A couple of days ago, I decided to take my camera and walk over the water meadows to the Hospital of St Cross and Almshouse of Noble Poverty, a favourite place of mine for peace and tranquility - and photographs.
I was trying to get a close-up of one of the British White Cattle which graze on the meadows when I heard noisy breath behind me and felt a pressure on my shoulder. Startled I turned round to find another one of the cattle getting a bit up-close and personal. So I quickly abandoned that photo.
At the almshouses, I found good shots in the Master's garden and the Norman church. Next I went into the Hundred Men's Hall and saw this lovely bright lady volunteer serving cakes and hot drinks. I ordered a slice of fruit cake and a mug of hot chocolate and found she is called Margot. She was happy to pose for some photos and to be in my strangers' project. I took just 4 shots and this one is my favourite.
Margot usually works as a volunteer on Monday morning and Saturday afternoon and was just filling in on that day so I felt fortunate to meet her. I asked how long she had been doing this voluntary work and she told me 25 years. I guess I looked a little surprised and I was then shocked when she went on to tell me that she will celebrate her 90th birthday this August. She says she has no idea of retiring from the tea room.
The family - 6 children, 10 grandchildren, 7 great grandchildren, who live all over the world - will be getting together with Margot for her birthday celebrations.
Sadly her husband died 4 years ago, aged 92 - but they had enjoyed a marriage of 62 years. He was a composer and musician, playing violin, viola and piano. Born and brought up in Wales, he was firstly a Welsh speaker and had to learn English when he started school. Margot described her husband as having 'a quirky sense of humour'.
Even as a child, Margot was always fascinated by science and finished her university degree in Biology when she was 19. She went on to a university post and was involved in research into the Rh factor in blood groups. After she had her children she needed to look for work more compatible with family life and became a teacher, still in her favourite subject.
Another passion for her is classical music - Beethoven, Bach, Brahms - and she is a pianist but had to let her piano go when she downsized house.
I asked the predictable question about factors contributing to a long life and the answer was 'hard work and take an interest in everything.'
Margot gave me her email address and I promised to send a photo or two. I thanked her for letting me take her photo and telling me her story and she reciprocated by thanking me for my interest.
By one of those really strange coincidences, the following day Ray and I were in Winchester and met Margot in the street.
I made the introductions. Ray told Margot that she is incredible. She recognised me as 'the camera lady'. I'm happy to be known as such.
Stunning portrait with wonderful detail and tones Hazel, she will love it I'm sure, what an interesting story, I don't know how you retail all that information to share with us 365er's:)
She is really quite incredible. A lovely, youthful face and looks nowhere near her 90 years. What an interesting lady and I am sure you will bump into her again.
One-word notes, Peter and try to write so I can read it aferwards. Thanks for your comment.
Thank you - so kind, Jackie. It's disproportionately time-consuming compared to other genres of photography but I love it.