It is that time of year again and we are busy trying to decide what questions to put in this years quiz, it is going to be a bit easier than last years! All the trusted favourites will also be on offer such as the festive gift swap, the food table, a superdoopa raffle with a wide variety of prizes and if anyone has any other sensible suggestions then please get in touch. Any musicians amongst our readers who would like to do a few acoustic numbers during our Christmas Social please contact Nige on 01994230832 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it with details.

What great value for money this evening was! Not only did we have Lesley Sanders and Ali Shinn from the Battery Hen Welfare Trust but also Cassy Beadsmoore Dunk the Area Sales Manager South West and Wales of Allen & Page who produce The Smallholder Feed Range.

Lesley and Ali had jumped in at the deep end to come and talk to us as it was their first public performance but I would never have known had I not been told. They presented us with a potted history of the Trust, the situation at present and how they work with the industry to improve the lot of the battery hen as opposed to some other organisations who actively alienate the farmers by campaigning forthrightly against them. Then a section on the rescue and rehoming process from collection at the Battery Farms to the re-homing days. They let us in on a few gems of the frequently asked questions and informed us of some of the best intentions but mis-placed ideas of potential adopters such as "I have an outside toilet for them to live in" and "I have trees for them to roost in at night time ". Needless to say such people are politely turned down!

Lesley and Ali had asked if we could provide some form of overhead projector or similar to help with their presentation and unfortunately we had to respond in the negative. But the Battery Hen Welfare Trust does not give up that easily and a very special surprise guest appearance was made by four ex-bats who also made the journey from Builth Wells to be with us on the night and proudly showed off themselves in varying stages of transition into their new life.

The re-homing and further care of ex-bats was next and Cassy brought along food samples and goody bags for everyone. Why ex-bats have special nutritional needs was re-inforced and the close co-operation between the Trust and the Smallholder range was evident as it was explained that Allen and Page give a part of the retail price of the ex-bat food to the trust. The passion of all three presenters for the improved welfare of battery hens was a joy to behold and even the question and answer session did not phase them at all.

I have since heard that many DSA members have made the trip to the last two re-homing days just outside Builth Wells and I have assured Lesley and Ali that we will publicise any further days they tell us about.

John Birtles