Memories and Condolences

5/4/2021

Our much loved Vicar, Nikki, tragically passed away on 31 March 2021. Nikki was a shining light in all our villages and will be sadly missed by everyone.

This page is set up for people to leave any thoughts, comments or memories of Nikki to celebrate her life and acknowledge how much she shone to everyone who she met and ministered to.

Comments can be submitted below by clicking on 'Leave a Reply' and will be approved and posted as soon as possible.

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43 Comments

John Robertson

5/4/2021 08:19:17

John Robertson,
Churchwarden, St Mary’s Church, Brinkley

The totally unexpected news of the death on 31st March of Nikki Mann, came as a shocking and abrupt halt to her eventful and successful 3 ½ years as priest of the Raddesley Group of churches, as indeed it is to her life as a wife, mother and grandmother.
Coming to the area in 2017 from her previous assistant-priest post in Stamford, and joining us as Priest-in-charge, Nikki rapidly made her mark, earning in 2020, her enhanced status as Rector of Raddesley.

During these few years, she displayed in unwavering manner, a wonderful combination of serious determination in leading the Church’s life in our villages, together with the warmest possible expressions of friendliness and jollity. Nikki so easily endeared herself to all who had the privilege to work and come into contact with her. Her theological training had been formal, but she showed considerable sympathy and understanding towards the differing character and traditions of our Churches, tactfully and with great skill.

Over the past 40 years or so, each of the seven incumbents of our local churches have left behind them varied and lasting impressions, spending an average of 5 years to do so. In her relatively short tenure of office, Nikki made an enormous impact, offering advice and care to a wide range of families in the district.

Few of those with whom she came into contact will forget that communication, invariably accompanied by perhaps her greatest legacy, her genuine and happy smile.

Nikki Mann will be greatly and sadly missed. Our sincere thoughts, prayers and sympathy is extended to Matt and all Nikki’s grieving family at this sorrowful time.

Amelia Billington

5/4/2021 11:06:14

Nikki was an amazing friend . I first met her a week after my son died when she was sorting out books in All Saints Church Stamford . I was sitting in a pew not wanting to return home to an empty house . She came up time with her beautiful smile , glowing compassionate eyes and falling ringlet hair and sat with me and listened and prayed . From then on she was always there with her wisdom and beauty and humour and I am so lucky that she became such a lovely friend .

She loved her family so much ; you were her entire world and if there is anything I can do for you please let me know .

Love to you all

Amelia

Andy Fyall

5/4/2021 12:05:42

Dear friends,

I was so deeply sad to hear of the death of Nikki.

She was such a ray of light and her infectious smile brightened the lives of everyone she met.

It was a joy and privilege to work as an ecumenical colleague with her in Stamford.

You must be reeling and I wanted you to know that you are all in our thoughts and prayers at this sad and difficult time.

With every blessing,

Andy

Rev Andy Fyall
Superintendent Minister,
Stamford Methodist Circuit

Rev Jerry Newson

5/4/2021 12:07:53

Dear Friends,

Greetings on this Easter Day

He Has Risen He Has Risen Indeed.....

I am Facebook friends with Nikki and Rev Eileen Harrop who posted the news of Nikki’s death. This news comes as a shock and with great sadness to myself and my wife Maureen who for a few years travelled the life and faith journey with Nikki.

I first met Nikki around 2000 not long after I became minister and when she was attending South Ashford Baptist Church (Kent) playgroup which Maureen ran. I can remember the day when she came to her first Sunday service and was loitering outside not sure whether to come in! I went out to find that she had two very lively kids and she was worried they would make too much noise! My response was come on in and if needed we can turn the PA up!

That was her first contact with Church. Over some time I journeyed with her to the moment she committed her life to Jesus, publicly gave her testimony and having baptised her, saw her become a Church member! In her time with us Nikki joined me as a School Gov and played a significant role in the pre development of the Sure Start programme in South Ashford which saw the creation of a £2 million Childrens Centre in my church back yard!!

