Meet the Team
Father David Hill - Rector
Father David has been the Rector of St John’s for more than ten years. He grew up in Norfolk but many of his ancestors were from Hastings and the local area. He is actively involved in many aspects of the life of the Borough and also serves as Honorary Chaplain of St Michaels Hospice. Father David believes that the Christian Faith must be inclusive and welcoming. He enjoys a mix of formality and spontaneity which are present in the worship at St John’s and in the life we share together as a community of Faith.
Before ordination Fr David was a secondary school teacher and before that a carpet salesman. Two careers which are a wonderful preparation for being a Priest. He has worked in Africa with the Mission to Seafarers and was also a Chaplain to the Forces serving in the Army Reserve.
He loves sport and detective dramas. Along with his wife and songs he really enjoys travel. He is particularly fond of France and Italy. He loves cooking and parties but do not, under any circumstances, ask him to dance!
Reverend Michael Turnbull - Deacon
Born and brought up in north Leeds, Michael joined West Yorkshire Police, at the age of 19, in 1975. In 1979 he was given special leave to take part in Operation Drake, a 2 year round the world expedition. Between 1982-84 he took a career break, sailing around the South Pacific. In 1984, on re-joining the Police, he moved to Sussex and started working at Hastings Police Station.
Michael was ordained Deacon in June 2012. In addition to his work at St John’s he is a hospital chaplain in Hastings and Eastbourne. He is also chaplain to Police in East Sussex.
Michael is married to Josephine and together they have 2 children. He likes to relax by swimming in the sea and lakes, hill walking and bricklaying in the garden.
Lucy Wilkinson - Parish Administrator
Lucy has been our Parish Administrator since 2024, providing administrative support to the Clergy and Parochial Church Council for which she is also the secretary, and looking after the bookings for the church hall. Lucy also works in a bookshop, where she has been since 2018 when she moved to Hastings.
Lucy can usually be found reading theology, drinking too much coffee, and enjoying being involved in her church community.
Beryl Hobson - Parish Safeguarding Officer (PSO)
Beryl has been part of St John’s church since February 2023, and took on the role of Parish Safeguarding Officer in November 2025.
She brings safeguarding experience from a career spanning both the NHS and the charity sector. Beryl served as Chair of two NHS Trust boards, where safeguarding was a core responsibility. She also worked as Head of the Large Charities Division at the Charity Commission, overseeing many safeguarding matters across charities, including faith-based organisations. She is currently a trustee of St Wilfrid’s Hospice in Eastbourne, where safeguarding is one of the trustee's key responsibilities.
Now retired, Beryl keeps busy with travelling, spending time with family, swimming, running, and supporting Brighton & Hove Albion FC.
Alan Privett - Treasurer
Alan has lived in St Leonards for 35 years with his wife, Jenny Miller. They have two married daughters. He’s had a busy and successful career as an opera director, and has been involved in various aspects of Hastings life, notably with the Hastings Trust.
He is currently a member of the PCC and the Treasurer for St John’s.
