Martyn Douglas

Celebrant | Minister

Hello,

I am Martyn

I offer my services as a celebrant, minister and priest in a variety of ways, including taking funerals, wedding blessings and christenings. As a little background of my experience, I was ordained in the Church of England back in 1988 in Winchester Cathedral and I am now with a Catholic Independent Church, based in Southampton, which gives more flexibility in offering people the services they would like.

I also have an extensive funeral ministry and work with Funeral Directors in Hampshire and Dorset; I have had close working relationships with them for many years now.

Every service is bespoke for each family.

I am able to offer a wide range of choices when arranging a funeral for loved ones, and will always listen to their input and concerns. They can choose as much, or as little, religion as they like, and indeed no mention of religion at all. Some like to have a celebration of life service with a combination of styles.

Finally, I can offer funerals for lapsed Catholics, as I have also been ordained with Old Catholic Orders.

The most important aspect is getting the service right for you and your loved one.

My personal beliefs do not impact upon the type of service you would like, and you get to decide the content.

Most funerals have a mixture of elements. At every funeral there are people of faith and those who have none, so I will balance the service to help all who are present.

Although the content and style of service are entirely the choice of the family, I am happy to help with suggestions for music, readings, tributes and putting together the order of service; I will also liaise with their Funeral Director for them.

At celebration of life services I tend to wear a suit and tie, at a light religious service I wear a suit and dog collar, and at full religious services I wear robes.

I can offer advice and support to those who may wish to be involved with the service too; some like to give the Tribute or Eulogy, others prefer to read a poem or some other type of reading.

Over the past thirty years I have presided over many weddings, and more recently adapted services to suit the needs and expectations of the couple. The service can be a traditional religious service, slightly religious or non religious.

I have also performed many baptisms/christenings, and I am happy to offer this service too. Examples of recent services include a garden setting in The New Forest, under a marquee in the garden, and some in our small oratory/chapel.

Thank you for leading the cremation service after the death of our mum. From the moment we met you we knew that we were in safe hands.
You were respectful, compassionate and professional and expertly led us through everything we needed to know and do on the day.
You have a wonderful caring personality which shines out and made the service such a joyful celebration. Thank you.

Tony T.

Martyn took the funeral service for my sister Barbara. He took time and care to make sure we had the service we wanted for Barbara. He listened to our needs, and managed to put together a celebration of her life, with a touch of humour, and it was also dignified.
His warmth and kindness shone through. I highly recommend Martyn, who I know will always do his best for every family.

Jan D.

Just a brief note to say thank you very much for the lovely service last Thursday.
What was a difficult day for the family, you found the right words that provided comfort to us all and it was lovely that you were able to do both services for Mum and Dad.

P.G.

Thank you so much for holding such a heartfelt and caring service for our Nan. Everyone commented on how wonderful you were.
You were very kind throughout and we shall never forget that.

J&S and family

Thank you for your care and attention to detail yesterday.
You made a huge difference to us.

D.R.

Martyn took my father’s funeral, and looked after me and my mum, and was very caring. We wanted a traditional service for Dad, which Martyn provided and delivered a very good eulogy. So when Mum died I knew Martyn would look after everything again. He took time to listen to what I wanted and again I was very happy with the service.
I have already made sure that when I go Martyn will look after my needs too.

John D.