A Warm Welcome For Guildford’s New Town Centre Chaplain

Published on: 2 Feb, 2019
Updated on: 5 Feb, 2019

Guildford has a new town centre chaplain, the Rev’d Noelle Coe, who was formally welcomed at a reception at the Guildhall.

Originally from Surrey, Rev’d Coe has a broad experience of working in both the community and the commercial world. She has served in a variety of parishes ranging from St Martin’s in the Bull Ring in Birmingham and outer city estates, to her current village church in Newdigate.

Guildford’s new town centre chaplain, the Rev’d Noelle Coe (far left), pictured at the reception to welcome her, held at the Guildhall on January 23. With her (from left) are: the mayor, Mike Parsons; the mayoress, Jean Parsons; the chairman of the Guildford Town Centre Chaplaincy, Chris Britton; chaplaincy patron Lady Elizabeth Toulson; and the Lord Lieutenant of Surrey, Michael More-Molyneux.

She has also worked for the Civil Service, local government and National Express coaches. Married to Andrew, the team rector of the Surrey Weald team, they have three grown-up children.

The Guildford town centre chaplaincy has been established for 10 years and is supported by churches, businesses and people from the Guildford area.

It runs the respected Street Angels project which has helped 50,000 people in its first decade of operation, providing a calming presence on the town’s streets, between 11pm and 4am, every Friday and Saturday night.

The much newer project, Community Angels befriend and support isolated people across the town during the day, and their volunteer chaplains provide an independent listening ear within the home and workplace.

Noelle said: “I’m humbled to see our fabulous volunteers committing themselves to go out into our community to give support and blessing.

“Our town centre is a special place, but it can also hide considerable problems after dark and behind closed doors. I am proud to have the opportunity to contribute to making Guildford a safer and more caring place for all.

“I look forward to getting to know and collaborating with other church, civic and community organisations. Working in partnership, we have the means to continue to support the community of Guildford by tackling social isolation and vulnerable people within it, in a non-judgemental way.”

At the reception In welcoming the new chaplain, the Mayor of Guildford, Mike Parsons, paid tribute to the work of the chaplaincy. He said “Over the last 10 years your Street Angels have reduced crime, picked up 10,000 bottles, helped us win the coveted Purple Flag award and transformed the night time economy, making it safe and welcoming.

But your energy and authenticity mean you do not stand still and your Community Angels are now transforming individuals lives through working in homes alongside some of the most lonely and isolated in our community.

“On behalf of the people of Guildford, we welcome Noelle and take this opportunity to thank all those who are involved in the work of the chaplaincy and its projects.

“You truly are angels and we offer our wholehearted support to your work.”

The reception was held on January 23 and the Rev’d Coe was formally commissioned at a service held in St Mary’s, Quarry Street, on January 20, attended by representatives from local organisations, supporters and friends.

Anyone wishing to donate to the 10th anniversary Be an Angel appeal to support the work of the chaplaincy should visit https://gtcc.org.uk