— Page 18

Hearing Birdsong: Special event for World Hearing Day

Monday 2 & Tuesday 3 March 2020, 12 – 6.30pm

Monday 2 & Tuesday 3 March, 12noon – 6.30pm

Did you know it is estimated that 9 million people have unaddressed hearing loss in the UK?

Dalston Eastern Curve Garden is hosting the unique ‘Hearing Birdsong’ sound installation on Monday 2 and Tuesday 3 March, 12noon – 6.30pm, which aims to raise awareness of hearing loss and encourage further support, when needed. ‘Hearing Birdsong’ was inspired by a patient story and is timed to mark ‘World Hearing Day’.

Visitors are invited into a safe space to experience the beautiful handmade bird boxes that play birdsongs at various frequencies that are often lost in older age or through noise-induced hearing loss. After exploring the installation you can also have your hearing checked for free and chat to trained staff.

‘Hearing Birdsong’ is taking place inside the Garden’s cosy Pineapple House and everyone who attends will be offered a free coffee or tea from the Garden Cafe. There is no need to book and you can stay for as long as you like.

Led by Tom Woods (Kennedy Woods), the project has been co-produced by patient representatives, design engineers (Dyson School of Design Engineering), designers/researchers (Institute of Global Health Innovation) and audiologists (NHS England). The team have also worked with a local group the Hackney Brocals, who have given valuable feedback to develop the project.

www.hearingbirdsong.com

February in The Garden

February at the Garden is all about the first signs of Spring. The results of many months of planting bulbs put in by the volunteer team last Autumn are on show everywhere, with more and more new flowers popping up every day. Snowdrops first, followed by Daffodils, all making the most of the Spring light while the Birch and Alder trees still have no leaves. Many other plants that have been dormant over winter are starting to raise their heads again or flower, offering much needed nectar for bees emerging out of their hibernation.

The Garden and cafe are open every day and the cafe is still serving mulled wine, spiced cider and hot toddies to keep out any early Spring chill. We are also selling hot chocolate and delicious cakes and during the week we make plant-based soups, served with fresh bread from our neighbours at Dusty Knuckle Bakery.

Dalston Eastern Curve Garden operates as an independent social enterprise, so every time you spend money in our Cafe, you are helping keep the Garden open for everyone to enjoy for free!