Meet the team

 

Michael Smith (Rector)

Michael joined the parish in 2018 as Rector (Vicar) and leads the team. He loves getting involved in parish life and being part of the team as well as living in this beautiful part of the world. Outside of the parish, Michael is a Visitors' Chaplain at Winchester Cathedral and a Local Vocations Advisor. He previously had a career in the City of London in Sales and Marketing. Michael supports Harlequins Rugby and is a keen cyclist and photographer when time allows. He also has a significant collection of gin and drinks too much good coffee! Michael has just been appointed Area Dean of Bournemouth. Michael has also been Area Dean of Bournemouth since January 2022. 

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James Sharp (Pioneer Minster)

As Pioneer Minster, James, gets out into the community creating links and supporting our community partners within the parish. As an ordained minister he also takes Sunday services, weddings and funerals. James is also Chair of the local charity, Hope for Food. 

 

Jonathan Williams (Self-supporting Minister)

Jonathan is the self-supporting minister in the parish (which means that he doesn't get paid for his ministry). He works as a Counsellor/Coach in the week and you'll see him on Sundays preaching and presiding. He has an Airedale terrier called Nora and his wife Sara enjoy walking her around our lovely county.

 

Ruth Wells (Associate Priest)

Ruth's full time job is as Lead Chaplain to the Bournemouth Universities. However, being a neighbour and friend of the parish she also has what's known as 'Permission to Officiate' so she's able to be part of our team and we're able to be the beneficiaries of her ministry here. Ruth is a published poet - some of her work can be found here: playingwithpoetryblog.wordpress.com

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Peter Furber (Priest - Retired)

A retired priest who ministers across the parish. He has a special interest in funeral ministry and after care and is highly supportive of children’s work. Peter Is also involved with Roots magazine and Praxis.

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Margaret Bird (Priest - Retired)

Originally from Isleworth, Tom and Margaret moved to Berkshire where their 4 children were born.  She began her working life as a pricing analyst and before training for the priesthood, she ran her own soft furnishing business.  All of her service after ordination had been with the Oxford Diocese until she and Tom retired down here in Bournemouth two years ago. She has Permission to Officiate in Winchester Diocese and sees it as a joy and a privilege to continuing serving here in Bournemouth.

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John Newbold (Licensed Lay Minister)

John leads and assists in services and he also preaches and gives talks. He visits the housebound and gives them communion; he also visits care homes to talk to the residents. He is involved with Mother's Union and the William Temple Association.

 

Dave Griffiths (Children & Families Minister)

Dave leads our ‘Sanctuary Kids’ ministry to children and families across the parish, which includes after-school club, messy church, holiday clubs, toddler groups and Sunday activities. He grew up in this parish and took the role in May 2019 after graduating from Moorlands College.

 

Martin Jennings (Churchwarden)

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Alun Williams (Churchwarden)

Now retired, Alun spent his working life in tourism, including an amazing eight years as Head of Visitor Services at Salisbury Cathedral.  Alun and his family joined the congregation at St Alban's in the late 1980s and have been an active part of the development of the Parish Winton, Moordown & Charminster.  Currently one of the churchwardens, he takes a particular interest in the financial and building maintenance aspects of church life.