ABOUT ME
Something About Me...
Aside from being a celebrant, I am also an artist and a musician. I studied at the Falmouth School of Art and afterwards worked for many years as an illustrator. I then moved into pottery and sculpture and designed my own chess set which I now make to order in my home studio and ship all over the world. I have recently finished building a pottery studio in my back garden which is an ongoing project.
I previously served in The Royal Anglian Regiment as a bandsman and studied at The Royal Military School of Music, Kneller Hall. Afterwards I went on to teach woodwind instruments at schools and privately. I played saxophone professionally and semi-professionally for many years in rock, soul, funk and ska bands for festivals and private and corporate events. I currently lead a saxophone quartet in which I play baritone sax and arrange most of the music and continue to teach in the evenings. I also play the piano (but just for me!)
​
I am married and have two grown-up children.
​
​
Humanism and I...
​
I have always ticked the 'none' box when asked about my faith, but I didn't know that I had a humanist outlook on life until I wanted to celebrate my two children's births. A lovely guy, from what was then the British Humanists Association, came along and delivered the most wonderful naming ceremonies. I understood at once this is how life events should be celebrated, and knew that I would become a celebrant one day. And here I am!
​
I would describe my beliefs as agnostic (although largely atheist), secularist, humanist, with a deep interest in philosophy and world religions and would consider myself 'spiritual' in terms of the wonder of the material universe, consciousness and human expression and experience. I practice meditation and yoga.
Throughout my life I have always been drawn towards the arts. Becoming a celebrant has been a culmination of this journey - it demands understanding, creativity, flexibility, expression and presentation. I love what I do and am passionate about people, writing and delivering the best ceremonies I can.
A Note About Style...
I would describe my style as relaxed and natural, and I present in much the same way as I speak normally (i.e. I don't have a 'celebrant voice').
The most important factor for me is that the ceremony should feel authentic and delivered with integrity, whether it is with the joy of a marriage or a celebration of someone's life.
GET IN ToUCH!
contact
Barry Fowkes
Accredited Humanists UK Celebrant
Banbury
Oxfordshire
M. 07527 869601​
