Heath Lodge Holt care home makes scarecrow of Kevin officer

Heath Lodge in Holt, operated by Danforth Care Homes, needed a scarecrow to protect its vegetable patch and decided to create one in the likeness of a beloved team member.

The vegetable patch is part of Danforth Care Homes’ ‘Ground to Plate’ scheme, run in partnership with celebrity chef Theo Michaels, and helps residents grow and enjoy their own produce.

When birds began eyeing up the crops, residents built a scarecrow in the image of maintenance officer Kevin, dressing it in his usual clothes and topping it with a cutout of his face.

Helen making the Scarecrow (Image: Supplied) Helen Haughton, a 92-year-old resident, said: "I’m proud of our vegetable patch; I’ve taken responsibility for watering it at the weekend and I enjoy checking how things are growing.

"We all love to see Kevin around the home, so we thought it would be funny to turn him into a scarecrow – that way we could see him all the time and hopefully keep the birds away from our crops."

Kevin was delighted by the gesture.

He said: "It’s certainly flattering—if a bit unexpected—to be turned into a scarecrow.

"If it helps our lovely residents in the garden and brings everyone a laugh, I’m happy to lend my likeness."

The vegetable patch and its new guardian feature in the home’s weekly Cake and Coffee Afternoon, held every Wednesday from 2pm.

Helen with the finished scarecrow (Image: Supplied) The event is open to all and includes homemade treats, refreshments and the chance to meet residents.

Heath Lodge is rated ‘Good’ by the Care Quality Commission and offers 24-hour residential, dementia and respite care for up to 66 people.

Facilities include ensuite bedrooms, social spaces, and landscaped gardens.

For more information, call 01263 200123, email reception@heathlodgecarehome.co.uk, or visit the home on Nightjar Road, Holt, NR25 6GA.