bhwt newsletter winter 2009

8/14/2019 BHWT Newsletter Winter 2009

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Battery Hen Welfare TrustWorking to inspire a Free Range Future

Registered Charity No: 1109060

Dear Supporters

As sure as eggs is eggs my passion is the best motivation I could wish for and after six years doing what I love most, I seethe beginnings of success. As well as growing as a charity, were influencing and through that influence thousands morehens are permanently leaving behind their cages to enjoy a free range life. Just think of all those hens laying eggs forHellmans mayonnaise,

once they were in cages now they are freeranging. You helped usachieve that nicefeeling isnt it. Youll seelots more evidence inthis issue of how withyour help, we arechanging commercialegg production -consumer power worksand its beginning toshow.

As well as highlightingour collectiveachievements, theres abumper double pagespread of chilly chickenswho have opted for thecosy life now winter isapproaching; we areproud to invite you to

join us at the NationalPoultry Club Show forthe very first time and

we introduce you to twoof our very youngestcampaigners.

All that together withnews of our emergenceon the political scene,your funny ex-bat talesand our 2009 Christmascards and gifts, meansId better shut up and letyou get on withreading ...there's even

an extra four pages thistime!

JaneX

Newsletter No 21

www.bhwt.org.uk

Phone: 01769 580310

Email: [email protected] Parks, Chulmleigh, Devon, EX18 7EJ

2009


2/15

We like to pop up in all sorts of different places, that

way we reach different audiences. We were thrilled

when Joules clothing company said they wanted to

include us on their website and in their seasonal

magazine. Joules began selling country clothes at

county shows in 1980; they offer tradition with a twist,

practicality and style. Their summer feature on

chickens proved popular with their readers so they

mentioned us again in the autumn issue.

The past few monthshave provided moregreat evidence of our

growing influence. For starters weve been on Countryfileagain! Adam Henson, Countryfile presenter, was so impressedwith his ex-bats he covered their progress in a follow up showin August. The ex-bats fared incredibly well in their free rangeenvironment and a comparison with their organiccounterparts showed little difference in condition after justa few months. Excellent!

We also appeared on BBC Radio Stoke, BBC RadioWales and in the Times.

Finally we appeared in Country Lifesprestigious list of 100 most powerful groups inthe UK today. We featured at No 82, just twobehind David Cameron and several ahead ofHRH Zara Phillips! We were only animalwelfare group featured and this is what theywrote:Battery Hen Welfare Trust, which educates the

public about the egg industry in a remarkably

sensible and non-hysterical way, seeking to

build only positive, constructive relationships

with the egg industry and numbers Jamie

Oliver, the Duchess of Richmond and Amanda

Holden among its Patrons. Yep, sounds like

us!

Adam Henson


3/15

If you would like to find out more about fundraising for the BHWT, please contact Lisa Tate on 01769 580310

The big and rather pleasantsurprise this time around wasthe amazing success of the

Everyclick.com Fiat 500competition. Email supporterswho receive our monthly FreshLaid News Bulletin were invitedto buy a 2 ticket to win anadorable retro bubble car (Ivegot one and confirm theyreadorable) with 1.90 comingdirect to the charity. Within 24hours nearly 1,200 had been

raised by our fantastic supporters. Thank you ALL so much for taking part,this money will hopefully be put towards a vehicle just a little bigger than a

bubble car! Well show you when weve got it!

Ali Woodruff, who was kindenough to adopt our100,000th ex-bat back in

August 2008, turned thebig 4-0 this year and raised100 in birthdaydonations ... much betterthan unwanted presies!Thank you Ali, were reallygrateful.

Sylvia Butcher raised 37.95 by adopting 12 ex-bats and challenging her class of school children to choose names

far more healthy than penny sweets! The names the children chose were Miss Chuckles; Hattie; Hendrow;

Lottey; Manny; Rosie; Fluffy; Emily; Melody; Miss Einstein; Huw and Grace.

A big thank you to Linda Parkinson and everybody at Vertex Data Sciences who manage the National Trustmembership scheme. Their Go Green charity initiative recently raised 326 for us which more than covered thecosts involved in getting out 2000 hens in one weekend in October. On behalf of all 2000, thank you.

The Screwball Rally (akaThe Chicken Run) was agreat success with PaulLeyfield, Marcus Sticklandand Keith Richings alltaking part to raise moneyfor us. The 2,200 mile tripthrough six countries infive days in a car worth nomore than 750 was a bitof a challenge. The BHWTstickers drew muchattention, including fromthe German police.Having stopped the car tocheck out what they weredoing, they then signedthe stickers and sent themon their way! It seems the girls impressed the German police to the extent thatother cars stopped were asked if they, too, were on the 'Chicken run'! The guyshave raised over 500 and are already planning the next one! FAB!

