CHarlotte williams Ceremonies
I'm a woman of many hats, both
metaphorically and physically!
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I am an English teacher, a BBC Learning English presenter and a Humanist Celebrant. I'm also very into headwear, both ceremonially and otherwise.
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Woven through these different worlds are the strings that hold it all together: empathy, hilarity and science. My love for people is what has brought me here, and is the cornerstone of this cheeky trisector that works glowingly together, all aspects enriching and informing the others.
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I believe that ceremonies should be heartfelt, joyful and fabulous occasions that perfectly encapsulate their subjects. I believe they should tell stories in a way that is simultaneously familiar yet leaves everyone with a new experience and perspective. I write ceremonies that are loving and engaging, delivering them with empathy and aplomb!
Why humanism?
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I am and have been a non-religious person for as far back as I can remember. Although I have never believed in a higher power, I very much believe in the power of people and the quest for truth (whilst knowing that we'll probably never get there). An open, self-questioning and compassionate approach to the people and things around you is what I hold most true, and for me, humanism represents this. Being honest, I decided that I wanted to be a celebrant well before I realised I was a humanist! But, when I found this movement of secular people, all working towards a common goal of creating a world happy and safe for everyone, I realised that not only had I found my profession but also a name to give to my ideology. I'm very into it, essentially.
Why ceremony?
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In my recent years I have become very interested in the place that ritual has in our lives. Coming from a very small family and losing someone very close made me re-assess the purpose of ritual with loved ones.
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I think that coming together with one aim or goal, keeping traditions or creating new ones (as I have) helps us feel secure, nostalgic, safe and loved. A way that essentially, we all strive to feel.
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To help create something beautiful for someone's ritual or ceremony is both a pleasure and an absolute honour. I hope that I can continue offering this service in whatever capacity as long as I'm here. Let's celebrate the ebbs and the flows, the years and the changes as essentially, we have very little time here. Let's make it magical.
Why should we be inclusive?
The protection and promotion of human rights are very dear to my heart. I will always do whatever I can to help stamp out prejudice to my best ability, and work to create the most inclusive and loving safe I can for everyone.
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At my previous teaching job I created a role as an LGBTQI+ advisor. I then spent a year or so before Covid 19 hit, giving conferences on how to be more inclusive in educational spaces and on curriculum. In light of this, much of my experience focussed on being inclusive with LGBTQI+ diversity. Moving forward, I am very keen to ensure my practice is universally inclusive, accepting and intersectional. I ensure all of my ceremonies and interviews are conducted with these values in mind, aiming to create a space where everyone feels welcome and loved.
