Today in Winchester I met Big Bad Brother John....

.......who is one of 20 brothers living at The Hospital of St. Cross and Almshouse of Noble Poverty. He was out doing some shopping for a few of the less able brothers, also having a 'picnic' lunch at the hog roast stall on the market. He told me that the average age of the 20 brothers is 85 and they have a death rate of 3.76 per year. You can just see the wooden box on the back of his tricycle where he carries the shopping. He said he can't understand why the other brothers gave him his nickname.
A moment of happiness for me, thanks to 365, being able to go up to complete strangers and ask to take their photo - haven't been refused yet.
http://stcrosshospital.co.uk/

[Barbara Havrot]

Great shot! Good for you for asking. I'm a bit confused about 3.76 people dying per year (being a math teacher!). What happened to the other 24% of the person? haha

[Kathrin]

Great capture and story behind, Hazel!

[Hazel]

@havrotb

Well I wondered that too! I think maybe it's an average - like having 2.6 children!!!

[Cathie]

Wonderful photo, Hazel. I love the description, too. One of the things I love about the 365 is seeing a glimpse of another world! Thanks for posting.

[Hazel]

@cathieg

Thanks for your comments, Cathie and, that's one of the things I love about 365 too. I find I learn about my own environment too as when I want to add text to a pic I have to be sure of my facts before posting on here.

[Beryl Lloyd]

What a great candid shot - Hazel !! Love the warmth in his smile !

[Judith Greenwood]

Good on you for asking - I rarely pluck up courage! He looks great - it's a great burden for the younger members of many Orders I think. Even when I was at school young nuns entering a closed order in particular were taking all the work and a lot of nursing. Must be even worse now.

[Hazel]

@judithg

I surprised myself a bit! He was certainly a character. The public can visit St Cross which I think we will now do. Get our wayfarer's dole of ale and bread!

[Sian B]

lovely shot and story.

[helen]

Well done you for asking, and what a lovely smile he has! (The chip shop near the Almshouse does a great pea fritter too!)

[Hazel]

@shweetheart

Helen, thanks, I'll bear that in mind!

[Louise Davies]

You must try and find the other brothers and find out the reason for the name!! Great shot and lovely narrative!

[Mary]

Wonderful portrait. And a fascinating history of the hospital and almshouse. Thank you for sharing this with us.

[Daryl O'Hare]

Great street photography here with great narrative too!

[Julie Duncan]

Great candid shot! He looks like a nice fellow, not big and bad. :)

[Ness Santvoort]

great capture Hazel, he doesn't look big and bad to me rather sweet actually

[Jean]

Love it :)

[Karin Hirsch]

Great shot Hazel, this is still something I have to learn walk up to strangers and ask if I could take their photo, your very brave