A clutch of baby chicks was at the heart of a new partnership between Hayward Care Centre and Sixpenny Day Nursery in Devizes, marking the start of an exciting intergenerational initiative.

Children from Sixpenny Nursery visited Hayward for the first in a series of planned events designed to bring the youngest and oldest members of the community together. The stars of the day were newly hatched chicks, who delighted both residents and children as they cuddled, observed, and learned together.

Nylah - pictured above, aged 4, said about the chicks: “The orange chick loved me. It snuggled up to me. They feel tickly.”

Resident Malcom Bryant, also pictured above, shared his memories of chicken keeping with the youngsters: “I loved keeping chickens, and I never thought I would hold one again. I used to have old fashioned breeds, Rhode Island Reds and Light Sussex. We would place a hot water bottle inside a sock and tuck it into a carry cot to keep our chicks warm.” 

After cuddling the chicks, residents, team members, children and their teachers enjoyed refreshments together in the communal lounge.

Natasha Bishop, Nursery Manager, added: “Our children were fascinated by the chicks, but even more so by the chance to come out into the community and share a whole new experience with residents in the care home.”

Further events are already being planned together, to continue the learning, community spirit and connection between the generations.