about me

My name is Felicity Harvest. I am a humanist celebrant, trained by Humanists UK to conduct weddings, funerals and namings. I live in East Sussex, with my husband, and between us we have three grown-up children.

How I realised I was a Humanist

I was brought up as an atheist, but never liked defining myself by a negative.  So when I found what was then the BHA (now Humanists UK) I was so glad to discover that their beliefs were mine.

When looking for material for my daughter’s naming ceremony 30 years ago, I read a Humanist publication.  I joined there and then and have been a member ever since. We have used Humanist celebrants for family funerals, and for our own wedding and renewal of vows.  Therefore I know what a rewarding experience these ceremonies can be.  They have a personal focus, and an emphasis on how we live our lives.

Above: Chris and Felicity’s Renewal of Vows

My Career

I started my working life as a theatre designer.  Then I went on to run several different organisations including a cinema and an environmental project. I worked in arts funding and development, finishing that part of my career as Regional Executive Director for the Arts Council here in the South East. Training as a humanist celebrant has meant that I can bring my belief in humanism together with my creativity. There are also a number of straightforward, useful skills I have learned over the years like listening, being organised, and making myself heard!

What I do when I’m not being a humanist celebrant

When I’m not doing ceremonies, I’m very involved in supporting other Humanist UK celebrants. I am the Ceremonies Network Support Coordinator for the South East region.  This means that I support our local groups and help with recruitment and training of new celebrants. In addition, I’m a trainer, a mentor for new trainees, and one of the people who observes trainees for their final accreditation.

I also find time for walking, knitting, baking bread and gardening.  Merlin the dog is a big part of our lives, though rarely comes to ceremonies!  I am a trustee of a small arts charity locally, which works to bring artists into our community.

….but Merlin did get to come to our renewal of vows

As someone with caring responsibilities, I know how important it is that the role is recognised and that carers are supported.  I therefore offer a 10% discount on my ceremonies to anyone with an East Sussex Carers Card – see here

contact

If you would like to know more, or would like to arrange a ceremony, please e-mail me at:

felicity.harvest@humanistceremonies.org.uk

or telephone: 01892 783226 / 07708 933607

#youdontneedtoaskhere – I am an inclusive business and all identities are welcome and celebrated here.