Finally, if you are one of the lucky few to have received a place in the 2010 Virgin London

Marathon, would you be willing to make it a chicken run and raise funds for the BHWT? If

you would, Lisa would love to hear from you and can be reached on 01769 580310 or by

email at [email protected]. Thanks!

Jeanette Carpenter makes andsells pretty handmade cards onour behalf and recently sent usa much appreciated 30 lovely!

Regular supporter and carboot sale wizard, LeightonDyer, raised anotherwhopping 151. Leightonnot only raises funds for us,he hands out leaflets,answers questions aboutthe charity andwrites theloveliest letters to us at HenCentral in Devon! Thankyou Leighton!


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In a recent survey retail analyst, IGD, found that despitethe credit crunch price conscious consumers didntabandon their welfare principles and as a result freerange egg sales were higher than last year. I like tothink we had a little bit to do with that, encouraging salesin our positive, tasty eggy sort of way.

IGD studied consumers TV viewing habits too andestablished that food programmes were amongst themost popular. Each of Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstallschicken programmes gained 3.6 million viewers with onlytwo programmes beating ratings during the same period,one of which was Jamies Fowl Dinners with 4 millionviewers ... thatll be the programme the BHWT had ahand in from concept to screening then!

Interestingly IGD found the public seemed to have ahigher opinion of farmers than farmers had ofthemselves with farmers being rated as hardworking,down to earth and professional by the majority of the

public.

More evidence of strong consumer ethics was shown at the Pig & Poultry Fair earlier this year when farmers, industry figuresand consumers were asked to vote on whether they thought price was the most important thing to shoppers whilst 92% offarmers and 82% of industry figures thought it was, only 39% of consumers agreed. I believe all of us could have toldfarmers the reason for these stats and the answer was pushed home when they were asked Which of the following do youfeel is most important to shoppers? Rearing method, local produce, environmental impact or added health benefits? Animpressive 63% of consumers voted for rearing method as being the most important factor just what we want to hear!

Unsurprisingly 100% of farmers and industry figures agreed that increased poultry feed costs etc, should be spread acrossthe supply chain, including the consumer. The surprise to farmers was that 84% of consumers agreed! Evidence thatperhaps were finally beginning to understand and accept our role in the food supply chain, lets hope so.

I hope the BHWTs influence has slowly brought more understanding to what makes the caged industry tick. Perhaps having

a clearer vision of our role in the production of food, as well as a closer connection through our gorgeous girls, we can seehow putting blame and criticism aside, it is possible to work towards a mutually beneficial goal. Its what I love most aboutthe BHWT, everyone benefits we enjoy more ethically produced eggs, the farmers benefit from our support & loyalty andour dear girls well you know the benefits of fresh air and sunshine!

My neighbours got some battery hens. This cant be right you tell me if this is right one of ems

just laid an egg!My hens have just stopped laying and rattling a roasting tin has made no difference whatsoever!

Id like three hens please.

What sort of house do you have?

A bungalow with three bedrooms, dear...is that alright?

Gaynor was tempted to ask if that would be a bedroom each then!

Gaynor helps out on re-homing days too and knew the girls she was placing into snug straw filled crates were going to a good

home as each hen was given a carefully chosen name by her kindly new owner... Henrietta, Ethel, Peggy, Mabel,

Agatha ... Glockenspiel ...Glockenspiel?! Quizzical looks gained no explanation and he continued ... Marjory,

Esmerelda, Hermioneand so on! We could only hope that Glockenspiel would not be forever weighed down by her newmoniker!

Gaynor Davies recently joined Hen Centralin Devon, as well as helping me care for the100+ feathered oddbods that amble in their

wonky fashion around North Parks, Gaynor also deals with countless henenquiries by phone and email. Here is just a few she has recently dealt withthat made us giggle:

AMUSING ANSWERS!


5/15

DanHartknowsthattheaverageex-batladywilljumpthroughhoopsforatastyworm!

The British Lion you see on shop bought eggs gives you information about the production method of the eggs and is proof thatyoure eating a British egg. 3 = a caged egg, 2 barn, 1 free range and 0 organic. However, there is currently no means ofknowing where egg ingredients used in processed foods such as albumen, dried egg etc, have been sourced. To give you anexample, you could be tucking into a British made cake that contains dried egg that could have been laid by caged hens in Indiaand, yes, we do currently import dried egg from India!

