The below words are quoted from an information board in the Pier Gardens Cleethorpes UK.
Donkey Work.
Donkey`s had traditionally been used for carrying heavy loads of coal throughout the UK. The earliest record of donkeys working on beaches in the UK dates back to 1780. They were used because of their gentle nature, quiet disposition and were often ridden side saddle.
The Nuttall family have played a part in the history of Cleethorpes. Their much loved, award winning donkeys have served the public for three generations. Gladys and husband Buster first brought the rides to Cleethorpes beach in the 1940`s, starting with four pitches along the seafront. The traditional seaside attraction has bought miles of smiles and pleasure to scores of holiday makers from far and wide for donkey years.
Gladys Nuttall.
Gladys, daughter of a miner was born in Staffordshire. She served her time as a land girl in World War II and as a nurse at Doncaster. Her health, affected by a spell in a glass blowing factory, bought her on holiday to Cleethorpes to recuperate where she met, fell in love with and in December 1948 married 'Buster'. They have three children, son John, a Farrier, also runs donkey rides and supplies donkey tack from Nutshell Farm Skegness. Gladys served as a councillor for more than 15 years and was elected Mayor in 1980 - a role she relished, supporting many local charities, she founded 'Cleethorpes' & Grimsby riding for the disabled' - patron: HRH Princess Anne, nominated Gladys for Avon`s 'in praise of women' award at Buckingham Palace where she mingled with royalty.
Donnas and Dudley the Donkey.
Donnas,H.Peterson is a local sculptress and ceramic artist, influenced by childhood memories of donkey rides on the beach and after realising that as yet no permanent acknowledgement of them existed in the resort.Donnas decided to create a sculpture of 'Dudley the Donkey' as a monument of appreciation in recognition of services provided over the years by the Nuttall Family. The statue was to be a surprise for Gladys and Buster, but sadly, on August 3rd 2011 before the sculpture was completed, Gladys passed away. 'Dudley the Donkey' now stands proudly in the Pier Gardens Cleethorpes in her memory as a lasting tribute.
The Plaque reads:--
A tribute to the dear Gladys Nuttall in honour of her services to Cleethorpes bringing happy memories and joy to many hearts with the traditional donkey rides.
Welfare of Donkeys.
Cleethorpes was very important to Gladys, she helped raise thousands of pounds for local charities and was a supporter of the Devon Donkey Sanctuary in Sidmouth, Devon. Founded in 1967 by Yorkshire born Dr. Elisabeth Svendson MBE, the sanctuary provides protection and care for Donkeys.
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Hi Les! I like donkeys. Cool animals. They have quite a history around here as well. They are used in these parts for protection. They are found in cattle herds where they keep the coyotes, wild dogs, and wild hogs off of the cattle. They attack and kick the living daylights out of the attacking critters! And, they do it well. At night you can here the coyotes howling as they get near a herd, and then you here the donkeys braying, and then you here the coyotes basically screaming! Nice donkeys.
ReplyDeleteBrill I did not know that, amazing animals.Cheers for that info Dave.
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