In Winchester we had a look at the Deanery Bookstall at the Cathedral.
We each found a book, total cost £3.50.
We were served by John, who works as a volunteer at the bookstall, and we naturally fell into a discussion of the value of books in our lives. I felt I needed to sort through mine but I am not good at disposing of them. John defined books as providing decoration as well as education and also becoming our friends.
At some point I remembered my camera and explained my strangers' project to John and asked if he would participate. He willingly agreed but was not interested in having a photo until he thought his children might like to see it. So he wrote down his email address for me.
John told me that he lives as a Brother at the Hospital of St Cross and Almshouse of Noble Poverty. I told him that I am a Friend of St Cross and visit often for photography and tranquility. I already knew that currently several of the 25 brothers living at the almshouses are called John and found that John who works at the bookstall is Brother John Number 7.
When I asked John about life before retirement, he said that he was 'in business' and when he retired, he studied bookbinding, which he now teaches.
The bookstall is open through the week in the summer and at weekends in the winter: we visited on a Sunday and found that on the Saturday before, £520 worth of books had been sold.
I think it's definitely time to have a trawl through my books and donate some to the Deanery Bookstall, especially as the message on the chalk board by the stalls of books tells that they will be 'received with joy and gratitude'.
A small and belated September update for 2024, where I am still, after many years' membership, on 365 Project, also now posting elsewhere but wanting...
You really do bring our the character of the person in your portraits, Hazel. This so detailed and he is really connecting with you. Great hat too! Perhaps a mini exhibition in Winchester of all your 'locals' :-)
I can feel Winchester calling me again! Had a girls' w/e there 3 years ago and I thoroughly enjoyed much of what was on offer in the time available. We're on the brink of deciding our next venue...
You meet very interesting people, or maybe it's because you take the time to talk to them and record their stories that they become more interesting. This is a really nice portrait you've captured here.
That's a fab portrait. Funny isn't it that you've been prevaricating over the books and now there's a perfect place to donate them to. It was meant to be. I did a bring and buy book evening for Guide Dogs once (well you know what I mean!) and made loads of money for very little effort - feel a bit sad about kindles!
Your portraits are always so lovely and you clearly have a knack of making people feel safe with how you will handle their image. Lovely story to read. Like @judithg I feel a bit sad about Kindles! Won't use one myself, I like a real book in my hand.
I'm wondering what the criteria for living as a brother at the Almshouses, is it a sort of retirement home & you don't need to be in religious life or do they actually become brothers by some sort of vocation & induction? Do they pay each week as in a private nursing home or work their passage sort of? They all look in good health & certainly seem to keep themselves busy.
Nice portrait & a good reminder to have a clear out of spare books. I feel no guilt about my kindle as book shops are doing very well at the moment I believe.
They are brothers, not monks; (the Hospital is a secular organisation) they pay rent, cannot own property, have to attend church each morning in their robes.
Nice portrait & a good reminder to have a clear out of spare books. I feel no guilt about my kindle as book shops are doing very well at the moment I believe.
They are brothers, not monks; (the Hospital is a secular organisation) they pay rent, cannot own property, have to attend church each morning in their robes.
It took me a few months to glean that info bit by bit!