This completely takes away our right to choose, its a threat to the British egg industry which is investing heavily in improvedsystems and its most certainly not fair to the hens beyond the shores of the EU who we are unable to reach with welfarecontrols. Ive mentioned before that the Ukraine is currently putting up our old caged systems as fast as our farmers are pulling

them down! And weve had enquiries in a similar vein to this one below which came from Papua New Guinea of all places:

THE BRITISH LION CODE

From: RuebenSent: 09 July 2009 10:19To: [email protected]: Battery Cages supplyDear sir or Madam,I am interested to know of whom I shall contact to obtain a viable information of how I could work through to Battery cagespricing and other import information.Please could anyone your end be a help to me? Thanks, Reuben

Legally we cannot prevent eggs coming into the UK on welfare grounds and this is why its ever more important that foodmanufacturers commit to using British eggs so we can be sure we are purchasing food produced to ethical standards. Its with

this labelling issue in mind that I move onto my next piece of news

I have always felt incredibly blessed when it comes to building a strong team and Dave Neale, who contacted me last year, isanother example of the high calibre volunteer were proud to welcome on board. Dave has a wealth of experience in thepolitical scene and loves nothing more than digesting legislation and building strategies that work. Our core aim to build abridge between welfare and commerce, in a nutshell, is right up Daves street!

Heres Daves report on his first assignment for the BHWT ... at London Zoo with David Cameron:

In early September I was invited to attend a David Cameron speech on animal welfare to discuss policy undera future Conservative government. The event was hosted at London Zoo.

The focus was farm animal welfare in the UK and David Cameron made reference to the forthcoming 2012ban on the conventional battery cage across the EU. He also discussed the Conservative Partys concernsregarding the potential impact the ban will have on UK and EU farmers.

The production of battery eggs in non-EU countries is likely to be cheaperthan in the UK where farmers have invested heavily in higher welfaresystems. The consequence could be increased imports of battery eggsand cramped conditions for millions more hens outside the EU.

Of course we welcome the development of stricter welfare legislation foregg laying hens, but we also want to see farming remain strong herewhere there is a desire to improve welfare standards. The alternative tohigh welfare here is increased production in eastern European and Asiancountries which often lack basic animal welfare legislation.

We would like to see the Conservative Party support the followingmeasures:

1. Production method labelling for food products containing eggs.This will allow consumers to choose high welfare foods whichcontain egg derivatives, such as cakes & pastries and choosenot to buy products which contain eggs from battery caged hensraised outside Europe

2. The introduction of a code 4 to differentiate shell eggs producedin enriched cages from those produced in conventional batterycages (code 3) on non-EU farms.

I spoke to the Shadow Secretary of State for DEFRA, Nick Herbert MP onthese issues and he gave initial support for our campaigns. I have nowwritten to Nick Herbert and await further official endorsment for ourinitiatives - welfare improvements for egg laying hens and support for UKegg farmers. Ill keep you up to date.

Dave Neale.


6/15

Olga and Jane

We get a lot of support from young ex-bat keepers and love to hear the tales and antics of their hens. And sometimes we hearfrom young people simply bursting to join our crusade ... and Jessica Jones is one of them, heres what she wrote recently:

Dear Sir/Madam

I am a 10 yr old pupil from Wales and am VERY,VERY,VERYcross about caged hens. One day I went to school in a chicken outfit with

banners and broken cages! I am only young but am determined to STOPCAGING HENS! I am planning to write to Barack Obama and Gordon

Brown to stop caging. Please can you send me some banners and posters

to hang up. I have made 10.15 with my outfit and have sent it with this

letter.

Yours sincerely, Jessica Jones

PS My friend Lucy helped me a lot too.

PPS I also attach my petition. (signed by pupils and teachers)

Jessica Jones you remind me ofme a long time ago! Well put a smile on your face, arm you with positive campaignmaterials, point you in the right direction and then let you loose on the world!

Matthew Mayell wrote an email recently jam packed with excitement and enthusiasm, heres what hes doing with the leafletsand posters we sent him:

GUARDIAN LLAMAS BEST FRIENDS FOR HENS by Michelle Garner

So you want some hens, but have a family of foxes next door?

You have a large flock and cant keep them in a secure run?

Your land makes electric fencing difficult and unreliable? Ever

thought of llamas?

Well first lets get this one out of the way, no, they dont spit

UNLESS you are a vet sticking a needle in. A llama that spits

randomly without provocation has had bad experiences with

people and this is unusual.Llamas (and smaller cousins, alpacas) are members of the

camel family originating from South America. The alpaca is

bred primarily for its fleece, but they make excellent guardians

for your hens too.

