People

JOHN BINNS (Vicar)

John has responsibility for the mission of the parish as a whole and is especially concerned with staff support and care of the congregation at Great St Mary’s.  He is also an Honorary Canon of Ely Cathedral.  He served as a Parish Priest and Hospital Chaplain in London before becoming vicar in 1994.  He has researched and written on Eastern Christianity, and is also working on Partners for Change, a fresh approach to international development.

ANNABEL SHILSON-THOMAS (Associate Vicar and Chaplain at Michaelhouse)

Annabel shares in the ministry at Great St Mary’s and has special responsibility for developing experimental and participatory styles of worship at Michaelhouse.  Previously she ministered in south London and has worked in publishing and for development agencies as CAFOD’s Spirituality Writer and in a freelance capacity for Christian Aid.

PETER HAYLER (Associate Vicar and Chaplain to University Staff)

Peter is responsible for the church’s ministry to the University.  He works in partnership with the Equality & Diversity section and manages the Multi-Faith Chaplaincy Centre.  Before coming to Great St Mary’s in 2009 he pioneered chaplaincy to the Cambridge Science Park before moving to South Wales as Industrial Chaplain.  His research includes a Professional Doctorate exploring aspects of pastoral entrepreneurship.

SAM HAYES  (Director of Music)

PAUL HAMMANS (Church Manager)

The day to day running of the church’s various departments, (gift shop, administration, vergers, volunteers, etc.) and the forward planning required to integrate the life of the church with its external stakeholders is carried out by Paul. Formally educated in Evaluation of Training, Philosophy of Science and Learning and Development, he has also directed operations in a commercial environment and served in the public sector.

STEWART HALL (Head Verger)

Stewart is very much the ‘public face’ of Great St Mary’s and is often the first contact when visitors come to the church. He manages the day to day maintenance of the building and helps to coordinate the work of an Assistant Verger, Relief Vergers and various teams responsible for activities at Sunday services. Formerly a college porter in the university, he also serves as a University of Cambridge Constable bringing extensive knowledge and experience of Cambridge life.