Dumfries & Galloway Archives - Page 2 of 3

Douglas Gilgallon

May 2, 2014by Fuze Admin

Douglas Gilgallon, Celebrant

Douglas’s passion in life has always been people. At the age of 16 he turned his back on a promising apprenticeship with an American Engine company because he realised he wanted to work with people and not machines. Over the past 25 years Douglas has had a career in Social Work, where he worked extensively within the Glasgow homeless scene, and in the last 10 years with adults with disabilities.

Douglas brings with him a quarter of a century worth of service to people. Over that time, he has honed his interpersonal skills, and his empathy, warmth and compassion are the driving force behind his desire to serve others.

Douglas lives in Glasgow with his wife Pauline. They have been married for 27 years and have 3 daughters and three rescue dogs.

In his spare time Douglas is an avid Munro Bagger and has climbed over 40 Munro’s to date. If ever you needed a guide or advice on some great Scottish Mountains for that special ceremony, he is your guy.

Douglas is also a keen guitarist and learned long ago just how much music moves people. He is always being asked to bring his guitar to parties as it’s a fantastic way to bring people together.

Douglas first attended a humanist funeral service in 2004 and it completely opened his eyes as to what was possible in terms of saying a farewell to a loved one. He loved the idea that a service existed where the focus was based around honouring the memory and the life of the individual.

Douglas has always had a talent for writing, and is the go-to person amongst his family and friends whenever a heartfelt letter or special words are required for a unique occasion. This combined with his 25 years’ experience capturing information for clients, and formulating provision and support based around that information, means Douglas is more than able to help you capture the story that you want told at your ceremony. Be it a marriage ceremony, a civil partnership, a renewal of vows, a baby naming ceremony, or helping with the difficult task of saying goodbye to a loved one, he can help by creating something special and memorable for you.

Douglas is based in Glasgow and conducts ceremonies in Argyll & Bute, Ayrshire, Dumfries & Galloway, East Renfrewshire & Renfrewshire, Edinburgh & Lothian, Glasgow City & East /West Dunbartonshire, North & South Lanarkshire, Perthshire, Fife & Angus, Scottish Borders and Stirlingshire

You can contact Douglas on douglasgilgallon@fuzeceremonies.co.uk or you can see more of Douglas on Facebook , Instagram and Tik Tok

Alex Paton

April 20, 2014by Fuze Admin

Alex Paton, Celebrant

Alex is available to conduct Weddings, Civil Partnerships, Vow Renewals, Baby Naming & Funeral Ceremonies.

Alex is based in Glasgow and covers Ayrshire, Dumfries & Galloway, Edinburgh & Lothian, East Renfrewshire & Renfrewshire, Glasgow City & East /West Dunbartonshire, North & South Lanarkshire, Perthshire, Fife & Angus, Scottish Borders & Stirlingshire.

Alex is the people’s person; the person you want to be by your side, whether it would be in sadness for support; or in happiness for laughter. Therefore, it was a natural career step in becoming a celebrant with Fuze ceremonies.

Alex says being a humanist celebrant will continue to allow him to meet amazing people, hear amazing stories of their life and help people make or relive memories. Alex believes making people happy is the greatest gift you can give someone.

No ceremony should be the same. It is that person’s special day and with the ability to listen to every special detail in the person’s life, Alex will create that memorable day.

Much of his career has been bringing memories of happiness, joy, fun and laughter to people. From organising major music events to DJing in all over the world. A known DJ in the Northern Soul, Indie, Punk, SKA music and the Scooter Scene.

His personality and appearance are one you will love from start. A modern look that everyone will talk about. In his spare time he is a big fitness fanatic, from core fitness to walking and running.

He lives with his wife and his dog Elvis and shares every activity in his life with them. He is also a big supporter of Cancer Research UK and other charities, which he has helped to raise much needed money over the years.

You can contact Alex on alexpaton@fuzeceremonies.co.uk or you can see more of Alex on Facebook & Instagram

Marie McWilliams

April 15, 2014by Fuze Admin

Marie McWilliams, Celebrant

Marie worked in the care sector for more than 30 years and always enjoyed working with people and helping them to fulfil their potential.

She was drawn to Humanism, as she felt that ceremonies should be centred around those who are celebrating or being celebrated.

Marie trained as a Humanist Celebrant so she could work closely with couples to celebrate life events and support families to remember their loved one in a unique and personal way.

