Upcoming Events

Upcoming Events 2026

The Northern Gallery

The Donkey Breed Society (Northern Region), The War Horse Memorial CIC and AWAMO –  the Australian War Animal Memorial Organisation. 

We have taken our donkey to the Somme . . .

On Saturday 12^th September, over 200 guests stood in sunshine, at Le Mémorial des Animaux, Le Parc du Moulin, Pozières, France under a beautiful blue sky.  It is the most poignant of places.  In 1916 it was here and under very different skies that men from the armed services, together with the animals that worked alongside them, bravely encountered horrendous conditions.

A gentle breeze blew across the Somme as guests saw the unveiling of stunning silhouettes of a donkey and a horse and took part in a ceremony of rededication.  The donkey was unveiled by Pam Moon, National Chair of the Donkey Breed Society, Patrick Kean, representing Donkey Breed Society Life Vice President, Rosemary Clarke and Olwen Brown of the Donkey Breed Society’s Northern Region.

Donkeys, horses, therapy and rescue dogs and pigeons took part in the Ceremony; animals having played vital roles in the war: horses, mules, and donkeys transported ammunition and supplies under fire, while dogs and pigeons carried messages.

The latest additions to the Memorial have been funded by members of the charity The Donkey Breed Society (Northern Region), The War Horse Memorial CIC and AWAMO –  the Australian War Animal Memorial Organisation.  Together with unwavering support from the Association Moulin Coeur de Patrimoine Pozières and Association Digger-Cote 160 they came together, remembered and honoured the service and sacrifice of millions of animals who lost their lives on the Somme in World War One.

Guest of Honour was Catherine Carnell of the Australian Sir John Monash Centre.  The event was also attended by distinguished military and civilian guests from Australia, France and the UK including Captain Harry Grantham RHA and his wife Squadron Leader Helen Grantham, as representatives of The Worshipful Company of Farriers.

The Mayor of Pozieres, Mr Pascal Chalier kindly hosted a Reception after the event.  Chelsea Pensioner and poet Roy Palmer (87) also attended and read his exceptionally moving poetry to those gathered; reminding us of the hellish conditions experienced by soldiers and animals alike.  Olwen Brown presented Mike Lee, President of the Association Moulin Coeur de Patrimoine Pozières, who heralds from Australia, with a knitted representation of Simpson’s donkey.

Those animals that stood sentinel at the ceremony focused the mind during times of quiet reflection: Association APREAC brought horses, Escap’ ânes brought donkeys and there were also  therapy and rescue dogs. At the close of the Ceremony, pigeons were released across the Somme, wheeling over the site before heading to the historical town of Albert.

The Battle of Pozières was one of the bloodiest and accounted for the loss of thousands of men, including those from the British 3rd and 4th Armies.  It was however Australians that were most involved in the taking of Pozieres, suffering 23,000 casualties.  Of their almost 7,000 dead, more than 4,130 were never found and still lay in surrounding fields.  The battle lasted 41 days with victory to the allied troops.

The donkey and horse can be seen from the road and all the fundraising undertaken by the charities, the pennies that people have kindly placed in donation boxes, have accumulated in an everlasting memorial to all equines and indeed to all animals that served.

The Donkey Breed Society’s Northern Region would like to thank everyone who has helped them in their quest to install their donkey on the Somme for their support.

The Northern Region Spring Show

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.

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.

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