Bonnets, bunnies and baby birds - Easter fun at Doveleigh Care | Local News | News | Sidmouth Nub News

Residents and staff at Doveleigh Care's homes celebrated Easter with masks and bonnets, plenty of sweet treats … and some real baby chicks.

Each of the three care homes – Arcot House in Sidmouth, Dove Court in Seaton and Doveridge in Colyton – hatched a group of chicks in an incubator and residents were then able to handle the baby birds during the Easter weekend. The eggs are supplied by an ethical poultry company, Incredible Eggs, which provides 'hatching kits' to schools and other organisations. Once the chicks are hatched, the company will take them back on to one of its farms if the host organisation doesn't want to keep them.

As well as enjoying the chicks, some of the residents had visits from relatives who brought Easter presents for them. Senior manager, Samantha Evens said, "We had a variety of activities; art and crafts, making our own salt dough ornaments, bunny masks, bonnets and of course eating lots of chocolate. We also had Bunny Hoopla. Staff member Lizzie made a traditional Easter cake with mini eggs etc on top, millionaire's shortbread and cookies with Easter toppings. Staff enjoyed spending time with residents at Easter and joining in the fun."

For those residents who wanted to 'attend' Easter church services, there was the opportunity to watch them via Skype or YouTube.