About Your Celebrant

Chris Taylor FRSA MCMI MIfL CertEd GIFireE

I take great pride and satisfaction in my role, which builds on 37 years’ experience in professional consultancy and leadership roles in fire service and military environments; all of which involved a large slice of people skills and caring for people at a vulnerable time in their lives.

I made the difficult decision to take early retirement from Lancashire Fire & Rescue Service after a having a minor stroke in the Summer of 2020. Fortunately, I had already begun to prepare the way for my new career and made a good recovery, for which I will be forever grateful to the NHS and Stroke Association; and, of course, the love and support of my family and friends.

I studied celebrancy and public speaking skills a long time before venturing alone, with peer observations and mentoring by experienced professionals; and actively seek constructive feedback from colleagues, clients and attendees for everything I deliver.

I live in Southport with my wife, Shelley, and our big, daft Labradoodle, Freddie. I occasionally drag myself to the gym and enjoy swimming, dog walking, spending quality time with our daughter and grandsons, going to gigs (every kind of music you can name), reading (especially Terry Pratchett), telling dad jokes, and charity work through Freemasonry and other voluntary organisations.