Benefactor aids flooded farmer and needy get a good feed, too
A FLOODED farmer who was left with dozens of unsold Christmas turkeys has thanked a generous benefactor who sent him £3,000 to pay for the birds, which he then gave to good causes.
The cash has enabled Roger Hosking, who runs Highfield Happy Hens, to give away the birds to needy and vulnerable people in Derbyshire.
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Farmer Roger Hosking up to his knees in water in Heage Lane, Etwall, during the flooding. He was left with dozens of unsold turkeys and chickens after customers had difficulty getting to his farm.
After heavy rains left the main routes to his Etwall farm under water, Mr Hosking contacted the Derby Telegraph to tell of his plight.
The business had sold 200 birds, along with vegetables, for the festive period, but the worried farmer wanted people to know that the farm was still open for business – although only accessible via a seven-mile detour.
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However, the disruption left him with 14 turkeys and 20 chickens unsold at one of the busiest times of the year.
After we featured the story, Mr Hosking said he was contacted by someone willing to pay for the unsold birds.
He said: "Because of the road closures, people couldn't get to the farm. We had 14 big turkeys, worth £50 or £60, and 20 chickens.
"After the story went in the paper, we were sent a cheque for £3,000 from a man who had heard about our problems. I did know the man but it was a very generous offer.
"This has enabled us to put that money through the till and give away the turkeys."
Mr Hosking said some of the birds were sent to the Good News Family Care Home in Buxton, which provides accommodation for families experiencing problems with drugs, violence or anti-social behaviour.
Another batch went to the Betel drug rehabilitation centre, in Etwall. And a further 20 chickens are being picked up this week by Derby City Church.
Mr Hosking said: "I just want to thank the Derby Telegraph and the man who has been so kind as to send the money.
"The flooding is a terrible problem around here.With these big rains, we are having almost constant flooding at one part of Heage Lane."
The New Year weather for Derbyshire looks set to be slightly wet, with scattered showers across the region.
But over the remainder of the week it should become drier, with temperatures reaching 11C by Friday.
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