A little more detail…
I am a humanist celebrant accredited by Humanists UK to conduct funeral and wedding ceremonies. You can find out more on my pages on the Humanists UK website: https://humanist.org.uk/steveemmett/
Humanist ceremonies – yes, even funerals – are uplifting events, each one unique to the family and their loved ones, reflecting their lives, hopes, achievements and relationships. I enjoy all aspects of being a celebrant – meeting people (though COVID-19 continues to impact on this), creating the ceremony, and conducting the ceremony itself. It is an immense honour and privilege to play such an important role at such an important time. I work hard to make sure that each ceremony is exactly right for the family concerned, and nothing gives me greater reward than knowing I have done a good job for them. I have posted some genuine testimonials below and on the Testimonials tab in the menu bar above.
If you want a professional celebrant who has lots of experience in life and ceremonies work, is down to earth (some say laid back), friendly, approachable, can actually write and with a healthy sense of humour, I might just be the one for you, so please don’t hesitate to make contact without any obligation.
I have a YouTube channel which has come out of my love of words and the many wonderful readings and poems I’ve discovered in my work as a celebrant. If you’re looking for the perfect poem or reading for a ceremony you might find it on my channel or among the links I offer. Of course, I also read horror stories and humorous works on the channel – some written by me – as it’s my favourite escape from the day-to-day. You can find me at Steve Emmett – In Other Words.
Aside from all that, I love the arts in general but am especially a big opera and music fan, I enjoy good books and films, like a decent wine and good food, travel, and my interest in current affairs and social issues is lifelong. And that brings me back to Humanism!
For over twenty years I ran my own real estate agency specializing in Italian country homes and, for almost ten years, lived by Lake Trasimeno in Umbria, the setting for my horror debut – Diavolino. My fiction is influenced by the writing of John Ajvide Lindqvist, Stephen King, M R James, Anne Rice, Yasmina Khasra, James Hamilton Paterson, and Joanne Harris (and one or two others), but I have my own style.
Some may say that being a humanist doesn’t sit well with an interest in the supernatural but I disagree entirely. Just because tales of demons, devils and gods interest me for entertainment doesn’t mean I have to believe in them. They are fictional characters just like any other and for me, showing what harm belief in the supernatural can do is perfectly in line with my humanist approach to life. I don’t believe in the reality of my characters any more than the Reverend Wilbert Awdry believed in talking trains.
I often quote the late, great Stephen Hawking: “I regard the brain as a computer which will stop working when its components fail. There is no heaven or afterlife for broken down computers; that is a fairy story for people afraid of the dark.” It’s that fairy story that I enjoy tinkering with.
Just a couple of testimonials…
A very big thank-you to you for a wonderful service you gave for my husband G – and C’s dad (of course). It was unbelievable the amount of people who attended, many of whom commented on the service you delivered. I think G would have approved. We have and will recommend you as much as we can. Your kindness, consideration, professionalism and everything you have done for us on the day will not be forgotten. At a very sad time for me and my family you were a great comfort when we needed it most.
S.F. (York)
Steve, a big thanks for everything you did to make our wedding such a fantastic day! The ceremony was perfect and we’ve had lots of compliments since on all things Humanism! We also really appreciate the efforts you made during the preparation to come down to York and the farm. Thanks once again and all the best for now.
Laura and Andrew
Steve Emmett 