First female dean of Torteval grateful for opportunity
The first female dean of Torteval is excited to carry on working with the ‘community-oriented’ parish douzaine.
Nikki Addlesee has lived in the parish all her life, and has served on the douzaine since 2017, making her its current longest-serving member.
She was appointed dean by her fellow douzeniers and Torteval’s constables in January.
‘I am grateful to be given this opportunity,’ she said.
‘Being the first female dean of Torteval does feel a little special, but then I think Torteval is special, as we have demonstrated with having so many females on the douzaine over the past few years, and indeed at the moment also having female senior and junior constables.’
Mrs Addlesee is in her second term as a douzenier, and said she now felt confident enough to take on the responsibility of Dean due to her previous experience.
‘It feels like a natural progression. I was asked to do it and I feel that I can do the role justice with the knowledge I’ve gained over time.’
She was looking forward to continuing to engage with parishioners, and was confident in the douzaine’s ability to deliver for the parish.
‘We don’t have any pressing concerns from anyone at the moment, but the douzaine has each area covered in terms of responsibilities. My main one is the cemetery, for example.
‘The douzaine members are a great bunch of people to work with, a group of men and women of varying ages from all walks of life with many different backgrounds, work and life experiences, and the majority still working in full time employment.’
She encouraged islanders to consider standing for their respective douzaines, adding that she enjoyed the fact that Torteval residents looked out for and helped one another.
‘I have been fortunate that during my time on the douzaine, those I have served with have been generous in sharing their knowledge, and in true Torteval spirit I have already been contacted since my appointment by two ex-deans offering their help if ever it is needed.
‘Give something back to your parish, care for your community, and you will be surprised what you learn along the way, who you meet in the process and what you get back from the experience.’
