Ashworth.
❤️❤️❤️

08/09/2025

The satisfaction I get from being a Celebrant is incredible!

However, the number of people who took the time to come and tell me how much they enjoyed Saturday’s ceremony The Whitaker - Rossendale Museum and Art Gallery for Cathie & Phil was truly gratifying and humbling and gave me a real sense of pride in what I do.

Thank you to everyone who took the time it really means a lot to me!

I’ll leave you with these words that I received from Cathie and Phil yesterday:

“We both can’t thank you enough for making our day as special as it was and all your hard work and support you gave us getting our service perfect.”

The pleasure was all mine guys!
❤️❤️❤️

08/09/2025

08/09/2025

Good afternoon all,
On Saturday 6th September I conducted a ceremony for Cathie and Phil at the beautiful The Whitaker - Rossendale Museum and Art Gallery The venue was beautifully dressed too.

It was such a lovely, chilled day and it was an honour and a privilege to be asked to be the Celebrant especially as Cathie is my cousin!

The evening reception was also fantastic with live music and a DJ playing a brilliant selection of tunes, with a Manchester Indie slant! 👍

Sending Cathie and Phil’s lots of positive vibes for the future. Thank you again giving me honour of conducting your ceremony.
❤️❤️❤️

19/08/2025

Yesterday I conducted a Celebration of Life Service for a lovely family Preston Crematorium for their beloved Dad.

David’s sons did him proud and the eulogy that they wrote was a lovely tribute to their dad. Steve did so well to deliver the eulogy and provide their dad with a fitting tribute as he made his final journey.

As I have said before, being able to support families to give their loved ones a bespoke service and a personalised service to honour the person they have lost is an absolute privilege. I take great pride in my work and l in receiving messages like the one I received from Steve, which brought a lump to my throat!

“Hi Ross, thanks again, the day went really well and you made it so much easier to deal with. Your’re good at what you do and it was an honour and privilege to have you be dad's celebrant. Thankyou for your words of support it gave me the calm and strength to see the day through.

Keep doing what you do ,it's a great thing making a very difficult time more smooth and keeping that balance just right.”

Steve, thank you so much for these kind words, I am humbled by them.
❤️

16/08/2025

The rollercoaster of life has been very prominent for me as a celebrant this week.

I’ve conducted two Funerals/Celebrations of Life for 2 families who have lost their mum and their dad respectively, leaving a big hole in their lives.

Then, tomorrow, I am meeting a couple for a final run through for their ceremony in September, followed by another Celebration of Life service on Monday!

Each one will be special and unique in honouring those who have passed and celebrating my lovely couple as they embark on their life journey.

I am honoured and privileged to do my work as a celebrant. ❤️

05/08/2025

Thank you to everyone for your touching words and acknowledgments today, it has helped hugely and I appreciate it so much. ❤️

05/08/2025

24 years ago today, my dad left this world. Incredible to believe it’s been so long since that fateful day.

There’s not a day goes by that I don’t think about him and how much he struggled with his mental health at a time when we knew much less about the subject than we do today.

My journey to becoming a celebrant has been influenced by my experience of dealing with my dad’s passing.

My inspiration comes from trying to ensure that I give all of my families a sensitive and respectful service that goes some way to easing their pain at the most difficult of times in our lives.

In memory of my dad,
James ‘Jim’ Bruce McMurdo, Forever in our hearts.
❤️❤️❤️

30/07/2025

I forgot to say in my previous post that Brady and Victoria are tall with Brody being around 6,5!

Obviously that must make me around 6,0!!! 😂

30/07/2025

I thought I’d share some of the photos from the ceremony I recently conducted for Brady and Victoria Darwen Masonic Hall.

My lovely couple have given me permission to share these photos with you all. They told me that they are still on ‘Cloud 9.’

If you would like to discuss any ceremonies with me, please get in touch with me via this page or send me an email on: rmic2290@gmail.com

❤️❤️❤️