Julia Ford ~ Specialist Funeral & Life Celebrant for Somerset, Dorset & Wiltshire
“How do you do it?” said night. “How do you rise and shine?”
“I keep it simple,” said light, “One day at a time.”
Lemn Sissay
Julia Ford
As a specialist funeral & life celebrant for Somerset, Dorset & Wiltshire, I would like to thank you for visiting my website and offer not only my heartfelt condolences, but my expertise in being able to assist you.
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Coming from an arts background, this required confidence and natural communication skills to work with people from all walks of life. I’ve always strived to enrich or make a difference to the lives of others.
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From the outset, I will care for you and your family with warmth, compassion, humour, sincerity and a passion to create a bespoke ceremony containing the aspects you value. I’m adaptable and perceptive, able to sense the tone and style you need.
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I have the maturity and experience to handle complex family dynamics, unexpected deaths and sadly, those of young people. Through teaching and acting experiences, I bring a deeper understanding of storytelling and connection to every ceremony. Where appropriate, it is powerful to blend in laughter, even at such a difficult time. Grief and joy can share the same space in celebrating a life.
Whether cremation, burial, natural burial or memorial, the ceremony will encompass your wishes. It can include personal touches; you may have ideas of your own, and as a creative thinker, I can suggest things you may not have considered.
I am passionate about being a funeral celebrant, especially in caring for you and your family when you need a friendly helping hand more than at any other time. I always go above and beyond for every family whether there be one person attending the service or 300. Every person’s life matters and deserves a fitting ceremony.
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As your funeral celebrant, my promise to you is to write and deliver a personal and professional service containing the same level of care as if you were my own family.
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If you would like me as your celebrant, please call 07872 613041 or ask your funeral director to get in touch on your behalf.
Testimonials
From my first conversation with Julia, it was clear that we were truly in safe and experienced hands. Her ability to make us feel relaxed and supported helped us to answer her carefully prepared questions and through this we were able to recall and talk about so many precious memories of our dear dad. It was genuinely a delight to be able to share so many aspects of our dad's life with someone who showed such great empathy and warmth.
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Julia's beautifully crafted service and eulogy was such a wonderful tribute to dad, and on a day that could have been so very difficult we were again guided and supported by this special lady. Receiving a professionally produced copy of the service from Julia, and a follow up phone call, was very touching and so welcome.
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I have no hesitation in recommending this wonderful lady - nothing can change the reason why we are walking this path, but to have someone walking beside us of such a high calibre makes the journey much more bearable.
Sue Knott, Devon
Julia is a wonderful lady and so suited to the vocation she has chosen. She has a relaxed, warm and welcoming style but sums up totally the emotions felt by the bereaved family.
She puts a huge effort into saying just the right thing, giving great comfort to close family and friends at the most difficult time. She even revealed her great sense of humour to us, putting smiles on sad faces. I thoroughly recommend that you choose her to conduct a farewell to your loved one.
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Sally, Ditcheat
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Julia came into our lives at the most difficult and sad time. She came to see us, chatted asking lots of questions and asking stories about Trevor. She sent me a draft of the eulogy she had written and it was like she’d known Trevor for years and also had got the essence of our family perfectly.
When she read the eulogy, she set the tone perfectly, it was with great compassion but also humour which was very much Trevor. Everyone commented on what a wonderful job she did. She kept in touch before the funeral and was wonderful at helping us with options to make the right decisions for us.
She is an amazingly perceptive person seeing our family unit as it was, listening to our concerns and putting us at our ease. I cannot recommend Julia highly enough.
Anna
Julia came into our family lives after the sudden and unexpected passing of our brother Steve in 2022, then dad in 2023 and mum in 2024.
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From the initial consultation Julia constantly offered her support and professionalism throughout and aftercare of a copy of service and a follow up phone call to see how we all doing as a family.
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The memories given to Julia by family were turned into the most touching, funny and fitting tribute to Steve, dad and mum capturing each one's personality perfectly.
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We wanted to include Steve in both dad and mum's eulogy but didn’t quite know how when Julia came up with the lovely suggestion of using the poem Some People which is now a family tradition.
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All the family have said how wonderful each service was and were so happy to have found Julia who is now part of the family and would have no hesitation in recommending such a kind, caring and very considerate person.
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Jan, Lyn, Julie​
Why have a ceremony?
​Some people choose a low-cost direct cremation or unattended service, with no one present. While this may seem simpler, it can leave a sense of unfinished grief and missed opportunity to say goodbye.
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A funeral ceremony is a meaningful ritual. It offers a chance for loved ones to come together, honour a life, share memories, and support one another during a deeply emotional time.
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As your celebrant, I will create a personal and heartfelt ceremony that reflects your loved one’s beliefs and your wishes. Working closely with your Funeral Director, I’ll ensure every element is thoughtfully planned and sensitively delivered. ​From our first conversation through to after the service, I’ll support you with care and understanding—guiding you through each step at your own pace. The ceremony will be delivered with warmth, sincerity, and respect, and can include contributions from family and friends. I will visit you to discuss your needs in a relaxed and gentle way, helping you feel at ease as we shape the service together.
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Described by many as a natural storyteller, I’ll write a eulogy that brings together life milestones, cherished memories, and personal anecdotes to reflect the unique essence of your loved one. You’ll receive a full draft to review and approve before the ceremony. ​On the day, I’ll be there to welcome you and support anyone speaking. Afterwards, I’ll provide a keepsake copy of the service and, with your permission, check in with you a couple of weeks later.
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It’s my promise to treat your family as I would my own—with empathy, attention to detail, and genuine care. If you feel I’m the right celebrant for you or would like an initial no obligation chat then you are welcome to call me on 07872 613041. Or alternatively, instruct your Funeral Director to engage me.
07872 613041