Donkey & Mule Society of NZ (Inc.)

ANZAC Day
Donkey rides at Timaru's
Aigantighe Art Gallery

ANZAC Day 2007 saw five donkeys giving rides to children in the beautiful grounds of the Aigantighe Art Gallery in Timaru.

The idea was of the director of the Gallery and organised by members of the Donkey & Mule Society of New Zealand Inc. This was a way to mark the day and also the painting, 'Simpson & his donkey', painted by Horace Moore-Jones who was at Gallipoli and most likely witnessed the donkey Murphy and Simpson as they rescued the injured. The painting was on display in the Aigantighe Art Gallery and children were encouraged to read the story in a book, The Donkey Man (Glyn Harper), provided by the Gallery. This book is also available to members of the Donkey & Mule's Society in their Library

Bruce Clark, who brought the gazebo, issued tickets. Rides were a $2 coin but, with donations came to $182, which went to the Donkey and Mule Protection Trust, a registered charity. Other helpers were Sue Campbell, Maureen Booth, David Sim and Nick O'Brien.

The Timaru branch of the Red Cross Association provided authentic WWI armbands which were tied to the donkeys nosebands so that they looked just like the donkey in the painting.

right: Soraya lead by Jocelyn Gray. This photo by John Bisset, Timaru Herald.

below left: Cynthia Sim and her donkey Millie from Ashburton. photo Lea Hullett. below right: Wendy Greenwood of Herbert leads Soraya.

above: Alice & Ross Jones from Fairlie with Misty.

left: Nick O'Brien leads Cynthia Sim's Joel from Ashburton.

below left: Sue Campbell and Clarence owned by Wendy Greenwood and Jocelyn Gray of Herbert.

below right: Cynthia and David with their donkeys ready for children.

below: All the donkeys had a a feed of carrots, apples, chaff and pony pellets before setting off for their long journeys home.

Photos: Lea Hullett except where stated otherwise.

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