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

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/
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
June 15th, 2013  
Great capture and story behind, Hazel!
June 15th, 2013  
@havrotb

Well I wondered that too! I think maybe it's an average - like having 2.6 children!!!
June 15th, 2013  
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.
June 15th, 2013  
@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.
June 15th, 2013  
What a great candid shot - Hazel !! Love the warmth in his smile !
June 15th, 2013  
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.
June 15th, 2013  
@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!
June 15th, 2013  
lovely shot and story.
June 15th, 2013  
Well done you for asking, and what a lovely smile he has! (The chip shop near the Almshouse does a great pea fritter too!)
June 15th, 2013  
@shweetheart

Helen, thanks, I'll bear that in mind!
June 15th, 2013  
You must try and find the other brothers and find out the reason for the name!! Great shot and lovely narrative!
June 15th, 2013  
Wonderful portrait. And a fascinating history of the hospital and almshouse. Thank you for sharing this with us.
June 15th, 2013  
Great street photography here with great narrative too!
June 16th, 2013  
Great candid shot! He looks like a nice fellow, not big and bad. :)
June 16th, 2013  
great capture Hazel, he doesn't look big and bad to me rather sweet actually
June 16th, 2013  
Love it :)
June 16th, 2013  
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
June 16th, 2013  
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