Nikki moved down onto the Romney marsh to Newchurch and quite rightly felt she should support the village Parish Church. We sent her out with much blessing and love and I have followed her journey with Christ ever since! We will be of course praying for Mathew, Jamie, Charlite and Maddie as well as her Church family in this sad time.
.
If you feel it appropriate would please pass on to the family our sincere condolences and love in what must be the most difficult and saddest of times. Jamie and Maddie may well have some memories of being at Church as young children and seeing something of the most amazing spiritual and community journey their Mum was called too.

Nikki’s subsequent call to Anglican ministry came as no surprise to me although my sense of humour wants to say ‘Once a Baptist always a Baptist!!

Anyway lots of love from the Baptist family down in the SE and praise God for the Easter promise of resurrection and new life for Nikki and us all.

Much Blessing...... Jerry

Teresa Bailey

5/4/2021 12:45:25

I shall miss Nikki's infectious laugh and happy smile that lit up the church.She was so appreciative of the efforts of those who manage to keep our churches safe, clean and welcoming . We were very lucky to have had her even for such a short time .

Helen Hooley

5/4/2021 17:05:16

I met and got to know Nikki, and her infectious smile, while training in Lincoln. My thoughts and prayers are with her family, of whom she spoke with love and care, and for all those whose lives she touched.

Rev Helen Hooley, Lincoln Methodist circuit.

Alisa Morgan

5/4/2021 17:23:26

What sad news. I knew Nikki when she was in Stamford. Her smile and warmth was completely infectious. She was a very special lady indeed. She was fair and compassionate and beyond kind. We are all so sad to hear this news. We're thinking about Nikki's family and praying for them all.

Revd Philippa White

5/4/2021 17:58:11

I'm so sad to hear this news. I was in Lincoln diocese with Nikki when we both first became priests and she was such a kind and generous companion on the journey. She was full of joy, life and fun, and I always enjoyed catching up with her on training events. May God whom she loved receive her into the light and peace of eternity.

Claire Rowan

5/4/2021 18:44:32

I first spoke to Nikki when I was taking my son to school in Stamford one day back in 2014. I was very sad that day and she helped so much more than she ever knew. I asked her to pray for my friend and her son, who were having a terrible time. I was delighted when I later heard that she had been so supportive to my friend after her son passed away. A beautiful lady. So sad to hear the news. Praying for her family and community. .cr.x

Christine Tresidder

5/4/2021 20:09:06

Nikki was literally one in a million, she had so much time for everyone. Her energy, enthusiasm and smile was infectious amongst the people whose lives she touched. She was such a credit to the Stamford community. I am so saddened by the news of her passing.
I had no idea until reading some of these messages that our journeys to South Lincolnshire were so similar. Love and prayers to all those hurting following the news but most of all, to her dear family xx

Mark Warrick link

5/4/2021 20:40:28

It is hard to put into words the shock of this news and the feelings of loss and bewilderment. I have so many fond memories of Nikki as my first Curate at Stamford All Saints. She brought a breath of fresh air into our church and ensured that I always thought through everything in order to make sense of the way we did things to someone from such a different background. The idea that all she was is now gone is just so much to take in. It is tempting to call it a disaster (and emotionally, especially to Matthew and the family, it is, of course), but if Good Friday and Easter teach us anything at all it is that death is not the end and that what follows is even better and even closer to God. I cannot fathom what he is doing but I do not need to.

Just one little anecdote. As part of their training I took the two curates on a little tour of the north of the diocese and we had breakfast on the train on the way up (while studying the Church Representation Rules in preparation for the forthcoming annual meetings!). Offered ketchup or brown sauce for the full English, Aran and I declined either; Nikki asked for both! Her life was just so FULL of everything going. Although I have not seen her for some while now, it seems odd that I never shall, and that the future for which I helped her prepare was so very short.

I am praying for you all.

