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!
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!