Hello, I'm Annie

A few years ago my Mum died.

Which wasn’t totally unexpected . . . as she was nearly 99 and had lived an amazing, full and colourful life.

Even so, my world was turned upside down and I can remember feeling absolutely discombobulated.



There is so much to do after someone passes isn’t there?


Made all the more difficult as my brain just couldn’t focus on anything . . . and making any decision was nigh on impossible.

Annie Barber Celebrant and her Mum, whose death was the catalyst for Annie becoming a Celebrant

However, what emerged from all this grief has been
life changing in so many ways.

Throughout her life, Mum had always been a church goer and supported her local church in many ways.

Yet, when she went into care, she never received a visit from any member of the clergy.

And so when she died I was very unsure who to ask to do her service.

Why don't you do it?

I can remember having this conversation with Mum’s Funeral Arranger so clearly.


And after I’d felt all of those ‘icky’ I couldn’t possibly do that sort of feelings . . . I said “YES”


And proceeded to create a ceremony that was full of love, laughter and joy as we celebrated the amazing life Mum had led.

It was a ‘send off’ that I know Mum would have enjoyed

That, not only told her story but incorporated many of the stories of times that we, as a family, had shared.


Which, as they were told, created laughter . . . as well as a few tears.

And the seed for being able to do this for others was sown too.

And took root as I secured a role as a Funeral Arranger offering support, guidance and advice to newly bereaved families.

Whilst bringing all of the skills and experience I’ve gained through a lifetime of supporting people and families with my various posts within the NHS.

And now . . . inspired by a fascinating and comprehensive Funeral Celebrancy Training with The Academy Of Modern Celebrants, I am here to support you in creating the unique and heart-filled ceremony that you desire for your loved one.

I think this lovely quote by Brené Brown is a great way of introducing a little bit more about myself . . .

. . . so, here’s a few little ‘snippits’ about me!

I worked within the NHS for nearly 30 years!

Firstly as a Nurse where I specialised in A&E and Palliative Care . . . before training as a Midwife which is where I remained for the last 12 years of my NHS service.
Thinking back, wherever I worked, I was always supporting people through times of change.
Whether this was with couples becoming parents, patients being given a life changing diagnosis . . . or with families devastated by a sudden and traumatic loss.

I ran my own Complementary Therapy Clinics . . .

I’ve always been interested in complementary therapies and my departure from the NHS created the perfect opportunity to follow what ‘called me’ and I began learning a whole range of alternative medicine modalities.
Beginning with The Bowen Technique, soon followed by Reiki and Crystal Therapies, EFT, Energy Medicine or Shamanic Practitioner Training, Life Coaching and NLP.
A beautiful synergy of ‘both forms of medicine’ occurred when I was employed to share Energy Medicine Techniques with patients within an NHS Breast Cancer Clinic.

I really pay attention to the details . . .

My working background has taught me many things . . . perhaps, most importantly, that ‘getting things right’ is super important.
And this is something that has stood me in good stead both in my work as a Celebrant and in my role supporting women as they prepare for birth and motherhood. There isn’t the opportunity for a ‘second go’ . . . and, therefore, there’s no room for error.

I am ‘purely’ a Funeral Celebrant . . .

It was after I had written and delivered my Mum’s funeral service that I decided to train as a Funeral Celebrant. It felt absolutely ‘right’ to be able to offer families my support, experience and passion to create a fitting and memorable ceremony for their loved ones . . . just as I’d done for my Mum. And, really, I believe there is no greater honour than to do this for a loved one.
There are a variety of ways that we can do this - probably way more than you might think . . . and on my
‘Ceremonies’ page you can find a few ideas.

I worked as a Funeral Arranger within a family owned Funeral Directors . . .

And so I have experience in arranging funerals as well as being able to source those elements and ‘little touches’ that really make a difference for families who are wanting a memorable farewell ceremony for their loved one.

I’ve written a book . . .

This is for ‘Mums To Be’ and is a unique pregnancy guide which is a delightful and easy read.
It brings together all of my midwifery knowledge and experience along with all the aspects of ancient alternative medicine practices and modern coaching techniques that I have studied in recent years.
As such, it forms a comprehensive and unique accompaniment to support and empower women through this incredible time of transition.
It is called “Wise & With Child” . . . for the simple reason that women hold a deep wisdom through their very DNA that connects them to childbearing women back through time - and this piece of writing is to help remind them of this
.

My little family means the world to me . . .

I have an incredible daughter and am blessed to be a Grannie too.

When I’m not working . . .

I love to be out in nature - whatever the weather (!) and enjoy walking my retired rescued greyhound- especially in the wildest landscapes, although she’s not always so keen when the weather’s rough!

My first job was . . .

After leaving school, I initially worked with horses and my dream was to get onto the British 3 Day Event Team!
That was until someone said . . . “when are you going to get a ‘proper’ job?”
Which was when I undertook my nurse training and began a long and rewarding career within the NHS.

I love to learn new things!

I’m definitely a ‘life long learner’ and am fascinated to see what will ‘show up’ to be learned next!
I am currently exploring all sorts of new techniques that I can incorporate into all aspects of my work to share with my clients. (Watch this space!)

Image of grey typewriter with words 'Dear Annie' on desk with yellow flowers

Get in touch

Please get in touch if you’d like to know more about how I might support you . . . or if you’d like to arrange a chat.

I look forward to hearing from you
Annie xx


Pop me an email below, and we can arrange to have a chat.

About Annie

Hello!

With an extensive career supporting people through change, the opportunity to create and deliver a Farewell Ceremony for my Mum, led me to train as a Funeral Celebrant.

I now work alongside families to create unique and compassionate ceremonies for their loved ones as well as, in addition, organising events to promote and normalise conversations around dying and death through my work which sits under the umbrella of ‘When The End’s in Mind’

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Get In Touch

Usually best by email:


📧 [email protected]

Or via Social Media:

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