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Since the start of 2017, Humanists UK (formerly known as the British Humanist Association) has trained and accredited over two dozen new funeral celebrants, from regions all over the UK. “These funeral celebrants join the largest network of non-religious celebrants in the UK and they are selected and trained to …

525,048 deaths were registered in England and Wales in 2016, reports the Office for National Statistics. This is a decrease of 0.9 percent after the large increase seen in 2015. Age-standardised mortality rates (ASMRs) decreased in 2016 by 3.0 percent for females and 2.4 percent for males; similar to the …

Two cemetery workers have suffered injuries after being stabbed in an ‘unprovoked attack’. The incident took place in Brookwood Cemetery on Wednesday evening. One man suffered serious injuries after being assaulted and was airlifted to hospital. A second man has also been taken to hospital with an injuries to his …

‘Rip-off’ charges to use cards for purchasing will be outlawed in January, the government has said. ‘Surcharging’ is common practice across the country – with businesses ranging from takeaway apps to global airlines charging people to make card payments or for other services such as Paypal. While many industries have …

Funeral sector chiefs will meet later this year to discuss regulation, including the work of professional Celebrants. The issue had been discussed when they met at last month’s National Funeral Exhibition. The Association of Independent Celebrants (AOIC), had a stand at the exhibition. President Philip Spicksley says he had met …