Most of the ceremonies I take are funerals. I have always regarded them as the single most important aspect of my vocation.
How I Work
I will come and meet with you and your family, and help you to create a truly beautiful ceremony that celebrates and honours your loved one.
Together we can weave in music, words, stories, poems and personal tributes that express and encompass every aspect of your loved one’s life, ending up with a ceremony that is rich, personal and utterly unique.
I will always send a copy of the full wording of the ceremony for you to consider (and alter if required) before it is finalised.
NOTE: During the Covid 19 pandemic, while home visits have not been allowed, the preparation has had to be done via telephone and internet.
Some extracts from a few of the thank you letters I’ve received
You were amazing and conducted a beautiful service in such a way that tears were able to be shared in a joyous manner. I will be forever grateful to you. Katie
It meant so much to us all that you had the human touch that is so essential at a time like this. Thank you for being you. Lisa & Sarah
Thanks again for working so hard and making it so easy and therapeutic for us. You are worth you weight in gold. Kristy
You captured the essence of Ang’s lifeforce perfectly, reflecting so well on what was very dear to her heart. You are a credit to your profession. Dave
I was blown away by how yesterday came together and how beautifully you went with the flow! I could not have asked for anything more fitting. Alex
You helped make Guy’s service a beautiful experience. The universe definitely provided the best man for the job! Linda
My sister in law said it was the most beautiful funeral that she had been to. All the feedback was very positive. Pamela
I don't think I have ever heard a service that summed up a person so perfectly. You really did capture everything about my beloved Terry. Hazel
That you were able to make us laugh was a miracle, and I thank you for that. Your warmth and gentle approach with us really helped us cope and deal with the situation. Suzi
I am amazed that after one meeting you were able to capture the ‘essence’ of Peggy (Granny) so well. We all felt that it was the best service that we had ever been to. Gill
A few of the funeral directors who’ve valued my approach over the years
Mark was my first choice of Celebrant when my own Grandfather passed away. He offers the most beautifully comforting ceremonies, whether completely non-religious or religious. We are constantly in receipt of the warmest thank you letters from families who have appreciated his services. Victoria Allen
Mark Townsend’s services are deeply spiritual and fully encompass today's move away from the standard church service. Mark himself is a compassionate and caring person who takes great care with families and respects their views and wishes. We highly recommend him. Graham Bradley
Mark is a fantastic Celebrant and person. He offers families a service like no other, whether that be religious, non-religious or a bit of both. The detail, research and time that Mark spends putting ceremonies together to match the families wishes to make it personal to them, and to really tell the story of their loved one and how they lived their life is comforting to them. Every service Mark does is different. On a personal note he has now conducted two funerals for my own family and we cannot thank him enough with how the services went they were really special. Alban Heiron
I first met Mark ten years ago at Humber Woodland Cemetery and I have always found that he goes above and beyond in everything he does. His natural empathy shows massively. I have had many warm reviews about him left on my website. For example: ‘Mark was perfect for what we wanted. He sensitively prepared us ahead of the funeral and led the funeral exactly the way we wanted it.’ Mark will always be my first choice as a Funeral Celebrant. Shayne Hogg
Mark puts people immediately at ease when they meet him and takes great care to ensure a funeral service is meaningful and celebratory, whether religious or not. Mark is unique and having directed hundreds of funerals in churches, crematoriums and even burials in private gardens. I know that my wish is to have Mark at my own funeral! Bill Rowlatt