Mark Warrick, some time Dean of Stamford

Alison Paul Nick & Stewart Prentice

5/4/2021 21:40:27

Nikki and Matt and their lovely family will be fondly remembered in Newchurch. What a beautiful person inside and out with an infectious laugh, wonderful disposition and ability to talk to anyone and talk on many subjects. It was an honour to attend her ordination and see her journey into her calling. Our thought are with Matt and their family at such a difficult time. A bright star has joined the sky to watch over you all x

Selina nisbett

6/4/2021 09:00:29

I trained with Nikki at SEITE for 3 years. I am deeply shocked by this news and it hard to find words for such a tragedy other than she was truly God's radiating light in the world. May she rest in peace .....as she rises in God's shining glory, I am certain it will be more resplendent by her presence.
Prayers are on going for her family. Xxx

Augustine Nwaekwe

6/4/2021 11:01:19

I met Nikki only one time in Leicester at UKME networking Day. I could see great wisdom, humility, love and passion for racial justice and equality of all God's people. Therafter we kept in contact via emails. She was pro active and readily supported me with her skills in my BAME advocacy role in Europe Diocese. She was never short of positive ideas. I am grateful to Nikki.
I am deeply sad for her sudden departure. May God grant her Eternal Rest and comfort her family and the people of Church she warmly pastored 🙏
She will greatly be missed here, but sure to be found in heaven.

Justine Allain Chapman

6/4/2021 14:47:52

I am so sad to realise that I will never see Nikki’s smiling face again in this life. I was her tutor when she trained for the priesthood. I bought clothes from her to raise funds for the orphanage she supported. I wear earrings she bought for me when I left. It was lovely for me to have her in Stamford which meant I was her archdeacon. Much too short - her life, and her ministry as a priest and yet I know her impact and influence will be greater and deeper than others with a longer time. We will miss you, going forward, Nikki. Your loss is great, not least to your family. Thank you for all you gave. Hold her, loving shepherd, in your arms.

Jenny Gage

6/4/2021 15:18:22

I have been privileged to be a colleague and friend of Nikki in Ely Diocese - we met over coffee to talk about ministry that was partly self-supporting and then discovered that we shared a commitment to social justice. I was stunned when I heard the news of her death, and so very sorry to hear it. Prayer for all her family and friends.

Becky Goff

6/4/2021 20:09:59

I met Nikki when she joined All Saints, Stamford as curate and worked closely with her at the Unity Centre. I was at a turning point in my understanding of my faith and Nikki and her colleague Aran were instrumental in helping and guiding me to discover the true love of Christ in my life. The love of God shone out through Nikki’s beaming smile and down to earth personality and she will be greatly missed but we know she will be shining brightly in heaven. Much love to Matt and the family at this difficult time xx

Emma Robertson

7/4/2021 11:05:54

I only met her a couple of this mes, but thought she was a lovely warm human being. She was very kind to my dad, John Robertson who has been ill recently. She brought round a little hamper of food to cheer him up.
What a wonderful lady. Sending love to her family

Martin Fisher

7/4/2021 19:35:12

This completely unexpected news is tragic for her family and her parishioners. I met Nikki in All Saints Stamford when I first worshipped there at a crisis point in my spiritual life. I will never forget her welcome and caring approach to someone she didn’t know at all, though I suspect she may have recognised my need. Thank you, Nikki, and God rest your soul.

Kathy Longbone

8/4/2021 09:57:07

Still reeling from this sad news. Nikki was one of the most alive people I've ever met and it's impossible to think of her not being with us any more. I'm so blessed to have known and worked with her in Stamford. We always had so much fun together, whether socially or on church business. I have many joyful memories from running a baby and toddler group with her (dancing, singing, bouncing around pretending to be frogs, or getting messy with paint and glitter!) One of my favourite memories was of helping her with the Christening of the twins of a circus ringmaster, in the Big Top! Nikki was a kind, gracious, humble, compassionate, beautiful woman, who touched so many people. I will always be remember her fondly and hold her in my heart. My love and prayers are with her family.

Caroline Hartley

8/4/2021 21:35:22

We are all so shocked and saddened at the news of Nikki's death. Nikki meant so much to our family during her curacy at All Saints Stamford, bringing such life and energy to the church and throwing herself into all aspects of parish life. Her smile and laugh were so infectious - you couldn't help smile back - and there was so much joy in everything she was involved in. Nikki helped set up the youth group TPOT that our three children attended and went on to inspire them and us with her warmth, approachability and down to earth personality.

