I’m Jane Stoggles

I’d like to welcome you to my website

Talking about death; even thinking about it, is very difficult in our culture, and it may be that you have found your way here because you are dealing with a bereavement which has taken place or because you wish to plan some elements of a ceremony to take place in the future. In either case, I hope to be able to help you. As an independent celebrant, I am able to conduct what are essentially non-religious ceremonies, whilst being able to include religious elements, if desired. The wishes of the deceased and their loved ones are what is important to mark and celebrate the life lived and so each ceremony is unique as well as being respectful and loving in its nature. Screenshot The ceremonies are suitable for burials or cremations and can take place in any non-religious building or venue. Because each ceremony is different there is no set format but, after meeting with you, I will be able to craft a tribute to your loved one using all the elements raised by you and your family and friends. To that end, it is good to have as much input as possible from this group, so as to paint a verbal picture of all aspects of character, tastes and preferences. Memories can be shared or discovered, which adds to the completeness of the tribute. We can meet at your home or at another venue if you prefer. Screenshot You may wish to include some poetry or readings and pieces of music which have special significance and I can advise on these elements, if needed. The tribute can be read by me or a member of the family or a friend. After the tribute is written, you will receive a copy to check on the content as well as making sure that all the important aspects of the person you knew that you wish to be included are there. During our conversation, I can advise on the practical aspects of the ceremony, in consultation with your funeral director. On the day, I will arrive early to greet those attending and to ensure that all those who are reading are comfortable to do so. Screenshot Alternatively, you may wish to hold a small, private gathering at the ceremony, followed by a celebration of life held later on, when a larger number of people will be able to gather at a more suitable venue. All these things can be discussed and agreed when we meet and I will be there to support and guide you through the choices and decisions. Please use the contact details here for a no-obligation conversation. If you wish to book me via your funeral director, please ask them to use these details as well, to check my availability. Many thanks Jane Stoggles

You may well have found your way here to see what kind of services I offer. I’m an independent funeral celebrant, which means that I can help to create a very special ceremony which will reflect the wishes of the deceased, and the expectations of those attending. Just as each life is unique, so is each ceremony, and I am here to help you to express the character and achievements you wish to communicate in a clear, dignified way.

The last thing we can all do for our loved ones is to offer them the send-off which they deserve and it is my privilege to be a part of this process.

I was born and brought up in Brighton and, after living there for the greater proportion of my life, I have now settled just over the border in West Sussex, although I am, of course, prepared to travel all over Sussex, Hampshire and Surrey.

I enjoyed my schooldays and took part in the Gilbert & Sullivan productions there, which brought me out of my shell as far as being in the public eye was concerned and I was a very keen amateur singer, appearing in shows and concerts all along the Sussex coast, from Worthing to Eastbourne and all points in between.

After a few years of office work in a bank in Jersey and London and at the University of Sussex, I finally made the transition into the professional singing world, beginning as a principal in the New D’Oyly Carte Opera Company. From there I spent three years in the London production of Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Phantom of the Opera, understudying and playing the role of Carlotta. Appearances in many other West End productions followed, including Grand Hotel and Dr Dolittle. I appeared in several concerts in the BBC Proms series as well as touring the UK extensively and appearing overseas. For the last twenty years, I changed career track, becoming the Advertising Director of OPERA magazine.

Apart from music, I have a great love of stand-up comedy, reading (especially biographies – I love knowing how people tick!), attending the theatre and cinema.

Each of my previous jobs, together with over twenty years of volunteering have taught me skills which I believe have helped me to become a better support to those around me.

For a while now, I have wanted to have a more contributive way of life, whereby I help people when they are at difficult times of their lives. To that end, I have trained with the UK Society of Celebrants (uksoc.com) on their Funeral Celebrants’ course and now enjoy a new career at a time of my life when many others would be beginning to think of taking things more slowly! I look forward to hearing from you if you would like to discuss the possibility of my becoming the celebrant at a ceremony for one of your loved ones.