Spot the Animal Walk!

On Tuesday 21st April, our volunteer befriender and Winchester Guide, Lorraine, took a group of children aged 5 to 13, along with their befrienders, on a wonderful animal-spotting walk around Winchester.

The adventure began at Peninsula Barracks, where Lorraine shared fascinating facts about the site and its rich, and at times troubled, history. From there, the group set off on a fun quest to discover animals hidden in all sorts of places as they made their way towards the Cathedral.

Along the route, the children spotted Hampshire hogs outside the county council offices, a horse with its naked rider near the law courts, blue birds painted by local artist Mrs Banksy, flamingos in a charity shop, and even a black swan on the corner of St Cross Road.

Everyone listened closely as Lorraine shared her knowledge about the origins of each animal and the stories behind them. It was a fantastic opportunity for both children and adults to learn more about the local area and its history.

The walk also included a quick stop at one of Lorraine’s favourite gravestones, that of poor Thomas Thetcher, a Grenadier in the North Regiment of Hampshire Militia, who died aged 26 from a violent fever because he drank a small beer whilst hot on 12 May 1764.

The afternoon ended in the sunshine in the Inner Close of the Cathedral, where everyone enjoyed snacks, drinks, and a chat about everything they had seen and learned.

One child shared “Lorraine knows a lot about Winchester, she is very knowledgeable. I really enjoyed the walk and will definitely come on the next one!”

It was a truly memorable afternoon full of discovery, learning, and fun for everyone involved.