On my most recent visit to the Hospital of St Cross and Almshouse of Noble Poverty, I was fortunate enough to encounter the Master. I introduced myself and my strangers' project and asked if he would participate. He told me his name and the answer was yes.
I took a couple of shots with the tall hedge outside the entrance to St Cross as a background. It was rather a bright early afternoon.
It seems perhaps a little irreverent not to refer to a priest as Reverend but Reg did introduce himself by his first name so I hope that is in order. He told me that he came to St Cross for two years and has currently been there eighteen. His career was as Padre in the Royal Navy.
After Reg retired from the Navy he managed the Seaman's Mission in Southampton from where he came to the almshouses in Winchester in 1999. He explained the role of Master at St Cross as having responsibility for the pastoral care of the Brothers living there. The Clerk and Deputy Clerk work on the day to day running of the establishment and carry out admin duties.
There are 25 Brothers at St Cross. They are not monks as it is a secular organisation but they attend matins in the Norman church every day wearing their robes.
I confess to being not a little surprised when Reg next suddenly said, "I ran away to sea aged 15". He continued and explained that he came back to study at university and then was ordained and followed his career in the Navy.
I asked about family and Reg told me he has a grown-up son and daughter who are twins, and a grandchild. He lost his wife at the beginning of this year. I said that I was sorry to know this, and it is obviously a difficult time still for him.
In his free time, Reg likes painting in oils, particularly landscape scenes. He took one of my little cards but was happier to write his own email address on the reverse and give it back to me. I shall send him his portrait and one or two other shots taken in the Master's Garden.
I am a Friend of St Cross, which, for me, is not only a 'go-to' place for photography but also for peace and tranquillity. A thank you to Reg for participating in my project.
more associated images here:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/150442566@N07/28227266288/in/dateposted-public/
The Master lives in a separate house. The brothers all live alone in the brothers' quarters - individual flats.