DEBBIE Veel has been appointed as Winchester City Centre Chaplain and will begin on May 1, following the retirement in April of Howard Rowe. Howard served as chaplain for the past 10 years, and his work and friendship was valued by many.

Chaplains visit workplaces in Winchester to build relationships of trust and mutual respect with members of staff.

Debbie said: “I am excited to be working in the lovely city of Winchester and getting to know the people who work there. I am delighted to be working alongside such an enthusiastic and committed team of volunteers with wonderful support from many churches in Winchester.”

Working alongside Howard Rowe, she has already visited a number of local shops as well as the city council and is now keen to visit more widely.

In her new role, Debbie leads the chaplaincy team which includes several volunteer associate chaplains. The chaplains work with all denominations and faiths and those of no faith. No one is excluded and discussions are in confidence.

Debbie was a primary teacher and has also taught adult biology and numeracy and has worked for various charities.

She has been both a volunteer workplace chaplain and street pastor in her home town of Basingstoke and is a licensed lay minister in her home church.

Debbie is married to Chris and they have a grown up son and daughter and a teenage daughter.