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The Northern Region covers Lancashire, Yorkshire, Cheshire/Gtr 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.

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 SPRING 2024

Reports

Northern Region Report 2024

The Northern Gallery

POPPIES’ COMMEMORATIVE TOUR REACHES CUMBRIA’S MUSEUM OF MILITARY LIFE – DONKEYS IN ATTENDANCE!

There were donkeys at Cumbria’s Museum of Military Life in Carlisle, on Saturday 8^th June, marking the arrival of ‘The Richmond Poppies’ that commemorate the roles played by animals and birds across the globe, in theatres of war, past and present.

Donkeys Shadow and Dusky from Wyeknot Donkeys were accompanied by Brownies Ella Brown, Amelia Blake and Jessica Irving, who gave a very accomplished account as to why the animals were being commemorated. A very moving address was given by retired Bishop, Rt. Rev. John Richardson who attended with Mrs Richardson and amongst the many distinguished local guests, were Dr and Mrs J Fotheringham, JP, DL and former High Sheriff of Cumbria.

Raising awareness of the UK’s official acknowledgement of International War Animal Day and the purple poppy campaign of the War Horse Memorial Organisation, the display brings together education, aesthetic appeal and a recognition of the importance of crafting and charity. Beautifully crocheted in a broad spectrum of purples and mauves, the Poppies are a poignant reminder of sacrifices made.

Beginning their Tour at the York Army Museum, where the display has attracted a wide audience during its two months temporary residency, the Poppies were gifted to the Northern Region of the Donkey Breed Society by a group of makers from Richmond.

Carefully worked up, with additional artefacts to create a museum exhibit, the tour will remain at the Cumbrian Museum of Military Life in Carlisle during June and July before moving later in the year to Cheshire’s Military Museum.

A representative from the Donkey Breed Society said: ‘We are so pleased to bring this interesting work to Carlisle. These animals must be remembered. They experienced much horror and had no choice, yet their contributions have assisted in giving us the democracy we enjoy today. We are very grateful to Cumbria’s Museum of Military Life for welcoming the Tour to this part of the world’.

Richmond Poppies reach Carlisle Gallery

www.thewarhorsememorial.org

See you soon!

Contact us:

Regional Delegate and Chair

Allison Roberts allisonroberts254@outlook.com 01697 748311

Northern Region Vice-Chair

Liz Brown, 07517382472

Secretary and Hon. PR Officer UK

Sarah Booth, 07970375562 (phone signal is awful, so leave a message or text me and I will get back to you!) northerndonks@gmail.comColley Mill House, North Rode, Nr Congleton, Cheshire. CW12 2PL

Colley Mill Donkeys Junior Club (DBS Affiliated Club)

Sarah Booth, as above.

Northern Region Treasurer

Sarah Pennell, 01889 591497

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!