En route to collect my replacement lens hood from the camera shop, I went into the town church located opposite. St Lawrence is only visible as a church at ground level by the entrance door, being tightly sandwiched between shops and other commerce. I was taking a few shots inside when Ann came in and we naturally fell into conversation.
Ann is a parishioner of St Lawrence and also responsible for the flower arrangements. She gives much of her time to voluntary work.
Firstly she told me about being a street pastor: once a month she goes out, in a group of three volunteers (male & female), on to the streets of Winchester from 10 o'clock on a Friday night until 3 o'clock on a Saturday morning.
The people who are helped are mostly homeless or youngsters the worse for drink. The street pastors talk to people, provide practical help, call paramedics if necessary.
A light touch Ann told me is that if a girl has got drunk and has kicked off and lost her shoes, the pastors have flip flops to give them.
All the churches in Winchester participate in this scheme.
As a member of the Southampton and Winchester Visitors Group, Ann also helps asylum seekers and refugees, seeing an individual weekly and helping them, say, find a language class or to seek legal help.
The third charity with which Ann volunteers is called Friends of the Family and befriends children needing support within their family. This support not only benefits the children concerned but the whole family.
Ann asked me how I got into photography and afterwards told me she is going on a photographic holiday to Rajasthan and she had been a bit worried as she just takes photos on her iPad mini. But she had spoken with the organiser who explained that will not be a problem.
I hope she'll have a wonderful time and, although I've done a few bits of voluntary work in the past, I am in awe of all that she does
A beautiful portrait of this charismatic lady -- you have really captured the warmth in her smile . I admire her for all of her charitable work -I have an ex pupil, a mother and a teacher herself who works in her church and is also a Street Pastor -- such amazing work they do !! fav
Hazel I really like the softness of this portrait. I absolutely enjoyed the story of this lady volunteer work. i have done some volunteer work, not sure who reaped the greatest reward the folks I was helping or myself for being able to help my fellow human being. Great Commentary. Thank You!
There are such good people about, puts you to shame sometimes! Ann is a very stylish lady who knows how to use colour. I expect she will be very good at photography with expert composing talents. How does she find the time?
Wonderful portrait of Ann wrapped in her beautiful scarf I admire her for all the voluntary work she does the world is a better place with such kind people.
I love her story, so delightfully documented... but her portrait is super. So much of her personality comes through. You are getting much better at these... good work!
What a beautiful photo, so colourful and a lovely story too. Ann reminds me very much of the Australian photographer Robyn Beeche. Robyn was born in Sydney and travelled extensively, she lived in London and also in India. I knew Robyn when she lived in Shoal Bay, close to where I live. Sadly she passed away in August.
Lovely portrait - you can see the warmth of the lady's personality before reading the caption. Nice light and good dof too.
I have no religion but admire those who put the principles of their faith into practice to make a difference for good in the world.
superb portrait haze, i like the details and sharpness in your shot of Ann. You got this shot spot on.
We have street pastors in Nottingham and the flip flop replacement shoe service is available on our streets too :)
Beautiful picture of a beautiful lady. I love that you told her story. She is very inspiring and so are you! I like that you realized you were waiting for her in the other collage.
October 25th, 2015
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Yes, I've sent Ann a copy via email. I always offer, most people, but not all, accept.
Babs, that's interesting, thank you. I look forward to reading about Robyn Beeche, have found a few sites and her portrait photo too.
I have no religion but admire those who put the principles of their faith into practice to make a difference for good in the world.
We have street pastors in Nottingham and the flip flop replacement shoe service is available on our streets too :)