She has been married for more than 20 years, and has two teenage sons, who keep her pretty busy. Marie loves being outdoors and can be seen braving the waves at her local beaches, in all weathers! She also enjoys spending time with friends and is a member of a local amateur dramatic group, which have been presenting annual musical productions for over 100 years in their local theatre.

Marie feels that being involved with couples and families and helping them to create a unique ceremony is a real honour. One which she is committed to ensuring that is perfect for her customers.

Marie is based in Ayrshire and covers Ayrshire, Dumfries & Galloway , East Renfrewshire & Renfrewshire, Glasgow City & East /West Dunbartonshire and North & South Lanarkshire.

You can contact Marie on mariemcwilliams@fuzeceremonies.co.uk or you can see more of Marie on Facebook and Instagram

Janice Hendry

April 8, 2014by Fuze Admin

Janice Hendry, Celebrant

Janice has worked with people throughout her career and is currently a Chief Executive in a Charity for children and young people. In the early days of her career, she studied business administration and business management which has been the backbone of her success in her employment.

When she got married and started her family, Janice realised her dreams and aspirations were to help people, work in the community. raise funds and generally be a part of community life. She secured a post as a Youth Development Officer with the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme working with under-privileged young people to help them achieve their Bronze Award. This followed by being a Coordinator of a Youth Information Project providing young people with information and advice on a range of life topics and this was before the days of the internet therefore all footwork and real research!

Young people and families have always been at the centre of her working and personal life. To help people realise their potential by mentoring and encouragement is at the heart of everything she believes in. A brilliant networker and public speaker, she has the confidence to listen, speak and deliver a presentation that is captivating and memorable.

Janice took an interest in Humanism after attending humanist events and feels that personal and moving tributes should rightly tell a life story, in all types of ceremony. Janice will create a meaningful personal account of your lives, your journeys and your future aspirations told in an unforgettable way.

Janice is able to conduct Weddings, Civil Partnerships, Vow Renewals, Baby Naming & Funeral Ceremonies.

Janice is based in Ayrshire and covers Ayrshire, Dumfries & Galloway, Edinburgh & Lothian, East Renfrewshire & Renfrewshire, Glasgow City & East /West Dunbartonshire, North & South Lanarkshire, Scottish Borders and Stirlingshire

You can contact Janice on janicehendry@fuzeceremonies.co.uk or you can see more of Janice on Facebook , Instagram and Tik Tok

Simon Houston

April 8, 2014by Fuze Admin

Simon Houston, Celebrant

Simon is available to conduct Weddings, Civil Partnerships, Vow Renewals, Baby Naming & Funeral Ceremonies.

Simon lives in Glasgow, has been married 25 years and has three wonderful children and a gorgeous Pug called Rita. He is a writer, public speaker and part-time stand-up comedian who is delighted to combine his many life skills to become a Humanist Celebrant. His career as a journalist has seen him work as a news correspondent and features writer all over the world. He got himself into the occasional hair-raising scrape while working as a war reporter in the Balkans and Middle East - and if you have a spare three hours, he'll happily tell you all about it!

A natural-born storyteller, he brings a wealth of experience to his new role with Fuze Ceremonies. Simon is a people person and a listener. He loves interviewing real people and hearing all about their own unique and interesting journeys - before bringing those stories to life, capturing the serious, the fascinating and the fun. He has become a skilled obituary writer who prides himself on his compassion, empathy and attention to detail.

Recently, he turned his hand to stand-up comedy and has performed in clubs around Scotland while also making his debut at the 2022 Edinburgh Fringe.

Having attended a number of Humanist weddings and funerals in recent years, he found himself magnetically drawn to the role of a Celebrant and looks forward to implementing his writing and speaking skills to deliver memorable ceremonies.

You can contact Simon on simonhouston@fuzeceremonies.co.uk or you can see more of Simon on Facebook , Instagram and Tik Tok

Sam Conroy

April 8, 2014by Fuze Admin

Sam Conroy, Celebrant

“My passion is to help others create little pieces of happiness too, both in celebrating love and celebrating life.”

What's the secret to happiness? You can find it in nature, in family, in shared history, and maybe, just maybe, you can find it here. J.M Barrie - creator of Peter Pan, Tinker Bell and a thousand magical memories, said it best: 'Not in doing what you like, but in liking what you do, is the secret to happiness'

Sam's passion is to help others create little pieces of happiness too, both in celebrating love and celebrating life.

