Lots of family stuff going on at the moment, of the tricky kind, so it was good to get out and meet a few writer chums.
For this morning’s meeting we decided on the Donkey Sanctuary at Sidmouth. It’s exactly what it says it is – a sanctuary for donkeys.
It’s been expanded and redeveloped since the first time I visited, years ago and I didn’t recognise the place. Exhibitions, a restaurant, a gift shop and an enormous car park have all been added to enhance the visitor experience. And, of course, the donkeys are still there (in all sorts of forms!)
I vaguely had the sanctuary in mind when I wrote The Little Book Cafe and especially Tash’s Story. In it, Kit is developing an animal rescue centre and takes advice from the Donkey Sanctuary about his own donkeys.
The last time I went was an emotional experience. Back then you could wander around in the barn in amongst the beasts and all around the farmyard were information plates explaining the history of how each donkey had arrived at the sanctuary.
One story had me in floods of tears. An old man, knowing he was on the precipice of death, wanted desperately to re home his beloved donkey. The sanctuary agreed to take the animal whereupon, knowing his pet was safe, the old man passed away soon afterwards. It moved me so much I haven’t had the emotional strength to return – until today.
No donkeys to be seen as I made my way from the car park along the paddock and into the new(ish) restaurant. Fabulous food and sea views, by the way.
Meeting done and aware of time pressing, I left but couldn’t resist walking to the paddock as I could see a few donkeys over by the stables.
Now, my relationship with animals, any animal, is legendary. I like them. They like me. An apocryphal family tale goes that when we holidayed in Scotland, they refused to let me stand next to Loch Ness and call ‘Nessie’ as, knowing my allure to the entire animal kingdom, the monster herself would have reared her head from the water to say hello. I really should have tried it!
There were a few people standing by the paddock fence but when I called to the donkeys, one ambled over to say hello and demand nose and rump scratches. When I read the name on her head collar, I choked up with emotion (again). The donkey which had mosied on over was only the very same one I sponsor. Good old Ruby knows I pay towards her sacks of carrots!
When I got home I rang mum to tell her. Mum shares Ruby with me and whenever she visits the sanctuary she makes sure to try to spot our donkey. Any smugness over my magnificent animal charming skills didn’t last very long. Apparently, on mum’s last visit, a groom told her Ruby trots over to most folk to greet them. Turns out my donkey is a bit of a flighty piece!
Trust me to sponsor a tart of a donkey!
(But she is very lovely).
If you want to sponsor a donkey of your own, check out the website for details. It makes a great present. The Donkey Sanctuary is a lovely place to visit and does wonderful work to support abused and neglected donkeys.
https://www.thedonkeysanctuary.org.uk/visit-us/sidmouth
Love,
Georgia x
PS huge thanks for buying the latest books. It’s so much appreciated.
PPS my ‘allure’ doesn’t extend to camels. One spat at me at Dudley Zoo. Never liked them since!