Llamas can be kept out all year although would appreciate

some simple field or natural shelter offering protection from

wet or hot weather. They are hardy and generally healthy,

needing the same vaccinations as goats and sheep. They have

soft padded feet, can live for 20+ years and eat less weight for weight than a sheep with the added bonus they dont usually

need shearing.

It is important to do some research and visit websites such as the British Llama Society which has links to breeders all over

the country. Although pet llamas should be kept in groups of at least two, the guardian llama works alone, being brought

up to consider the hens, sheep or other animals in his field to be his herd. The guardian llama is a gelded male, which has

been brought up with other llamas to be friendly yet respectful towards people and other livestock including familiar dogs.

He will keep his charges in sight and if a predator such as a fox or an unknown dog comes onto his

territory he will approach with his head held low to the ground, gathering speed as he approaches.

This is usually enough to send the predator packing, but if the llama gets close enough they will

strike with their front legs and can make unique growling and gurgling noises. I have two llamas and

have seen them chase foxes and a dog from their field.

They take a great deal of interest in the hens who in turn take delight in chasing the llamas as much

as the llamas try to herd the hens! Llamas are great as pets, but aren't cuddly and tolerate physicalcontact with people rather than enjoy it. They can be aloof, yet inquisitive and gentle, are fun to take

for walks and generally walk well on a lead. Want to know more? You will discover a whole

community of llama keepers out there who have been keeping these wonderful animals a big secret!

For more information, please contact www.britishllamasociety.org

Jessica Jones


7/15

Olga and JaneBishop Simon Barrington-Ward

Play your part... PLEASE dont just

throw away your newsletter - hand itto a friend, a work colleague or a family member. If you donthave any of those, leave it in a doctors surgery, a vet practiceor pet shop. Please ask permission first and please alwaysKeep Britain Tidy, but if your simple action resulted in a fewmore hens being adopted or someone changing their shoppinghabits think how pleased youd be. DONT FORGET!

LOSE THE NEWS!

Hi, its Matthew. Thanks a lot for the posters and flyers! Ive put

one poster on my wall and some keys on my keyring duh!

Everything arrived today in a funny looking tube! Some of my

friends at school are showing a big interest in what Im doing as

well as a couple of teachers and work assistants!

Apart from our coop, my Dad is thinking of making some changes to

the big shed at the end of our garden so that we could have more ex-

battery hens in the near future.

Thanks again. Matthew Mayell (aged 12).

When we told Matthew that wed like to include a piece about him inour newsletter he responded with

My friends would be truly 'gob-smacked' to see me in their favourite

newsletter!

Matthew now has a Justgiving page with a fundraising target of 15;he provides lots of information about the charity and this is his message to those that sponsor him:

Well done Matthew, keep up the good work young man.

Mathew Mayell

1. Between 800-1,000 MILLION laying hens are

kept in China, the majority are in cages.

2. Did you know the tiny blood spots sometimes

found in eggs are also known as meat spots. Most

commonly located in the albumen they are

occasionally found on an egg yolk too. Contrary topopular opinion, these tiny spots do not indicate a

fertilized egg, they are caused by the rupture of a

blood vessel on the yolk surface during formation

of the egg or by a similar accident in the wall of

the oviduct.

Less than 1% of all eggs produced have blood

spots and although most eggs with blood spots

are removed in the packing process, it is

impossible to catch all of them. As an egg ages,

the yolk takes up water from the albumen to

dilute the blood spot so, in actuality, a blood spotindicates the egg is fresh. Both chemically and

nutritionally, these eggs are fit to eat. The spot

can be removed with the tip of a knife, if you wish.

3. The breed of hen directly influences the colour

of the egg shell she lays. It is estimated that 50%

of eggs produced in the world are brown and 50%

are white!

There's nothing better than seeing a rescued hen standing and glancing at the sky for the very firsttime, at the very beginning of her new free-range retirement! Thank you - Matthew.


8/15

With the chilly weather outside, these girls

decide that indoors is the place to be!

Lizzie Wiffins hento watch a

Im just plumping up your cushionssays Danielle Wards hen Belina!

A very posh hen don't you think!Kim Hardys hen Byriani enjoys the royal treatment!

lo

Can someone shut the door please ...its a bit draftyhere! say Sally Hawkins hens Dusty and Dixie

SallyLillington's girls

checking outthe nice warmconservatory. Could you bring me a cup of tea please...? Andrea

Newburys hen Heather makes herself at home!

