THE organiser of an annual Worcestershire donkey procession on the May Day weekend is looking for donkeys to take part in the event.
The procession has become an increasingly popular part of Malvern’s calendar of events, having been created a few years ago by interfaith minister the Rev Val Needham. The event, which this year is on Sunday, May 5, celebrates the traditions of May Day, honours Malvern’s famous water and remembers the work of the donkeys who carried visitors up the hills in Victorian times.
Men, women and children dress in colourful costumes, sing traditional songs and parade through Great Malvern, visiting springs around the town, before walking up to St Ann’s Well where Ms Needham conducts a Blessing of the Waters. The procession is led by rescue donkeys Peter and Amadeus and this year Ms Needham is appealing for as many other donkeys as possible to join the parade.
She said: “Donkeys played such an important role in Great Malvern’s history, but today, the only physical reminder of them in the town is the old donkey shed on the way up to St Ann’s Well. We hold this parade every year to honour the memory of the donkeys who worked so hard carrying tourists and invalids up and down the Hills, and we would love as many donkeys as possible to join us.” Money collected during the parade will be split between Safe Haven for Donkeys in the Holy Land and Malvern Spa Association.
Contact 07788 111113 or a1derfullife@hotmail.co.uk.
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