When the Moke pumped the water

Donkey and Cart pic 1907

That donkey again

Mentions of the Hospital Donkey

1899 Report referred to the difficulty of getting water – 250 foot deep well, no pump – raised by means of gearwork by a donkey or a man.

1901 Gift of shoes for the donkey

1903 Report of water connection with town mains “There is one being who would, I feel sure, join very heartily in the note of thanks for having the water laid on at the hospital and that is the old hospital donkey!”

As we see in the photograph – the donkey continued to be used to pull the cart although he was retired some time later………

1907 June 1st Newspaper report
The Hospital Donkey
Having won two second class prizes at Whitsuntide sports, the rider Mr Lawrence of the Roebuck Inn kindly presented Mr Mundy’s prize of three fancy flower pots to the hospital

1916 The hospital donkey was sadly killed by a Motor Car – so soon after his retirement.

We now know a little of the history of the donkey – but he does not appear to have a name so far. Hopefully someone may be able to let us know more or even have other photographs……………