Chris Shaw Funeral Celebrant

23/05/2025

How we deal with bereavement has changed hugely over the years, I’ve learned. But not all the old traditions should be forgotten, says historian and author Molly Conisbee

15/03/2025

CancerCare Barrow will be holding a new in-person bereavement group for adults.

The group will run for 8 weeks and will be led by two experienced counsellors. Meetings will commence in the spring.

This will be an opportunity to share your own story while also hearing other experiences. Being in a group setting can help you to understand the grief process and to feel less isolated.

If you would like to join CancerCare Barrow's bereavement group, please email tct@cancercare.org.uk or call the Therapy Coordination Team on 01524 381820 for more information.

26/11/2024

As the assisted dying bill is voted on this week in the UK parliament, here is a nuanced view from actor Greg Wise, based on his experience nursing both his sister and mother in their last months.

Greg Wise speaks about his personal experiences with end-of-life care for his mother and how those experiences have shaped his perspective on assisted dying....

20/09/2024

One of the beautiful things I have found while researching a funeral.

This is a lovely (award winning) short film about loss, new beginnings, and the Sea, with Sylvia Simms and Eric Sykes.

All set in Barrow and Askam

The 59th BFI London Film Festival commences today, so here's an award-winning short from 15 festivals ago, about a little girl without any faith in fairy tal...

03/09/2024

📢 Important Update! 📢

We're counting down the days to our Walk to Remember, and we can't wait to see everyone there!

To ensure you're all set, please check out the document below for some important information about the event and how it might impact those in the area on Friday night.

It’s going to be an amazing night filled with love, support, and remembrance. 🌟 Let’s make this walk unforgettable together!

03/09/2024

A good afternoon leading the Annual Civic Service for the Mayor of Ulverston with Ulverston Town Council

12/06/2024

Recorded music choice at funerals is superb, however having live music can be realy special.

I have had the opportunity to work with Lawrence Woof twice recently. His piano and solo violin helped create a very poignant atmosphere.

Compared to the many other cost of funerals and memorials, live music can actually be quite reasonable.

Lawrence is available for £150 in the Lancaster / S Lakes area.

04/02/2024

'Grief prepares the way. Joy will in time find you.'

Nick Cave's 'Red Hand Files' website is a well of heartbreak and beauty. Nick lost two young sons, and so people email him their own stories and he responds, often very well.

Dear Mark,As confronting and difficult as it is to read, I am printing your letter in full. I receive letters like this all too often...

24/12/2023

I have just finished listening to this audio book by Elif Shafak.

"'Grief is a swallow,' he said. 'One day you wake up and you think it's gone, but it's only migrated to some other place, warming its feathers. Sooner or later, it will return and perch in your heart again."

A beautiful and somewhat heart breaking story of the last moments of a human life.

An intensely powerful new novel from the best-selling a…

08/06/2023

'Down to Earth' - A Quaker organisation that helps people plan meaningful and affordable funerals, and can help with costs too.

Well worth giving them a ring if if you would like help planning a funeral for your loved one.

https://quakersocialaction.org.uk/we-can-help/helping-funerals/down-earth/what-difference-does

10/04/2023

A poignant song.
John Lydon’s (of S*x Pistols fame) wife, promoter and actor Nora Forster, died last week aged 80 after about 5 years with Alzheimers. In a recent interview, Lydon spoke of how her condition means he has to be attentive at all times “to live for the moment… [that] moment of recognition”, which he described as “a beautiful gift”.
We have had contact with many widows and widowers who have been through the often harrowing experience of losing someone through Alzheimers and Dementia. John wrote this very moving song. He put it forward with his band Public Image Limited as the Irish entry for the Eurovision Song Contest, but it wasn’t accepted. Lydon wanted it to raise public awareness.
Inspired by a trip to Hawaii, the song is about revelling in a perfect moment. The lyrics are so tender.
All journeys end / Some begin again / And we’re here, you and me / Hawaii, remember me / I remember you, Hawaii / Don’t fly too soon / No need to cry, in pain / You are loved/ Again, again / Hawaii / You and me.spotify.com/track/2o9V6yNke9vPJTCSmCuqmO?si=718f5d4ffc9c4110
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HURFlF8CyV8

06/03/2023

"We can find great solace in these ‘encounters’ with loved ones who have passed on, meeting them in our memories, recollections or conversations, through signs, whispered intimations or imaginings"

Dear Dave, I read this question to Susie, as Arthur appears regularly in her dreams. She says she experiences him in the same way that you...