Nancy currently manages the tea shop at the almshouses at St Cross which, on October 31st, will close for the winter so I'm glad I caught up with her before then.
I did meet her last time I was at St Cross but I felt she was too busy working to ask her for a portrait, although I did capture one of Brother Andrew on that occasion. So a slight bending of the strangers' rule here.
Oneida, New York was Nancy's birthplace and she spent her childhood and university years in America, becoming a teacher after graduation. She met an Englishman, married him and came to live in London, continuing her teaching career and becoming deputy head at a school in Finsbury Park.
Nancy also continued her studies, with a Master's in Multicultural Education, here in England. She returned to live in New Hampshire for a period but now lives near the almshouses in Winchester. Although retired from teaching on health grounds, she still does voluntary work in a local school.
I admit I was a little bit persuasive to obtain this portrait as Nancy was hesitant. I think, however, she did not hold it against me as she asked me if I'd like to go out for a day with her and gave me her email address and phone number.
Nancy did not even wish to see her photo on my camera screen. I think she is very much her own person as most people are at least a little bit curious,
I'm looking forward to meeting up with her. Making new friends is an aspect of this project which had never occurred to me!
A small and belated September update for 2024, where I am still, after many years' membership, on 365 Project, also now posting elsewhere but wanting...
There are so many surprises when you've got a camera in hand! I like this shot- she's very natural and relaxed. Sounds like she just isn't crazy about pictures of herself!
One refusal but I didn't see it as a problem as there was a valid reason - but I wouldn't be upset anyway!