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Welcome to the Northern Region . . .

Home of passionate and enthusiastic donkey-lovers from a region that covers Lancashire, Yorkshire, Cheshire/Greater Manchester, Derbyshire, Cumbria, Northumberland. If you are on our borders why not hop across and join in – you don’t have to live in the Region to take part in another region’s activities! We look forward to welcoming you.

What we get up to in the Northern Region doesn’t just stay in the Region! You may be visiting this page because you’ve heard of our UK and global ventures! However you have arrived here, a very warm welcome and enjoy finding out about us!

Membership
If you’re not already a member, go to the Membership Section of this website and get on
board! You don’t have to be a member to attend our events, but there are many benefits
to membership of our Charity, so we know you’ll want to!

Our Magazine
For you, by you – all the latest from the world of donkeys in the North. Advice, anecdotes,
articles, history, training day reports and lots of pictures!

ASSPIRE YOUR SPRING ONE 2026

Reports

Northern Region Report 2025

Upcoming Events

Upcoming Events 2026

The Northern Gallery

The Northern Region Spring Show was – superb number and quality of donkeys forward, with the Championship being taken by Pandora, followed hot on her hooves for the Reserve with Gamlingay Scrumpy Jack – well done to all. The 1st class of the afternoon was the Open Driving, 1st time in the ring Donkan took the red ribbon with his enthusiasm for the job. The Young Handlers had 6 children with a range of ages showing their skills – a real credit. It didnt rain and the raffle, book stall, refreshments and the 1-100 stalls were kept busy raising valuable funds for our chosen charities, alongside the many donations from friends and neighbours. A small selection of photos on our news page to reflect our fun.

NR Project Updates

Visits to Veterinary and Agricultural Colleges

We want people to know and appreciate that donkeys are different to other equines. Lecturers and students are grateful for our knowledgeable input and support. If you would like us to visit your place of learning contact Allison Roberts: regdelnorth@donkeybreedsociety.co.uk.

Our Charities – we continue to raise awareness and funds for our Donkey Statue on the Somme Appeal where your gift will enable a stunning silhouette of a donkey to stand at the International War Animal Memorial in Pozières, on the Somme. Over 16 million animals served in WWI and adding a donkey to this special place will bring a poignant reminder of all the donkeys and mules that served.

You can donate via the QR CODE

Or via bank transfer:

Sort code: 30-96-26 A/c: 59780068 Ref: PozMemorial . Kindly contact Ms A Potter, Treasurer, Northern Region of the Donkey Breed Society: adelep1816@gmail.com to advise of your donation.

Join us as we remember them.

Thank you.

And also, for Safe Haven for Donkeys Safe Haven for Donkeys – Safe Haven for Donkeys with an annual picnic trek in Rivington, Lancashire, along with other fundraisers.

Proud Partners – we are proud to work closely with the War Horse Memorial Organisation (WHMO) in the UK, the Australian War Animals Memorial Organisation (AWAMO) in Australia, Association Moulin Coeur de Patrimoine Pozieres and Association Digger-Cote 160 in France.

The War Horse Memorial

Australian War Animal Memorial Organisation – AWAMO

MOULIN DE POZIERES

www.digger-pozieres.org

Museums and The Purple Poppies’ Tour – we are now in our third year of The Tour. We take a cascade of beautifully crafted purple poppies, mounted on camouflage netting, to military museums across the country to commemorate our brave animal allies that have served in WWI to present day. Accompanied by a poignant display of artefacts, anecdotes and a brilliant and broad range of commemorative crafting by members and friends, the exhibition also features craft workshops, talks and the extremely popular ‘donkeys at the museum’ days.

New for Summer 2026: a stunning quilt with squares crafted by members and friends that will feature at The Rifles Berkshire and Wiltshire Museum, Salisbury Home :: The Wardrobe.

The Tour has visited in 2024: York Army Museum, The Cumbrian Museum of Military Life, The Cheshire Military Museum; in 2025: The Green Howards Museum, The REME Museum, The Museum of The Queen’s Royal Hussars. For 2026 & Spring 2027: The Rifles Berkshire and Wiltshire Museum, The Museum of The Queen’s Royal Hussars, Warwick, The Royal Welsh Regimental Museum, Brecon. Please contact Sarah Booth if you would like our Tour to visit your museum: northerndonks@gmail.com

Contact us:

Regional Delegate and Chair

Allison Roberts – regdelnorth@donkeybreedsociety.co.uk 01697 748311

Northern Region Vice-Chair

Liz Brown – 07517382472

Secretary and Hon. PR Officer UK

Sarah Booth – northerndonks@gmail.com 07970375562 (phone signal is awful, so leave a message or text me and I will get back to you!)

Colley Mill House, North Rode, Nr Congleton, Cheshire. CW12 2PL

Colley Mill Donkeys Junior Club (DBS Affiliated Club)

Sarah Booth, as above.

Northern Region Treasurer

Adele Potter – 07825741158

DBS Awards Regional Link & Training

Olwen Brown 01457 762336

Area Reps

Introduce yourself to your Area Rep and say what you would like to see happening in your Area. Area Reps are always keen to hear your ideas and if you can volunteer some help at any time, that too would be most welcome, although not obligatory!