As we were leaving the precinct of Salisbury Cathedral, a lady coming towards on a mobility scooter stopped and asked if we would like her to take our photo together. We accepted her offer: I set up the camera, handed it to her and she took just one shot.
Time for introductions and we found that her name is Rachel. The natural next step was to explain my project and ask if I could take her photo. Rachel was very happy with that and I took some portrait shots.
I offered to send photos by email but found that Rachel does not use a computer so I proposed sending a photo or two by snail-mail if she would give me her address. Whereupon she offered us to walk along with her on her scooter to St Nicholas Hospital where she lives and where she would give me the details, make us a cup of tea and show us round. We learnt that St Nicholas Hospital is similar to the almshouses in St Cross in Winchester, which Rachel had visited as a child with her father. He used to work in that area and then became a sexton and verger in Salisbury where she was born and brought up.
Rachel set off at quite a speed and was also at the same time giving me information which I had requested to accompany her portrait. Rachel is 84 and, in addition to using her recently-acquired scooter, still drives the car which her husband, Gordon, insisted on buying new for her not long before he passed away 4 years ago, aged 91. Gordon was a lecturer in mechanical engineering at a local college and Rachel worked as a district nurse and midwlfe.
It was not so far to walk to St Nicholas Hospital and I had the distraction of a few lovely flowers to photograph along the way: nerine lilies, hollyhocks and roses, all in shades of pink.
Upon arrival, Rachel first showed us round including a visit to the chapel nestled in the heart of the buildings. The walled gardens are lovely, bordered on one side by the river.
Rachel made us the promised cup of tea and also gave us home-made Victoria sandwich. She spoke a little more about her family and showed Ray her life history which she is writing. It had grown dark by the time we left her flat to make our way back to the car park and drive home. I shall be writing to Rachel soon with some photos, plus a copy of the book of my dad's PoW diaries as I have a spare copy by me and and had mentioned it to her during our visit.
How wonderful Hazel, you certainly get tomeet some very interesting people. Such a lovely story and portrait of Rachel. How lucky tou are to have Ray join you, he is a Ray of sunlight! My Harry will not even stop if I want to photograph something. Maybe I just started too late 😉
Rachel seems to be a most gracious soul. The few strangers that I've met and found the courage to ask if I could photograph have been open to the project. I do admire your work because it reminds me that there are so many more nice than not so nice people in the world.
What a wonderful time you all had together Hazel. Rachel would have loved showing you her world & she sounds a very friendly & interesting person. I might have thought she was a tad lonely if she so quickly got into conversation but just looking at her friendly face I think it’s her nature to b3 outgoing & making new friends all the time. You did good having the time to make a new friend!
Thank you for your observation. It's true we hear so much about wicked stuff in the media when, in reality and as you say, there are so many nice folk about.
Diana, I started late too. I think it is a question of perseverance as Ray was not quite so tolerant of my 'photographic antics' to start with!!
Thank you for your observation. It's true we hear so much about wicked stuff in the media when, in reality and as you say, there are so many nice folk about.