We are thinking so much about Nikki's family at this very difficult time and hope they can find some strength from knowing how loved she was by so many. We feel so lucky we were able to know her - she has left an indelible impression on our lives. May she rest in peace.

Kevin Alexander

9/4/2021 03:50:59

Oh Nikki. i am so sorry to hear this news. To say you were one of life’s stars is an understatement. So positive, so lovely. We grew up around the corner from each other and i wish we had gotten to know each other long before 6th form. You achieved so much and I always found your faith to be a thing of wonder. Not to mention your incredible laugh.

......I went past your old house just the other day and was reminded of all the Hillmann Imps that used to be there. So many memories of happy innocent days are flooding back. Just heartbreaking to know we have lost such a lovely soul. My thoughts are with you and your family.

Rev Martin Brebner

9/4/2021 09:20:08

We were greatly saddened and shocked to hear of Nikki’s death. While she was Curate of All Saints’ Stamford she was a very good friend to the Uffington Group of Churches and took a number of services here. She was an enormous support when our Rector was unwell - very popular with our congregations and frequently described as a lovely lady. We envied the Raddesley Group when she moved there and we grieve with them now at this sad time, and pray that God will comfort them and Nikki’s family. May Nikki rest in peace and rise in glory.

Rupert Wakefield

9/4/2021 17:18:50

Oh Nikki,
I am so sad to hear that you have left us, so very sad. That smile, your wonderful laugh, a box full of photos and happy memories will stay with me forever. When I am down I shall try and tap into your wonderful energy. You really were a bright shining star and I know you influenced so many people so positively. My thoughts are with your family, such a wonderful family. I wish I could give you a big bear hug. God Bless you, I know he will. Roops x

Mrs. Joyann A. Jordan

9/4/2021 21:27:16

I met Nikki when she came to Barbados with her mom, husband and children to help officiate at her uncle's (her mom's brother) Michael Ward's funeral service when he died. It was the first time my husband Ryan (Michael's stepson) and I were meeting her and her family for the first time. Ryan already knew Aunty Honor, but had never met Nikki and her family. Yet, it was as if we knew Nikki all of our lives. Her pleasant smile, and willingness to help in any way she could. Even the kind and professional way she conducted the service for her late uncle, will forever live on in my hearts. I kept up with her achievements and family additions through her mom, and it always felt like if I was right there with her. I was and still am, thoroughly shocked when her mom messaged Ryan and I to let us know that our beloved Nikki had passed. We know she's in the everlasting arms of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, and we don't mourn as those without a hope, but her loss is still felt and I wish that she hadn't left us this side of heaven. My heart goes out to her mom, husband, children, grandchildren, her congregation and all of those persons whose lives she touched in one way or another. Know that our prayers and our love are with you all at this difficult time. As the hymn writer said, "Tempted and tried, we’re oft made to wonder
Why it should be thus all the day long;
While there are others living about us,
Never molested, though in the wrong.Refrain:
Farther along we’ll know more about it,
Farther along we’ll understand why;
Cheer up, my brother, live in the sunshine,
We’ll understand it all by and by.Sometimes I wonder why I must suffer,
Go in the rain, the cold, and the snow,
When there are many living in comfort,
Giving no heed to all I can do.Tempted and tried, how often we question
Why we must suffer year after year,
Being accused by those of our loved ones,
E’en though we’ve walked in God’s holy fear.Often when death has taken our loved ones,
Leaving our home so lone and so drear,
Then do we wonder why others prosper,
Living so wicked year after year.“Faithful till death,” saith our loving Master;
Short is our time to labor and wait;
Then will our toiling seem to be nothing,
When we shall pass the heavenly gate.Soon we will see our dear, loving Savior,
Hear the last trumpet sound through the sky;
Then we will meet those gone on before us,
Then we shall know and understand why."