BHWT Co-ord Fi Gibsons hen helps herself to lunch!

Dory takes a bath before retiring to the sofaspot of telly with rescue dog Grommit!

Mmm nice flooring, though I must say I prefer shavingsmyself says Lesley Lucas hen Maisie.

Maria Tudors hen Kevin ( yes Kevin!) takes aok at the new fangled dish washing equipment!

A


9/15

I was lucky enough to be invited to a Free Range EggBreakfastheld by our lovelypatrons, Harbour & Jones, recently in Londons West End. The event was anopportunity for their clients to see a conference facility for which Harbour & Jonesprovide the catering. I was delighted to be able to represent the Charity and

pleased to report we were well received with lots of support for our work fromclients. Hidden eggs was naturally a hot topic as we enjoyed a never endingselection of delicious eggy breakfast treats all laid by British hens. I ate the bestomelette I have ever tasted!

Eggs in a can? Whatever next and worth a closer look I thought as Iknow a lot of keen cooks will be trying to save a little time here and thereas they make their puds, cakes and mince pies in prep for Christmas.Lakeland are selling a spray egg glaze thats suitable for vegetariansbut sadly not made using free range eggs (good on Lakeland for statingthis though). Best make a little time and then use a real British freerange egg and buy some ready roll pastry instead then!

What about an alternative to Christmas cake this year? Our lovely supporter, KateShirazi remember her, shes the one that got some ex-bats, baked some cupcakes touse up the eggs and now has a thriving cupcake business and is currently writing herthird baking book chocolatey version I think! Kate is taking orders right now forChristmas cupcakes. Heres just a sample of what she does, but do take a look at herwebsite, www.cakeadoodledo.co.uk, cause theres so much more and its ever sopretty!

Described as food artistry from the soul, Popina has sumptuous delights available online atwww.popina.co.uk. Youll also find a list of stockists and markets that they attend.

Harbour & Jones

Cakeadoodledo

Please remember the small independents in your local area and farmers markets too; just ask about the eggs first! Jayne X

PS: If you are a British food manufacturer using free range eggs Id love to hear from you contact me at [email protected]

Country Fare has been employing local farmers wives and daughters since 1999 and is a member ofMade in Cumbria and The Guild of Fine Food Retailers. Youll also find a list of stockists on theirwebsite at www.country-fare.co.uk. Tel: 017683 71173.

Burtree House Farm prides itself on quality and attention todetail with its award winning Christmas pud and cakes! Theeggs come from their own flock of 700 free range hens.See www.burtreehousefarm.co.uk or [email protected].

If youre a traditionalist dont forget to buy a free range Christmas pud lots of major supermarkets now offer free range versionsand heres a few other examples for the discerning consumer:


10/15

Dave Neale, our newpolitical front man,also seconds asSupport Co-ordinatorto Michelle Boulton inCornwall. Dave andhis wife, Amanda,

regularly roll theirsleeves up at a farmand get involved in allaspects of a re-homing day. I meetthem both regularly atlocal farms anddespite the busy daywe usually manage tofind a few moments tohave a chat as wework. Dave is UKDirector for the

Animals AsiaFoundation, a HongKong based charity

whose aim is to end cruelty and restore respect for animals throughout Asia.They campaign to help the bears kept in bile farms, as well as dancing andfighting bears and Dave makes regular trips to meet with government officialsand see the bears that have been saved from their miserable life. Daves wife,Amanda is an artist and has recently had her work exhibited as part of the DavidShepherd Wildlife Artist ofthe Year exhibition at TheMall Galleries in London -heres her entry; isnt thisbear beautiful. Amandamet this former dancingbear in India and althoughhe is now in a safe haventhe emotional damage hesuffered is demonstrated byhis constant paw suckingand the scarring on hisnose is a physical reminderof his previous life.

Remember the wholly happy hens in Cambridge? Well the girls havecontinued their good works in converting the parish to free range! Heresthe latest from the Reverend Philipa King:

A record day yesterday 9 eggs and 7 for each day before that! We arewalking a parish pilgrimage tomorrow...eighteen miles from Cambridge toEly...we're carrying two eggs neatly packaged as presents for theBishops of Ely and Huntingdon from the holy hens of Cambridge...andthe not so holy parishioners and Rector! Sheila has made some cardssaying 'With compliments from the wholly happy hens'. The oldermembers of the congregation are disproportionately pleased when theyreceive a surprise egg and card on their doorsteps...they greet it withmore delight than a visit from the Rector...we should just get more hens

to do our pastoral visits for us!Kind regards, PhilipaThen this arrived:

Thought you'd like this...the whole parish has gone 'hen mad' we'rehaving a competition for the best hen song...which will be reverently sangto the hens. This one's from Sheila, my partner in crime and ouradministrator. Kind regards, Philipa

Alison Ingram, works with Sarah Hall& Mel Catley in Sussex and she, too,has an amazing talent; this is one ofher ex-bats. Isnt it a simply beautifulpainting.

