Members of the clergy come and go. As with all professions, some make a bigger impression than others. The retirement of a local vicar isn’t always a big deal, but when the Rev Canon Nikki Arthy steps down in March, it really is a moment worth marking.

Nikki is both the Rector of the City Centre Benefice (which is quite a mouthful!), taking in St Mary de Crypt, St Mary de Lode and St Swithun’s in Hempsted, and a Canon at Gloucester Cathedral – so she has been a very busy lady for the 16 years she has been in Gloucester.

When Nikki arrived, there had been a number of attempts to bring a new purpose to St Mary de Crypt in Southgate Street, where the congregation had dwindled over the years. Nikki gave the project the direction and impetus it needed to make it happen, successfully gaining a £1.36 million grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund and many other donations, totalling £2.1 million. These funds transformed it from a cold, dark, little-used building into a vibrant community, cultural and educational hub, as well as continuing as a place of worship.

Nikki has been involved with many city events over the years

Many people may recognise Nikki from the many city events she has been involved with – whether that is the Gloucester Day Service at St Mary de Crypt, the Christmas Lantern Parade Service at the Cathedral, or giving a blessing at the start of the Santa Fun Run in Kings Square. Those with a connection to The Crypt School may have seen her receive a single red rose from the School Captain at the annual Founder’s Day service – as the ‘quit rent’ for the school, which started at St Mary de Crypt in 1539 – while reciting a passage in Latin!

Perhaps the most notable event Nikki has been involved with was presiding over the re-enacted funeral service for Queen Aethelflaed at St Oswald’s Priory, to mark the 1,100th anniversary of her death in March 2018. There aren’t many who can say they’ve done something like that!

I’m sure we all wish Nikki a very long and happy retirement. She certainly deserves it!



Paul James was born and brought up in Gloucester and served as a City Councillor for 24 years, including over 12 years as Leader of the Council. He has written a number of books about Gloucester and the surrounding areas and holds a number of voluntary roles in the city.