We seem to have had some good fortune and some very sad happenings this summer. Our two oldest donkeys, Narky and Lofou (who were 50 and 48 years old respectively), both passed away. Our dear mule Mavris, who was 40 has also left us, so has Glenn. A much loved colleague of ours, Frank, sadly passed away too.

The wretched economic situation has resulted in a drop in income this year despite a record number of visitors this year. What with VAT going up and costs rising, this has had a big effect on the costs of our feed and medications which, of course, are vital for our donkeys.

All of this put a real dampener on our spirits but we’ve still got our beloved donkeys to look after and as they say, ‘the show must go on’!

Our Open Day in October was a great success with the opening of our Museum and Education Centre, which has also boosted our income this year.

We were also very fortunate to receive a legacy in July which was wonderful to receive albeit very sad to hear of her death.