Sam is a humanist celebrant with a romantic soul, a storyteller’s spark, and a deep love for words. Sam will write and deliver ceremonies that are as unique as the people they celebrate, bespoke, magical, full of heart and authentically you. Whether it’s a wedding, vow renewal or celebration, Sam brings together laughter and love, tradition, mischief, poetry (if you want it!) and personality, lots of personality! Because your story deserves more than a script, it deserves to be felt, remembered, and joyfully told.

Sam will get to know you as a couple, your quirks, your journey, your little inside jokes and shared dreams. She will support you every step of the way, bringing fun and full-hearted energy, while keeping things relaxed yet perfectly on time. She'll calm nerves with just the right mix of humour and wise words, and she’ll get ridiculously excited with you as the big day approaches. And when it does finally arrive, Sam will be there with a steady hand, a warm smile, a personality packed ceremony, and the privilege of marrying you in a way that feels truly, wonderfully, magically you.

So while Sam doesn’t live in Neverland, rather the heart of beautiful Scotland, Mr Barrie was right. Sam don't just like what she does, she loves it and cannot wait to connect with you to plan a ceremony, a beautifully light hearted and bespoke personal ceremony, that you will treasure and remember for an entire lifetime, for all the right reasons.

Sam is based in Cumbernauld and covers Argyll & Bute, Ayrshire, Dumfries & Galloway, East Renfrewshire & Renfrewshire, Edinburgh & Lothian, Glasgow City & East /West Dunbartonshire, Inverness-shire, North & South Lanarkshire, Perthshire, Fife & Angus, Scottish Borders and Stirlingshire

You can contact Sam on samanthaconroy@fuzeceremonies.co.uk or you can see more of Sam on Facebook , Instagram and Tik Tok

Alan Deeney

April 8, 2014by Fuze Admin

Alan Deeney

Alan is available to conduct Wedding, Civil Partnership, Vow Renewal, Baby Naming & Funeral Ceremonies.

Alan has been a community mental health nurse for 15 years, and first became interested in humanist ceremonies whilst working as a pro-am photographer. Being involved in small weddings and baby naming’s, Alan became passionate about helping couples and families to have a day personalised to them, this was when he made the decision to complete the SQA Celebrant & Public Speaking Diploma.

Alan has always been drawn to people's unique styles. Fashion of every kind is something that Alan has great interest in, particularly where Dr Martens are worn. Alan has a love of DMs and has a pair for every occasion.

With years of experience working in end of life care, Alan prides himself on his care and compassion but will bring cheerfulness where appropriate. Alan believes every occasion whether happy or sad should be designed to reflect everyone’s desires.

Married to his wife Lorna for 12 years, Alan has a grown-up stepson and stepdaughter who were supportive throughout his journey to becoming a celebrant. He enjoys spending time with his family, and the light of his life, his 6yr old grandson, family means everything to him. Alan is also a member of a local allotment association in his local area. He has a second home (caravan) in central Scotland where he retreats to on weekends and wherever possible.

Alan is based in the Inverclyde area and covers Argyll & Bute, Ayrshire, Dumfries & Galloway, East Renfrewshire & Renfrewshire, Edinburgh & Lothian, Glasgow City & East /West Dunbartonshire, North & South Lanarkshire, Outer Hebrides, Perthshire, Fife & Angus, Scottish Borders, Stirlingshire and Western Highlands & Islands.You can contact Alan on alandeeney@fuzeceremonies.co.uk and you can see more of Alan on Facebook, Instagram and Tik Tok

Jane Alexander

April 8, 2014by Fuze Admin

Jane Alexander

Jane is available to conduct Wedding, Civil Partnership, Vow Renewal, Baby Naming & Funeral Ceremonies.

Be it to mark a happy occasion of love or a dignified celebration of life, it is important to know that we can work in partnership with our Celebrant to best meet the needs of the event! Jane is a caring and compassionate Humanist Celebrant whose warm and friendly approach will put you at ease straight away, enabling you to plan together the perfect event for your naming ceremony, vow renewal or funeral.

Jane has recently taken early retirement from a successful career as a Primary Headteacher. Not used to resting, Jane jumped at the chance to retrain as a Celebrant and joined the Fuze Ceremonies team, where she is able to put her skills and knowledge to good use again!