Lis Ward

10/4/2021 20:13:02

Nikki and I were ordained together and shared our curacy time in Stamford. We laughed together, cried together, prayed together, grew together. It was a privilege to know her, to see her as she was licensed to her first incumbency and to visit her in the villages. I am so grateful I knew her and shared part of her journey, she was very special.

Jamie Mann

10/4/2021 21:09:10

Thank you all for you lovely messages its so nice to read all the wonderful memories people have of mum, it brings a tear and a smile.
She had time for anyone and everyone, we will miss her so so so much. But we can all treasure the memories she gave us.
Thank you all so much again.
Love Nikki's family ❤

Trish Casey-Green

6/5/2021 14:42:52

Dear Matthew, Jamie, Madi and Charlie. I am Madi's friend Lily's mum. Generally I met Nikki when she was dropping Madi off to our home in Folkestone, and on the odd occasion when lily went to Newchurch. When you all went off to Lincolnshire, Lily came to stay with you twice, and I am happy to say that Madi and Lily continue to be good friends. Nikki's smile and laugh were treasures to behold and I know you will all carry those with you. It goes without saying that we are praying for you all and sending you strength for the time ahead. With all our love, Trish and Ciaran Casey Folkestone

Fr Aran

12/4/2021 18:40:06

Nikki Mann - A Priest forever. So many good memories of the time we spent together. So many eyes rolled without trying to show it. You taught me so much and my life is better because I knew you. Thank you for all you were. In sure and certain hope of the resurrection. Until then x

Nick Simmonds

13/4/2021 01:23:05

Living in New Zealand I have only just learned of the very sad passing of Nikki.
We encountered her through her warm and well presented services given when both our parents died and gave comfort to my mother during the last days of her illness.
Our thoughts go to all of her family at this very sad time

Paula Paterson

13/4/2021 08:53:44

Dearest Nikki
Once we were unseperable best friends, and even though our adult lives took different paths you remained in my heart, and always will.
My love goes to you, Matt, your family, and to all those people who's lives you have touched.
Love always
Olli
P.s I still think of you whenever I see a monopoly board !!

Susan Macey

14/4/2021 20:53:33

I am so very sad to know our wonderful,loving caring Nikki has left us. I knew her when she was curate at All Saints’ I remember her creeping in at the back on her very first visit to All Saint’ - we had just finished the early service and from then on I came to know her as a special person - a wonderful woman of God - she loved and was loved in return. She was particularly kind to me on a personal level - as indeed she she was to so many. Nikki rest in the loving arms of Jesusx

Claire Cullen

16/4/2021 20:52:21

Sending our sincere condolences to Nikki’s family. We knew Nikki when she and her family lived in Newchurch on the Romney Marsh. I remember the time when I heard she was going to train to be a vicar. I wasn’t that surprised. Nikki was such a lovely person both inside and out. I feel for her congregation who have lost such a special person. To Nikkis family both Robert and I send you our sincere condolences and it was our pleasure and joy to have known her. May she R.I.P.

Sandra Ward and Angela Ephraim nee Ward

20/4/2021 17:54:13

I was indeed shocked and saddened to hear the news of my cousin's passing, early on the morning of 1st April, from my aunt, Honor. Immediately, I started to cry. I shared the news with Sandra, and we can't start to imagine the pain and agony this sudden death has caused her immediate family, friends and parishioners.

God became her reason for loving and giving. She lived life to the fullest and her love and concern for others was her main focus. Nikki's infectious laugh will remain with us.

A branch of our tree has gone too soon. She will be truly missed.

My family and I will continue to keep you in our prayers.

Much love from Nikki's Barbadian family.

Rev James Hurst

22/4/2021 07:52:59

Nikki was the embodiment of Christianity. It was a joy to work with her on the Food Parcel project last year and with some of her wonderful congregation. Her smiling competent presence enhanced every gathering. Our love and commiserations go out to her family and parishioners and all that had the pleasure of knowing her.

May the risen Lord console the grieving and welcome our friend to everlasting life.

