Kelkay delights customer after thief steals treasured Henri^® bird bath 

Kelkay, the market-leading manufacturer and distributor of aggregates, has taken customer service to the next level by replacing a much-loved Henri^® stone bird bath that was stolen from a pensioner’s home.

Jean Crilly, 82, from Newcastle, was distraught when she discovered her bird bath, a present from her late husband 25 years ago and her ‘pride and joy’, was missing from her garden.

Following a local appeal, the thief, with an unusual sense of compassion, left a note for Jean apologising for the theft. He claimed, however, that his need was greater than hers.

When Antony Harker, managing director of Kelkay, the sole UK supplier of Henri^®, found out, he decided to act. Despite Jean’s bird bath being discontinued many years ago, Antony and his team worked tirelessly to have an exact replica produced, imported from Chicago, USA, where Henri^® is based, and installed in Jean’s garden.

Speaking of the incident, Antony said: “We were delighted to get Jean an identical replica of her missing bird bath. This isn’t something we could normally do, but Jean’s story touched us. All of us here at Kelkay hope that she enjoys seeing the birds in her garden again.”

Jean celebrated by hosting a garden party for friends and family, an event she described as second best only to her wedding. She said: “It’s fantastic to be able to thank everyone involved and it’s a pleasure to share this moment with my friends, family and neighbours.”

Alongside Henri^®, Kelkay’s brand portfolio includes Borderstone^®, Build Mate and easyfountain^®, providing retailers with a single source of supply for a wide range of garden products. These include aggregates, stone, water and garden features, paving, edging and walling, building materials, horticulture and winter products.

By promoting aggregates, paving and fountains with eye-catching point of sale, merchandising units and display stands, garden retailers have seen sales grow in these categories.