How time flies when you have hens in the home...

Nesfield Lodge in Leeds received a visit last week from BBC Radio Leeds, who came to discover stories from the home and its feathered residents, two years after the HenPower project was launched. BBC Presenter Johnny I’Anson spent the morning with resident Ted Wilkinson, Activity Coordinator Dani and pupils from Sharp Lane Primary, who spoke about the many highs of being involved with the hens, including the varied arts projects they have worked on, and the opportunity to spend time with each other. “I can’t imagine the home without the hens now,” said Dani, who helped settle the hens two years ago when they first arrived. Since then, Dani has worked with external artists through the creative ageing charity, Equal Arts, to bring the HenProject to life in the home. Part of the success story has been establishing a strong relationship with the home’s local primary school. Different year groups from the school visit on a weekly basis, taking part in the varied activities in the home, and engaging with the hens and the residents.