Waddle-on-Sea – created by Havens Hospices and Wild in Art – will see 30 large penguin sculptures and some very special baby penguins dotted around the city in the summer of 2025, including Leigh-on-Sea, each sponsored by a local business and painted by a professional artist in varying styles.

Alongside these will be ‘mini huddles’ of baby penguins. The baby penguins are part of the Community & Learning Programme, sponsored by Rickard Luckin, and are integral to the success of the art trial. Each one will be designed by a local school, youth group, or community project, enabling them to experiment with different art forms, empowering them to take ownership and showcase their artwork to thousands of people, and making art accessible to all.

Hallmark Admiral, rated ‘outstanding’ by the Care Quality Commission, offers residential, nursing and dementia care. Last year, they took part in Herd in The City, Havens Hospices’ previous art trail and have joined again, following its positive impact on their residents, their families, and all the team involved.

Sarah Savidge, Lifestyles Team Leader at Hallmark Admiral Court, said: “We couldn’t pass up the chance to have a penguin! Our theme is a secret at the moment, but it will provoke reminiscence, so it will be a great conversational piece which will give our residents the chance to look back at the good old days.

“The benefit to our residents is huge. It promotes social engagement, creativity, reminiscence, recall, and a sense of community spirit. It also gives them something to look forward to, engage in and be a part of. We’re looking forward to discussing the current environmental issues and getting our thinking caps on! One of our residents, who is 101, was involved in Herd in the City and is already making lists of names and ideas!”

The care home’s last sculpture was named ‘Remi’ because of the reminiscing it evoked with the residents. It included paintings of memories, including bike rides taken as children, waving at planes as they flew over in the Second World War, Queen Elizabeth’s Coronation and her son King Charles’ Coronation. Remi is now an integral part of the Hallmark Admiral Court family and acts as a great icebreaker.

Hallmark Admiral Court already has three mood board designs submitted, and residents will be taking suggestions and holding a vote for the chosen name and design of the baby penguin.

Faye Vince, Community & Learning Programme Lead for Waddle-on-Sea, says, “We are so pleased to have Admiral Court on board again for our next trail, Waddle-on-Sea. It’s clear to see the enjoyment and benefits it brought to the residents, and we can’t wait to see what they have in store for their design!

“The Community and Learning Programme gives local groups and schools the perfect chance to be part of a community and showcase their work to thousands of people. There are only a few days left for schools and groups to secure their baby penguin for next year’s art trail, so make sure to get in touch.”

The baby penguin sculpture costs £990+VAT, including installation and a Community & Learning Resource Pack with plans, templates and activities based on the national curriculum. Schools and groups can either cover the cost or encourage the pupils or young people to fundraise.

A limited number of additional sculptures have been secured for the mini huddle, so there is still time for groups and schools to get involved, but they’re going fast! Visit www.waddleonsea.co.uk/getinvolved to find out more, or email miniwaddle@havenshospices.org.uk to secure your sculpture.