Of course we haveour home grown

talent in Lisa Popeand you can seeher super lovelyChristmas card

designs at the endof the newsletter

along with details ofour Christmas 2010

competition.

David & Amandas pampered hens,Peggy & Lotty

Well, you can tell by the way I use my cluckIm a wholly happy hen, ( wholly happy hen)Me and my flock cant believe our luckAs our feathers grow again (feathers grow again)And now its all right, its OKWe can scratch and run and play.Give us a little pat or a strokeWell even lay a double yolk.

Whether were a broody or whether weve justlaidWere stayin alive, feelin alive.Feel the sun shinin and our wings a shakinAnd were stayin alive, feelin alive.Cluck, cluck, cluck cluck stayin alive, stayin alive


11/15

There are a diverse range of nominated companies who have successfully met the Awards eligibility criteriaincluding eating establishments, catering companies, food manufacturers, cookery schools and guesthouses.

A big congratulations is due to the following who have been successful over the past few months:-

Craven Cottage Bed & Breakfast, Tintagel, Cornwall

Cranks Restaurant, Dartington, Devon

Four & Twenty Blackbirds, Tiverton, Devon

Manna from Devon, Kingswear, Devon

Baumanns Brasserie, Coggeshall, Essex

The Rose Inn,Southminster, Essex

The Mulberry Tree, Boughton Monchelsea, Kent

Cotons Eatery, Sevenoaks, Kent

Humble Pie n Mash, Whitby, North Yorkshire

The Pink Pig Farm, Scunthorpe, South Humberside

Cocoa Loco, West Grinstead, West Sussex

Farmhouse Cookery Ltd, Bosham, West Sussex

Russells Garden Centre, Birdham, West Sussex

THE EARLY LEARNING CENTRE...for hensDecember 2010 will be the last time any EU farmer, wishing to restock birds for the typical 13 month laying cycle, can place newhens in barren cages. By January 2012 all hens in barren cages will be removed.

One of the knock-on effects of the barren cage ban is the need for young pullets tobe reared differently so they adapt smoothly to their free range workingenvironment when they become mature layers. Pullet rearers train young birds tobecome familiar with the system they will be kept in, for example birds destined foran aviary style free range house which has several levels for the birds to freely

move around need to be trained to jump from tier to tier so rearers encourage theyoung hens to take small steps to reach food and water. By slowly increasing theheight the birds gradually build confidence to jump, stimulating muscle growth asthey learn. When they are old enough to be moved to their new free rangeenvironment they will be well prepared, knowing exactly where food and water canbe accessed as well as a quiet and comfortable nest. All theyll need to discoverthen is the door that leads to the big outdoors! Lucky hens!

EGGSELLENCE AWARD

UPDATE

As predicted the Eggsellence Award is once again proving popular and Rachel Maycock at Hen Central in Devon hasreceived a flurry of nominations for the Award. We present the successful applicants with a smart certificate and get

them local publicity so the surrounding community get to hear about their egg friendly policy.

SILVER AWARD

bartlett mitchell, Egham, Surrey

Cucina Restaurants Ltd, Redbourn, Hertfordshire

The Greyhound, Ipswich, Norfolk

The Hunters Moon Inn, Llangattock Lingoed, Powys

GOLD AWARD

All shell eggs used in food products supplied by the abovecompanies have been laid by British free range hens and allother egg products and egg derivatives used as ingredientshave been laid by free range hens.

All shell eggs used in food products supplied by the abovecompanies have been laid by British free range hens.

Please see our website or contact Rachel Maycock, on 01769 580310 or email [email protected]

Rachel Maycock presenting CranksRestaurant with their GOLD award.

Lucy Medill at GOLD awardwinning Cotons Eatery.

Gold for Four & Twenty Blackbirds


12/15

Some of you may have heard rumours that not every hen is a

gorgeous cheeky golden-brown Ex Bat, and its true!

