A NEW chaplain is looking to bring peace and reflection to Golden Square Shopping Centre.

Mum of two Annie Houghton, 52, left a career in training to become a minister, and the Anglican reader heads to the shopping centre’s quiet room twice a week to meet shoppers and staff for a few words or a prayer.

Annie, who is a reader at St Peter’s Church in Newton-le-Willows, said: “I have the title of town centre chaplain, which in this role means I am a minister for people of all faiths and none.

“I am an Anglican but within Golden Square that is immaterial as I am there for everybody.

“I believe that God put me there, not to teach and preach the gospel but simply to be a friend to everybody.

“My role at Golden Square is totally impartial and independent so people who have any kind of problems to deal with, whether it be with work or family or anything, know they can come to me and it is not going to get back to anyone.

“It’s just between us – I am there as a good sounding board or someone they can just offload on to.

“I hope people find it a tranquil place they can come to just to reflect and have a bit of time there with their thoughts or to pray if they wish.”

“Everybody needs in their daily lives to have a connection with someone and that can be hard when our working lives are incredibly busy and stressful.”

The quiet space is located near the ground floor welcome hall and is accessible at any time.

Golden Square Shopping Centre director Ian Cox said: “I hope Annie continues to settle in well to her role here and I know many of our staff and visitors will be making the most of her presence.

“The centre is a lively, busy, sometimes hectic place to be and it is important that we offer an escape from that which is what we hope to achieve with the quiet space.”

Annie is at the shopping centre most Tuesdays and Thursdays and can be contacted by email at anniehoughton@missionintheeconomy.com.