Having worked with many different communities over the years, Jane is highly skilled in communicating and supporting others through times of change and challenge. She enjoys helping customers share their thoughts and feelings as well as creating new memories together. With a keen eye for detail and a love of words, Jane strives to deliver unique and inclusive ceremonies which will inspire and uplift.

Jane is based in Dumfries and covers Dumfries & Galloway.

You can contact Jane on janealexander@fuzeceremonies.co.uk or you can see more of Jane on Facebook , Instagram and Tik Tok

Kimberley Guffie

April 18, 2010by Fuze Admin

Kimberley Guffie

Kimberley is available to conduct Wedding, Civil Partnership, Vow Renewal, Baby Naming & Funeral Ceremonies.

As a lifelong enthusiast of connecting with others, Kimberley has always thrived on the opportunity to build meaningful relationships. Throughout her diverse career journey—from working in the financial industry for 20 years to challenging her creativity as a cake maker, Kimberley's passion for meeting new people, helping others and growing genuine connections has remained steadfast.

However, her most cherished roles of mother and wife have been her favourite by far. Having been married to her wonderful husband James for 16 years now Kimberley has two amazing children Sophie and Nathan. Reflecting on her wedding, Kimberley realised the importance of a personalized ceremony. As a celebrant, Kimberley is committed to infusing every moment with energy, joy, and your unique vision. She feels honoured to be able to help craft a ceremony that reflects your love story, filled with excitement and heartfelt emotion. Creating memories that last a lifetime.

Kimberley is based in Ayrshire and covers Argyll & Bute, Ayrshire, Dumfries & Galloway, East Renfrewshire & Renfrewshire, Edinburgh & Lothian, Glasgow City & East /West Dunbartonshire. North & South Lanarkshire and Stirlingshire.

You can contact Kimberley on kimberleyguffie@fuzeceremonies.co.ukYou can see more of Kimberley on: Facebook , Instagram

Zoë Bell-Arnot

April 18, 2010by Fuze Admin

Zoë Bell-Arnot

Zoë is available to conduct Weddings, Civil Partnerships, Vow Renewals, Baby Naming and Funeral Ceremonies

Zoë started her business when she was 18 years old. After competing from an early age and being lucky enough to realise her ambition as a dancer she wanted to pass on her knowledge to others. With a passion for dance and teaching, she began her first dance school with 14 students. Over 27 years her talented students and her drive for them to be the best that they could be amassed to around 460 students and 3 schools within Glasgow. Annual performances were held in venues across Glasgow, including the Clyde Auditorium and the Theatre Royal. With her drive and love of dance, she earned 14 diplomas in her dance career with distinctions which led her to become an adjudicator and lecturer.

In the latter part of her career Zoë wanted her local community to gain from movement and dance and set up her own studio. Over a period of 5 years, she held weekly classes for those who were living with dementia, receiving treatment post/pre-surgery, and for people who were living with chronic pain to help aid their recovery or simply to be able to meet with others and share their experiences which in turn helped with their overall wellbeing. Another great opportunity arose 2 years ago to create specialised dance classes for East Dunbartonshire Carers Link, a funded initiative that allows carers to have a little respite which operated a weekly basis.

After experiencing the loss of loved ones and friends Zoë decided to begin her journey to qualify as a celebrant as she believed that the most important aspect of the service is the people involved and their story. Whether this was to celebrate their life story, a new life, or a joining of two lives together.

In September 2023 Zoë joined a fantastic local whisky distillery as a tour ambassador to enable her to become comfortable in a speaking role. She meets so many people from different walks of life, ages, and nationalities and now relays stories and historical facts on a weekly basis. This new love came as a surprise, who knew that the whisky industry was so complex and enthralling?

Zoë s other loves are her husband, 2 teenage children and her bearded collie Clyde. She loves to travel to see and experience different places and cultures that the world has to offer with her family when she can, and her hobbies are beekeeping, swimming, and reading.

Zoë loves to hear stories of other people's lives and wishes to capture the essence of this and reiterate it to their loved ones and friends. She feels extremely lucky to be in a position to be able to do this and also very privileged to be part of other people’s special days.

Zoë is based in Glasgow and covers Argyll & Bute, Ayrshire, Dumfries & Galloway, East Renfrewshire & Renfrewshire, Edinburgh & Lothian, Glasgow City & East /West Dunbartonshire, Scottish Borders, and Stirlingshire.

You can contact Zoë on zoebellarnot@fuzeceremonies.co.uk

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