On Sunday 28th January, St Mary the Virgin, Mortlake said goodbye to Revd Canon Dr Ann Nickson after over 13 years, who is now retiring. A joyous final eucharist was held with many tributes by the church wardens and the children:

“We cannot thank you enough for your dedication and your tireless service to the parish and particularly to Saint Mary’s. You have done so much and given so much over the last 13 years. We’re really going to miss your ministry, your preaching, but I think most of all your friendship and kindness to us all. “

“Thank you very much for everything you’ve done. Thank you, particularly for holding us all together, and not letting everything fall apart during the lockdown, and the Covid19 pandemic. A very difficult time for us and for all churches”

Ann thanked her church wardens and the many church warden teams she’s worked with over the years and of St Mary’s she said:

“It has been such a privilege to be your vicar and to be based here at St. Mary’s over the last 13 and a half years. Not too many clergy, I think, can say that even if they weren’t the vicar, they would go to their church on a Sunday but this is certainly where I would choose to be if I were not. You are an amazing group of people. It’s been a privilege getting to know you over the years. Thank you to everyone who’s served as church warden and to everyone who’s been involved in, so many different ways. You are, you are very special, I hope, you know it. Saint Mary’s is a wonderful place. I never feel embarrassed like some clergy, might to say, come along on a Sunday because I know that people who come here will find a welcome. They will find people like them. They will fit.

The church in a sense is meant to be a foretaste of Heaven. Now, of course, we’re not perfect here, but I think you do a pretty good job. Thank you for welcoming me 13 and a half years ago. Thank you for all that we’ve been able to do together over those years. Thank you for all the fun. Thank you for being with me and supporting me during the tough times. And there have been those times. You’ve also been very supportive when I’ve been trying to deal with vacancies or difficulties at the other churches. I couldn’t have asked for a more supportive and lovely congregation. And I will really miss you. I will be very sad to say goodbye but I know that I leave you in safe hands. Thank you very much.”