Derry girls make bird houses withCountess of Wessex via RNIB

Freya pictured on left with her birdhouse and on right, Elodie with her mum, Michelle.

Young Elodie and Freya from the city took part in the craft workshop, which also marked the launch of the charity’s Shape and Share events for 2021.

The session, saw Sophie, Countess of Wessex, wife of England’s Prince Edward, join eleven families from across the north and Britain in making bird houses.

The event was introduced by RNIB Chair of Trustees, Anna Tylor and the activity was led by artist, Emily McFarland.

It aimed to encourage children to get out into nature and listen for spring birds.

Cherie Coyle from Derry whose 10-year-old daughter, Freya, took part said: “Freya really enjoyed herself and was excited to meet a member of the Royal Family.

“She had fun decorating her bird house and engaging with the other children who also took part. Freya plans to give her bird house to her Granny!”

Michelle Bateson, who is also from Derry, said her 10-year-old daughter, Elodie, really enjoyed the craft session.

“Elodie loved decorating her bird house and listening to the bird song that was played during the session.

“We are going to put the bird house on the tree house in our garden and are excited to see what birds will visit.”

RNIB Shape and Share forms part of the support the charity is offering for children and young people with vision impairment and their families. This support is being offered virtually in response to the latest coronavirus restrictions.

The Shape and Share initiative comprises a series of online events including craft and storytelling, ‘jump, jiggle and jive’, pizza making and sessions on online safety.

The events, which run from February to April, are aimed at encouraging children and young people with vision impairment to make new friends, try new things, and engage in some much-needed fun.

The Countess praised the creative efforts of the families who took part in the craft session and said how much she enjoyed meeting them all. At the end of the session, Sophie Windsor added:

“Hopefully one day we’ll be able to get together and compare what birds have visited our bird boxes!”

She also thanked RNIB for all the work the charity is doing to support people at this time.