Member Article

Tight-knit companions donate woolly jumpers to newborn lambs

A group of creative residents at Scarbrough Court care home in Cramlington have been knitting up a storm to help newborn lambs at Whitehouse Farm Centre near Morpeth stay warm this Easter.

The kind-hearted residents, all over 60, are part of the care home’s Knit & Natter group and regular visitors to Whitehouse Farm.

Following the atrocious weather in the form of ‘The Beast from the East’, they decided to get knitting to give the lambs some extra insulation in the cold weather and went along to see their colourful creations working their magic.

Dot Leddy, a care support worker at Scarbrough Court, which is run by the Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution (RMBI) Care Company, leads the Knit & Natter group supported by activities coordinator Stacey Hunter.

Dot said: “We have a great relationship with the team at Whitehouse Farm, some of our residents are living with health conditions including dementia and Parkinson’s, so taking part in stimulating activities and having the opportunity to interact with animals can be very beneficial.

“We’ve all enjoyed making the jumpers for the newborn lambs, what started off as an amusing plan to provide some extra insulation on chilly days really took off, we’ve donated 14 jumpers and we’re still at it!”

“It’s been great fun and incredibly rewarding for the group to meet the lambs and see our winter woollies keeping them snug. We always try to organise a range of activities to help residents stay connected with their local community and environment. Meeting and handling animals has proven very popular among our residents and we can see a direct positive impact on their health and wellbeing.”

Dawn Peters, events coordinator at Whitehouse Farm Centre, said: “We’ve been blown away by the kindness, time and effort the Knit & Natter group have put in to make the jumpers. They look fantastic and are doing an important job supporting the lambs in their first few weeks.

“It’s been lovely to welcome the group back to the Farm and see everyone enjoying themselves. Our partnership with Scarbrough Court is helping us to engage with older people in the local community, even though some experience physical or mental infirmities, age should not be a barrier to meeting people and enjoying new experiences.”

Whitehouse Farm Centre celebrates its 21st birthday this year. Working with local care homes, community groups and charities including MIND Active in Northumberland is enabling the Farm to reach out and share the ‘animal magic’.

To find out more go to www.whitehousefarmcentre.co.uk, Facebook: whitehousefarm or Twitter @WhitehouseFarm_.

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