Today not only did we welcome four guests from Winchester Heights Care Home, plus their two carers, but we also welcomed Sue Middleton, a cathedral guide and colleague of Pam Meir’s. We are delighted that Sue has joined our small team and we look forward to many interesting tours with her as our guide.
Sue showed our guests the intricately hand embroidered 1930’s cathedral cushions, created by a group of dedicated embroiderers. Sue placed the cushions on their laps, allowing them to feel the texture of the embroidery. Over the years many people have warmed and worn smooth with their ‘derrières’ the centres of these cushions – but the beautiful needlework is not damaged and the colours remain, offering a truly soothing visual and tactile experience.
Our guests and their carers were, as always, visibly emotionally moved by the grandeur and glory of our cathedral. Following the story of the cushions and the joy of feeling them, their eyes were drawn to the beautiful woodwork in the quire where they were sitting. Although not part of our tour, the choir stalls, created and carved in the early 14th century, gave our guests the opportunity to run their hands over the small, carved pulpit handrail and to feel the warmth and smoothness of the wood – a very pleasant tactile experience.
Our tour concluded with coffee and conversation in the cathedral café. Out thanks to the Winchester Heights Care Home for their hospitality here.
Our tours are fairly short, in consideration of our guests comfort. Our aim is to give each person visual and tactile experiences, surrounded by the majesty, beauty, and peace of spirit that being within the walls of our great cathedral offers to all those who enter.
Diana Brooks
