Friends of St Cross Winchester

Brothers gathering for the interment of the ashes of the much loved Master Reg Sweet in the Masters' Graveyard.

Emeritus Brother Andrew's harvest 'installation' in the chapel of St Cross, above the tomb of the 13th Century Master, Peter Seymour.

Two new Brothers were gowned on Friday. Brother Andrew (on the Master's right) and Brother Alec (on the Master's left). Both were given complimentary Friends' welcome packs by our Chairman, John Pringle.

John Pringle hands over a cheque to Jonathan Portal, Chairman of the Trustees of the Hospital of St Cross, at the AGM last month. Many thanks to those Friends who worked hard to organise our events and who came to support us, which enabled us to donate such a fantastic sum.

The borders in the Master's Garden are all looking spectacular as we head into midsummer. This view is dominated by mounds of Santolinia with its buttons of yellow flowers, and the tall flowering Yuccas. On the left in the background is Matthew's potting shed.

@AlastairBruce_ @SkyNews @hospitalofstx And we love having you as our Patron. Thank you so much for your support!

@friends_cross @SkyNews @hospitalofstx Always a pleasure! #Winchester’s 12th century Hospital of St Cross is a treasure of English History, wrapped in the tradition of #charity & committed to reaching out to new generations! I love the place: always have😊

As Patron of Friends of Hospital of St Cross, Winchester, I attended summer Garden Party & gave talk about covering Funeral of #PopeFrancis & #Conclave for #PopeLeoXIV on @SkyNews @hospitalofstx @friends_cross

We have waved John off on his journey! Join us and support John on his epic travels across the UK by bus! #bob2025 #almshouses #stagecoach #brotherjohn #WinchesterPride youtu.be/O4ukmMmPeRI

Brothers Clive and John ringing the St Cross bells (all two of them) at the VE Day service this evening

Meet John! An 85-year-old almshouse resident who is travelling the UK by bus on a 6-week journey to promote #almshouses & community life. #BrotherOnABus #BOB2025 Read more here: almshouses.org/news/brother-j…

There are many interesting plants in flower at the moment but perhaps none so spectacular as this Ceanothus covered in fantastic deep blue flowers. It is just on the left as you enter the Master's Garden and enjoys the well drained soil and the shelter of the wall.

The JustGiving page to support him is justgiving.com/campaign/broth…

The oriental hellebores are coming into flower now. There is a good selection of hybrids at St Cross, but because the flowers hang down, you need to bend down and look upwards to fully appreciate the markings.

On Thursday 30th January, we were thrilled to welcome the Trustees, Brethren and Staff from @friends_cross The visitors from St Cross enjoyed a Guided Tour of the site and living accommodation from our Brethren and a lunch hosted by the Lord Leycester in the Great Hall!

A visiting group of Brothers, Trustees and staff were most handsomely and hospitably welcomed by the Master and Brothers @LordLeycester in Warwick yesterday. Ideas exchanged and friendships made. A memorable day. @AlmshouseAssoc

Very successful Friends' reception last night in the Brethrens's Hall. Delighted to welcome both our Patrons and to hear @AlastairBruce_ giving us a rousing speech as usual. Congratulations to him on being awarded the Most Honourable Order of the Bath.

Happy Christmas evening from the Friends of St Cross. There is a lovely tranquility about the place tonight after the hustle and bustle of Christmas.

Nineteenth Century graffiti of the Duke of Wellington hidden away in the attic above the north aisle @hospitalofstx .

This is the view through the window in the mysterious room above the chapel porch @hospitalofstx. We were told that the cobwebs are Grade 1 listed and are not to be touched 😂

A golden carpet of Gingko leaves brightens up an otherwise gloomy day by the entrance @hospitalofstx