On Wednesday 18th September, Rotarians Deborah Macartney and Diana Brooks, together with volunteer Cathedral Guide Pam Meir, welcomed 3 ladies from St Catherine’s View Dementia Care Home and their carers, Laura and Evie, to another of our Dementia Friendly Cathedral Tours.
Pam’s chosen subject was the intricately carved, early 14th century oak choir stalls. This is where the priory monks sang their daily offices and when they grew weary with long hours of standing, they sank down gratefully on to cleverly hidden, amusingly carved, tiny bottom supporting seats.
These 700 year old choir stalls are decorated with exquisitely carved tiny human figures plus a variety of animals, surrounded by luxuriant foliage. Our 3 guests and their carers were completely absorbed as Pam so eloquently explained the significance of these carvings. They were able to touch them and trace their shapes, providing a sensory experience. The autumn sun streamed through the cathedral windows casting a magical golden glow on the rich brown oak, throwing into relief the wonders of the workmanship of the carpenter responsible for such beauty – a Norfolk master carpenter called William of Lingwode.
After the well timed tour, not too long for our guests, we took them to the refectory for tea or coffee. The groups are deliberately kept small to enable us to hold an unhurried conversation with each of our guests, and their dedicated young carers for whom this is often their first introduction to the beauty and tranquility of our Winchester Cathedral.
Our next tour is planned or 16th October.
Diana Brooks
