Latest news with #almshouse
Times
17-05-2025
- Times
Oh, Brother! Pensioner's 3,000-mile trip around Britain by bus
An 85-year-old pensioner is circumnavigating Britain in a 3,000-mile journey using only his free bus pass. Brother John Green's six-week adventure, travelling around England, Scotland and Wales, is to commemorate the 900th anniversary of the ancient almshouse he calls home. His 'Brother on a Bus' tour will take in 31 cities and towns to highlight the medieval Hospital of St Cross and Almshouse of Noble Poverty in Winchester, Hampshire. Green is a member of the Black Brothers who live at the Christian institution, providing tours for guests and supporting the community. They are usually single, divorced or widowers, and do not have to be religious. On his travels, he will be wearing the black gown and hat that all the men at the almshouse
Telegraph
08-05-2025
- Telegraph
Pensioner circumnavigates Britain on his free bus pass
A pensioner is circumnavigating Britain in an epic 3,000-mile journey using his free bus pass. Brother John Green's six-week trip will see him travel around England, Scotland and Wales to mark the approaching 900th anniversary of the almshouse where he lives. His 'Brother on a Bus' tour will see him visit 31 cities and towns as he aims to raise awareness of the medieval Hospital of St Cross and Almshouse of Noble Poverty in Winchester, Hants. Brother John, 85, will complete the trip dressed in the black gown and trencher hat that all 'brothers' residing at the almshouse are required to wear. 'I look a little bit different so people come up and talk to me,' he said. 'A lot of people are very friendly. I have learnt a lot about all sorts of things from people's lives. 'We get talking and they all think I'm absolutely bonkers, of course.' The retired businessman and book-binder has been living at the almshouse, which was founded in 1132, for 10 years. He was inspired to take action when several vacancies came up which took some time to fill, deciding it was time to spread awareness of the almshouse, which can house 25 men. Brother John set off on the meticulously planned route on May 1 in a 'blissful' vintage vehicle provided by King Alfred Buses with many well-wishers waving him off. He stayed in Brighton with four monks for his first evening of the trip. 'Which I can tell you is quite a different companion to the last time I was in Brighton,' he said. He has already secured places to stay at the majority of his stops, but is still looking for accommodation in Glasgow, Cardiff and Bangor. The trip has already seen its share of drama, thanks to roadworks in Great Yarmouth, which meant he was dropped off some distance away from the spot where the next bus was awaiting his arrival. A search party was sent out, and he was eventually put back on track in a bus to Cromer, Norfolk. Brother John's longest days will see him travel from around 9.30am to 6pm, with stops for lunch in various places, including Cromer, where he enjoyed the village's renowned crab. In preparation for potentially bumpy journeys, he had packed several cushion seats, but having decided the bus seats are 'perfectly comfortable', he has now left the cushions with a friend. He plans to travel Monday to Friday, carrying a copy of the book English Eccentrics, explaining: 'The weekends are for me to put my feet up and have a glass of gin and tonic. Celebration of resilience and community 'I'm staying with people most nights so they've very kindly been providing me with supper and a chat before a jolly good night's sleep.' 'I'm thoroughly enjoying myself,' he added. 'If you don't do something to keep yourself entertained, what would you do? 'This is more than a journey; it's a celebration of resilience, community, and gratitude. 'After finding belonging at St Cross during a tough time, I want to show others that it's never too late to find purpose – or to take a leap. 'I hope to show people that almshouses are not just places to live, but places to thrive. And at 85, I want to prove it's never too late for an adventure.' St Cross is a Grade I-listed building and has served as a home for the poor and needy since its foundation. The almshouse – the oldest form of charitable housing in the UK – is home to a small group of men aged 65 and over. Almshouses date back to the Middle Ages, with modern examples providing cheap social housing to older people in need. At St Cross, brothers enjoy a self-contained flat, dating back to the 15th century, and free monthly haircuts. Brother John's journey is expected to come to an end on June 17. Supporters can donate at
