Winchester, England

Winchester, England is a charming cathedral city in the county of Hampshire, rich with history, beauty, and spiritual depth. Once the capital of Anglo-Saxon England under King Alfred the Great, Winchester holds centuries of stories in its stone walls and quiet streets. Its most iconic landmark, Winchester Cathedral, is one of the largest in Europe and serves as both a place of worship and a symbol of enduring faith. The city’s connection to Christian heritage runs deep- from medieval pilgrimage routes like St. Swithun’s Way to the current life of Anglican worship and tradition that continues today. Jane Austen spent her final days in Winchester and is buried in the cathedral, adding literary significance to the city’s already rich cultural identity.

Today, Winchester blends the old with the new- a place where ancient Roman roads meet bustling farmers' markets, and Gothic architecture stands beside lively cafes and schools. As I begin my year serving at St. Swithun’s Girls School through the Young Adults in Global Mission program, I’m excited to experience this unique rhythm of life. The slower pace, the spiritual atmosphere, and the layers of history which make Winchester feel like more than just a city- it’s a place for reflection, growth, and connection. I’m excited to discover what it means to live intentionally and faithfully in a place where the past and present walk hand in hand.

About My Role :

I have the opportunity to be a Chaplain's Assistant this year! I will lead  Chapel on Sundays, lead confirmation groups throughout the week, provide pastoral care "open door" hours during the school day and plan other events with the Chaplain of the school around Holidays or special events. Something that they also took into consideration for my duties included my passion for intergenerational engagement. I will be taking girls over to a dementia care home once a week for tea and conversations, I will also get to visit the primary school on site to lead an assembly and activity each week! 

Another part of my responsibilities will be boarding house supervision. I will do night duty a few times each week as well as host activities for girls in the evenings and every other weekend!

I will share more specifics about what I am doing as I continuing blogging throughout the year, so stay tuned for more posts :)