My name is Jackie Watson. Being a Humanist celebrant is a great privilege for me because it means being creatively involved in the most precious events in people’s lives.
As a Humanist, I believe we can make meaning in our lives by living life to the full, by sharing our lives with others, and by giving attention to the natural world. As a celebrant, I want to support people in giving expression to their beliefs and values through their own personal ceremonies.
I have a strong interest in spirituality, and in different religions and cultures, but I believe it’s vital that non-religious people are recognised and valued too. I am also a member of a hospital chaplaincy team, as a Humanist, for the same kinds of reasons.
I retired from teaching in 2014, having spent several years as a religious education teacher in secondary schools and then as a university lecturer in the field of education. I am married and we have two grown-up sons who both live in London.
I am very lucky to live in a village in mid-Devon where I enjoy walking and being close to nature. I also draw and paint a little, but especially love being in my garden. I continue to carry out some academic work and I am an Honorary Fellow with the University of Exeter which is where I originally studied to be an RE teacher.
Weddings
If you’d like to have a chat about your wedding – whether it’s to be on a farm, in a field, at the beach, or in a hotel or garden – send me an email and we can arrange a time to talk on the phone. If you decide that you’d like me to be your celebrant, we will meet together and design your personal ceremony!
A recent wedding couple said: “Great experience. Jackie was extremely helpful with the planning/design and implemented it wonderfully.”
Funerals
Please contact me for more information about Humanist funerals and memorials. If you choose me to be your funeral celebrant, I can help you with ideas for music and readings. I will talk with you to find out about the person who has died and arrange a ceremony they could be pleased with and which suits you and your family’s needs.