From all who met her at OLISE RC Church

Chris Aldis

27/4/2021 11:24:09

Although I did not meet Nikki Mann in person, our work led to our frequent correspondence and she was always extremely kind, helpful and giving whenever we spoke.
I and my colleagues are deeply sorry to hear of her passing and send our condolences to all her friends and family, along with thanks for all her warmth and help.

Paulette Stubbings

30/4/2021 10:03:40

I had the privilege of being Nikki's room-mate when we studied together at SEITE (now St Augustine's). Her wisdom, warmth, humour, compassion and passion for God and for the calling of women into ministry made a big impact on me and she helped me work through a sticky patch in my own vocation. She loved and spoke about her family so much. It's a shock to know she's gone, we are the poorer in this world for that. May she rest in peace and rise in glory. Very much love to her family.

Eileen Cook

2/5/2021 08:59:25

Nikki was my niece by marriage and she was a breath of fresh air.
My family will miss her she has left a big hole.
My sister and I took great interest in her journey to become a Vicar,.attending her ordination and licencing in the Raddesley group.
Sadly missed.

Fr. James Mather link

5/5/2021 08:57:22

We are so sorry to hear this news, an unspeakable blow for family, friends and parishioners. Please be assured of our prayers in the Downham Market parishes.

Cathy Smith

7/5/2021 11:52:20

I've tried to write this for days. No words can express a hug, and no hug can give what I want to give- Nikki back. Matthew, Jamie, Maddie, Charlie and family there are so many of us crying wiith you, in shock and praying for you.

Nikki, so beautiful inside and out, kind, caring, gentle, bright, a true genuine christian...to have just left this earth so suddenly is a huge loss..Way to soon!. Its unreal! ..... Her smile, her warmth, her deep love for her family, her abilily to show Jesus/ love everywhere she went. We were so so blessed to have had her in our life in one way or the other.

My first encounter with Nikki was when I went to a meeting . I walked in and smiled at people and tried to make conversation but was met with what felt like cold unfriendly shoulders. I contemplated turning around and heading to the safety of my home when I looked up and saw this beautiful, warm smile. She walked over to me introduced herself and that was the beginning of our friendship. That was in about 2003 in Ashford.

She had a vicar's heart so several years later when she said she was considering becoming a vicar it just seemed right. What a blessing to have a family that supported her and enabled her to follow her heart. Sadly I haven't seen her since she moved north, but thankful, through Jesus we will see her again in heaven (lots more smiles and hugs to come), and we see her in her family... the love and kindness is evident. Big hugs from us all.

Jon & Michele Brazier

11/5/2021 11:43:33

We were honoured to know Nikki when she moved in to Newchurch with Matt, who I went to school with some many years ago. Words
cannot truly reflect the wonderful person that she was. The joy she brought to all of us is unparalleled. She would truly do anything she could for you, from picking up my children from school, to running the bar and even turning up to bless our wedding. And of course, laughing throughout the whole time.
We are lucky to have been privileged to know her and she will live on with us all.
Cheers Nikki!

Susan Jenkins

11/5/2021 20:37:37

To hear of the sad passing of Nikki was a shock to say the least.
Nikki was one of the most wonderful person with a true servants heart for the Lord.
Praying for all the family at this difficult time and pray they know the peace of the Lord and know with certainty that Nikki will be with our saviour

Rev'd Jim Field link

13/5/2021 17:00:17

Rev'd Nikki Mann. What a woman. What a Christian. What a priest. My wife Lily and I first met Nikki when we were invited to our first function as the new incumbent for the New Romney Group of Parishes - the Newchurch Harvest Supper.Nikki's infectious laughter, her beaming face and effervescent personality were our welcome.

It was soon evident to me that Nikki was cut out for spiritual leadrship and with only a nudge from me and the blessing of the (then) Bishop of Dover, Rt Rev'd Trevor Willmott,she was on her way to national selection, ordination training and finally ordination at Lincoln cathedral. She was a natural.

I am not only the richer for knowing Nikki but the world is just a better place.

Rev'd Jim Field.

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In Memory of Reverend Nikki Mann