Each year the Poultry Club of Great Britain holds its National Show

(the biggest in the UK) where you can see over 5,000 of the very

best examples of the 130 pure breeds of hens and bantams, (plus

ducks, geese and turkeys.) The sight of so many fine hens in a myriad

of colours, shapes and sizes (along with the sound of several hundred

cocks all crowing at once) is quite an experience!

If you are thinking of expanding your flock, owners and members of

the Breed Clubs will be on hand to give you advice about

the different varieties. Some birds will be for sale at the Show, too,

and whilst ex-bats will forever be our faves, we all know how

addictive hen keeping is!

There are dozens of trade stands to browse, (handy as its nearly

Christmas), offering all manner of chicken keeping equipment,

housing, feed, tonics, gifts and books.

Were delighted that for the first time this year, the Poultry

Club have invited the BHWT to attend and spread the word

about the joy of ex bats, so if you go, please do come overand say "Hello".

The Show is held at the National Agricultural Centre,

Stoneleigh Park, between Warwick and Coventry, CV8

2LZ on Saturday 28th November (10-4pm) and Sunday 29th

November (9-2pm). Parking is free and entry is 8 for adults,

5 concessions, 3 under 16's or 20 for families (2 adults

and 3 children). For more information on the Show and

the valuable work of the Poultry Club visit

www.poultryclub.org.


13/15

Battery Hen Welfare Trust STANDING ORDER FORM

HP

By popular request we have decided to include in each issue a simple donation form. If you would

like to donate to the BHWT, simply fill in your details below and send it to us.

You can see what your donations buy and every penny is welcome.

Pudding

Your Full Name and Address: .

...Post Code: .

Phone Number: .

Your Banks Name and Address: ...

...Post Code: .

Account Number: . Sort Code: ...

Please Pay Lloyds Bank, Barnstaple Branch, (30-90-49), the sum of: to be credited to the account of The Battery Hen Welfare

Trust ( Account No: 02429877) on ...2009

And a like amount thereafter on the same date of each month/quarter/year (please delete as appropriate), until countermanded.

Signature: . Date: .

Print Name: .

To the Bank When making payments please quote BHWT ref no: .In the event of a query, please contact Jules Rogers on 01769 580310.

Gift Aid Declaration

I want the charity to treat all donations I have made in the last six years, and all donations I make from the date of this declaration as Gift Aiddonations, until I notify you otherwise.

I understand that I must pay an amount of United Kingdom income tax and/or capital gains tax at least equal to the tax that the charity reclaimson my donations in each tax year (currently 25p for each 1 given).

Signed: . Date....... .../........../ ..........

When completed, please return this form to: The Battery Hen Welfare Trust, North Parks, Chulmleigh, Devon. EX18 7EJ THANK YOU

300 SMALL HEN HOUSE

500 MEDIUM HEN HOUSE

900 TRAILER (CARRIES 192 HENS)

6 BALE OF FIRST GRADE SHAVINGS

11 20KG SACK OF EX-BAT FEED

15 CAT BASKET

25 30L WATER DRINKER

30 POULTRY CRATE

32 POULTRY FEEDER

140 CUSTOM MADE TARPAULINS

WHAT YOUR DONATIONS PAY FOR: THANK YOU!

Your donation could be worth 25% more if you are a UK Tax payer, for every 1 you give, the BHWT can receive 25 pence fromthe Inland Revenue at no extra cost to you. All you need to do is, read and sign the declaration below.

The theme throughout this newsletter has beenthe effect of our influence and the power ofpositive campaigning. The ladies at the UptonWomens Institute did a grand job on illustratingboth counts recently when President, CherryHorners daughter re-homed some of ourgirls. Cherry visited the girls, then read our

newsletter from beginning to end and as a resultdecided to write a little play about the lives of ourex-bats and the work we do, Ill let Cherrycontinue from here:

In August we gave a charity cream teaand our acting group, the Potty Players,performed The Hen Party. One of ourmembers made the effective costumes andmy daughter coached our hens in move-ment and noises which had to be seento be believed! We have great pleasure inenclosing a photo of Scarlet, Rosemary,Madame de Pompadour and No-Knickers (couldnt resist that name!) together with a cheque for 50 towards carrying on your good work.Sincerely yours, Cherry Horner (Mrs), President.


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We love all the heartwarming stories and kind comments we get

from our supporters, heres just a few that have come in

Just a quick note to let you know that just 8 weeks after getting our 10 rescue hens

from you, they won First Prize in the 5 Fresh Eggs category at our local

agricultural show on September 12th. We have never kept hens before and entered

as a bit of fun, but were thrilled when our BHWT girls eggs beat nine other entriesin this major livestock/agricultural/horticultural show in Herefordshire.

