ABOUT ME
A Bit 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 a commercial 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 through my Etsy shop. I have recently finished building a pottery studio in my back garden.
I spent 10 years of my youth in the Royal Anglian Regiment as a bandsman and medic, and afterwards went on to teach woodwind at schools and privately and played saxophone semi-professionally for many years, in all sorts of bands and ensembles, including for 25 years in a rock, blues, ska band. I continue to teach saxophone privately in the evenings. I currently lead the JuxtaSax Quartet in which I play baritone sax and arrange most of the music. I also play the piano (quite badly).
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Humanism and I...
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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 arrival into the world. A lovely guy from what was then the British Humanists Association came along and delivered the most wonderful, personal and meaningful naming ceremonies. I understood at once this is how ceremonies should be and knew that I wanted to become a celebrant one day. And here I am!
Throughout my life, I have always been drawn towards the arts and becoming a celebrant has been a culmination of this - it demands creativity, 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 in much the same bearing as I am normally. The important factor for me is that a ceremony is authentically written and delivered with integrity, whether it is a celebration of marriage or a celebration of someone's life.
GET IN ToUCH!
contact
Barry Fowkes
Accredited Humanists UK Celebrant
Banbury
Oxfordshire
M. 07527 869601​
