Description
If you are lucky enough to visit Worcester you can’t fail to notice the many, many swans that reside in the stretch of the River Severn that runs through the heart of the city. Worcester’s Swan Sanctuary was set aside in the early 1980s to care for and protect these majestic birds.
In the same timeframe the foundations were being laid for a hospice in South Worcestershire. Now in its fortieth year, St Richard’s Hospice provides a haven for patients living with serious progressive illnesses, their loved ones and bereaved people.
Audio read by: Trevor Owens from BBC Hereford and Worcester
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Artist
Pocket Wren
Artist and illustrator, Helen, has a professional background of working predominantly within the children’s book market and sees Pocket Wren as an excuse to produce things that are a little more grown-up…although not too much!
Helen is originally from Yorkshire but now, having made the controversial move across the Pennines works from her home studio in Lancashire. Her love of the great outdoors influences her work significantly, with the nature and wildlife of the British landscape being her favourite subjects.
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Location
01. The Quay (fountains)
The Quay at Worcester is one of the city’s best places for those seeking a leisurely retreat.
Towpaths developed in the 19th century which allowed horses to help pull cargo-laden ships along the river have today become promenades for pleasure seekers whilst warehouses which were once noisome spaces filled with goods and gruff workers have become places of relaxation and fine dining.
More about this location
01. The Quay (fountains)
A familiar and important part of this historical riverscape which helps frame the view of the city from the west are the cluster of old warehouses occupied today by flats and Brown’s restaurant.
The oldest of these buildings, not visible from the river is the late Georgian house to the rear of the property which accommodates the main entrance to the restaurant. This is believed to have been the house of a wealthy merchant dating from the late 18th century. Large symmetrical windows decorated with fluted keystones reflect the architectural tastes of the period.
This location fact has been provided by Joe Tierney of Faithful History. To learn more stories of the ancient city of Worcester, spanning thousands of years of history in ‘The Faithful City’, visit https://www.facebook.com/faithfulhistoryworcester
Take home your own feathered friend
In October 2024 all 40 large penguins and one chick will be auctioned to raise funds for the care provided by St Richard’s Hospice.
In 2021, 31 stunning elephant sculptures raised a mammoth £368,800 to support the care provided by St Richard’s Hospice across Worcestershire.
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