Farm Update July/August 2020

It's been a busy month for our Miniature donkeys! Firstly, Jackie Gray, our 'donkey lady' was approached and asked if the donkeys would like to be part of a professional photoshoot for a 'coffee table book' depicting donkeys. Of course she jumped at the chance and the photographer and assistant duly arrived on the 29th of July. Fortunately the sun was still shining then and great fun was had by all. We are looking forward to seeing the finished publication in due course.

They had their photos taken once again the following Wednesday - this time by Paula who entered them in to the Ellingham Donkey Show, which, due to Covid-19, were only accepting online entries this year. The results were published on 13 August and we were delighted that they  were placed in 3 Classes and gained 8 rosettes between - quite an achievement as they were up against stiff competition throughout the South West. Below is a photo of Maddie taken by Paula which came 5th in the Portrait Class!

We were extremely grateful to Alex Hill for his generous donation which allowed us to employ Nick Dyer and his team to re-lay our rickety path from the garden to the picnic area, which has recently been strimmed - although you would not believe it now after the recent rains!

Rosie, our Chair has been doing a fantastic job applying for grants and we have been awarded money from Wiltshire Community Foundation, Wiltshire Council and the National Lottery, for which we are really grateful as this has allowed us to start on essential maintenance which had been put on hold.

We will keep you posted again next month with our antics. In the meantime, take care and stay safe.

NEWSLETTERS

Once every quarter Wendy Self, our Farm Manager/ Ashley Wicks, our Assistant Farm Manager, writes a short article for publication in the West Ashton Magazine.

This magazine is published by West Ashton Parish Council, and has a local circulation of about 200 copies. It is also available as a pdf for download from the parish website. Click below to read our latest news.