Thanks SO much for our lovely girls they give us a great deal of pleasure and we

are spreading the word of the BHWT at every opportunity!

Dear Jane & BHWT

I have attached a photo of Dixie, Rusty and Ginger, partaking ofone of their favourite pastimes - a mud bath. They get themselvesinto a filthy state.

We are particularly impressed with how they put themselves tobed each evening. From day one as soon as the light fades theydisappear into their house and take up their regular sleepingpositions. If only the children were so well behaved!

Keep up the good work, Very best wishes, Peter and Liz

Lindsey & Neil Mitchell sent some pics of their girls along with the followingemail:

They seem to be night birds and refuse to go to bed until its almost dark!

They are really charming little characters, we think you do a brilliant job and

we LOVE our hens. Thank you. Best wishes, Lindsey & Neil

And finally Lizzie Wiffin, whos clearly got a big soft heart, touched allof us in the office with the photo of her youngest son having a nice chatwith one of her much loved girls. Lizzie wrote:

You can see more of Lizzies lovely photos in the gallery. On top ofbeing a prolific re-homer of all sorts of animals Lizzie, has kindlyoffered to help care for some poorlies too. What a nice lady eh!

Dixie, Rusty and Ginger

Lindsey and Neil's girls rootlingfor bugs. Bryn Bella Girls

Rosies prize winning eggs!Dear Ian & Mollie

Kind regards, Rosie

Hi Michelle.

Henrietta has a nice chat with theyoungest member of the Wiffin family

John Frampton sent us thisphoto of his wife playing herrendition of Good NightLadies on the ukulele to thegirls, apparently it helped

them settle in!

The gorgeous girl in the photo is Henrietta! She is a fab hen, the biggest of

the bunch, but a gentle giant....she looks after all the others, is a realsweetie and....would you believe, even more of a chatterbox than me!


15/15

(inc VAT)

I was so touched recently by the story of Hilda and the dedication of Lesley Austin, Essex team,that I thought they both richly deserved the And Finally slot.

Hilda came out of her cage in June 2009 and it was clear this little hen needed specialist care.With 17 years vet nursing experience Lesley was just the lady for the job and Hildas recoverybegan. Hilda was completely paralysed (we dont know how Hilda sustained her injury, but itwould be unfair to place blame on the farmer) and unable to control movement in her legs.Fortunately there was little damage to her spirit and Hilda made it clear from the outset she wasnotmissing out on free range retirement! So began Lesleys two-hourly massage regime eventhrough the night with aloe vera gel gently rubbed into Hildas weak muscles, she slowly beganto show signs of improvement. It is testimony to Lesley and Hildas dedication and determinationthat Hilda is now fully mobile, albeit with an interesting walk. Hilda has even come back into lay and I bet that first egg was one of the best Lesley had ever tasted! Lovely story super

HP

Myrtlea very broody lady!This time we bring you Myrtle, whose bewildered ownerJean wrote her story:At first I thought it was just coincidence that every time I lookedinto the hen house Myrtle was comfortably ensconced in a nestingbox but by my fifth or sixth visit Myrtle was so far out of the boxshe appeared to be levitating.

If you would like to sponsor a hen for yourself or as a present for a friend, please either visitour website or call Ann Osborne on 01189 432693 (9am 5pm weekdays only please).

The pack costs 17.99 and includes a certificate, the hens story, two greetings cards by BHWT artist, Lisa Pope, a car sticker,key ring, Newsletter and a six month update on your hen.

AND FINALLY Hilda

Myrtle

6card mixed pack 148mm / 210mm

4.00 (inc VAT )Please add 1.00 P&P per pack

To order:

Website:

www.bhwt.org.uk

Post:BHWT SHOPWardingtonBanburyOxfordshireOX17 1SD

Please make chequespayable toBattery Hen Welfare Trust.

Thank you.

Our 2009 Xmas BatteryPack includes:Jute bagNote bookPosh PenGorgeous Mouse MatNewsletter

15.00Please add 2.50 P&P

per pack

Christmas is coming and we have another selection of lovely henny goodies for you this year.All proceeds go to the BHWT, helping us to help hens.

If youre good with a

camera...and have aparticularly gorgeous ex-bat

(don't we all!) then how aboutentering our Christmas Card

2010 competition.Were looking for lovely

seasonal photos of your girls tostar in next years BHWT

Christmas cards.Our two winning entries willreceive a BHWT Bumper

Battery Pack.

Send your entries to

[email protected]

Entries close April 2010.

bhwt newsletter winter 2009

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