Chaplain to the High Sheriff
Rev’d Canon Richard Banham is Rector of St Helens, Wheathampstead and St Peter’s, Gustard Wood - the home parish of the High Sheriff. He’s been enjoying being part of this fabulous Hertfordshire community since he arrived in 2010. He loves exploring Christian faith with individuals and groups so they can encounter the life-transforming love of God. After supporting other local churches in the role of Rural Dean for five years, in 2022 he was appointed as an Honorary Canon at St Albans Cathedral.
Prior to ordination, Richard worked as a Project Manager with Bank of Ireland Financial Services in Bristol and he also spent spells in Colombia and Uruguay working for different charities.
Keeping fit and active have always been important to Richard and in 2018 he caught the running bug. He escapes to Cornwall surfing a couple of times a year, which some have described as a mid-life crisis - but at least it’s cheaper and safer than a motorcycle!
Richard is married to Claire who is a full-time Youth Worker and runs a project called The Haven which supports teenagers with problematic anxiety. They are enjoying the freedom of having both their children at University.
