Meet the parish team

The Rev’d Jonathan Lloyd

VICAR

Jonny has been Vicar of St Michael’s since 2023, having been previously Precentor of St Albans Cathedral and Assistant Curate of Jarrow and Simonside. He was born in London and grew up in Bristol. Jonny worked as a teacher in Hertfordshire and Hong Kong prior to ordination, and is thrilled to be able to remain involved in education via the life of St Michael’s VA Primary School as a foundation governor. He is married to Emily, and they have three young children, plus what he considers to be too many pets. Having been a chorister as a boy and then a choral scholar while at university, Jonny is a passionate believer in the power of music in church to transform worship and our experience of God. In his spare time he tries to learn classic jazz solos on the trumpet, takes his children to parks, and gazes longingly at the outside of pubs.

The Rev’d John Bannister

ASSOCIATE PRIEST

John has been a priest in the Church of England for the past 25 years. Having been ordained at Carlisle Cathedral, John served as a parish priest in the Diocese's of Carlisle and Blackburn until his move to St Albans in 2021. Prior to ordination John worked as a mental health professional in both the NHS and Local Authority Social Services. He maintains an active interest of mental health issues especially in relation to spiritual well-being. John is married to Anne who is a retired Ofsted Inspector.

Mr Colin Hamling

DIRECTOR OF MUSIC

Colin has been Director of Music since 2016 and initiated our Choral Scholarship scheme in 2017. As organist and choirmaster, he is responsible for the musical life of our churches. He has worked in church music in London and Hertfordshire for many years, alongside a career as a telecommunications engineer. Colin is also a director and competitions secretary for the world-renowned biennial St Albans International Organ Festival as well as a trustee of the Eric Thompson Trust, which provides financial support to aspiring organists.