Saddle up for the donkey derby fun day at War Memorial Park

[dutchman]

It's time to saddle up for one of the city’s most popular annual family events – the Coventry Donkey Derby.



The fundraising event had to be postponed last year because of rain – but this year it’s hoped that the War Memorial Park will be bathed in sunshine.

The 45th annual Lions Donkey Derby and Charities Fair starts at noon this Saturday.

It will feature racing donkeys being ridden by jockeys and traditional summer fete.

There will be 30 charity stalls, a traditional Dixieland jazz group, hog roasts and other food and drink.

A bouncy castle and Punch and Judy show will be on offer along with plenty of other entertainments for kids.

People can also place a bet on the winner of each race.

Chairman of the Leofric Lions’ organising committee for the Donkey Derby David Burton, said:“There’s no need to go to the seaside for donkey rides and entertainment, people can just come to the War Memorial Park.

“It’s been going on for years, grandmothers come who used to go to the Donkey Derby when they were children, and now they bring their grandchildren.

“Most importantly, the event has raised more than a million pounds for Coventry charities.”

Last year, the Donkey Derby had to be postponed for the first time in its history.

A very wet summer meant that, despite being scheduled for August 4, the event was put off until September 1.

This year, organisers are hoping that the good weather will last for the big day.

David said: “We certainly hope it won’t be postponed. That was a major thing we had to do a week before the event last year. It's never been postponed before.”

The event is free to enter, and parking is also free.

All proceeds from Lions stalls will go directly to charity, and money raised will be split between several local charities.

David said: "Charity giving is going down, so this helps. Let's see how generous Coventry people will be on the day"

[dutchman]

Hundreds turn out for Coventry Leofric Lions event at War Memorial Park



Families enjoyed a day at the races in Coventry at the weekend.

The 45th annual Donkey Derby was held at the War Memorial Park on Saturday.

Punters could place bets on each of the races, with proceeds going to various local charities.

There was also a school sports-day themed event for people, including skipping, three-legged and sack races.

Other attractions included 30 charity stalls, live Dixieland jazz music, a hog roast, fairground rides and a Punch and Judy show.

The Donkey Derby is organised by the Coventry Leofric Lions who believe the weekend’s event was the most successful to date, raising more than last year’s £7,500.

Spokesman Ken Brown said: “It was as good a turnout as we’ve ever had – it just pulls so many people together.

“There’s a great big tented village right in the middle of the park. We’re expecting more money this year. We’re going to concentrate on local charities like Myton Hospice and Macmillan Nurses.”

Last year, the Donkey Derby had to be postponed for the first time in its history.

A very wet summer meant that, despite being scheduled for August 4, the event was put off until September 1.

And the weather nearly caused more problems this year.

Ken said: “There was a huge downpour at 12.20pm – and the event started at half past. I thought it would clear the park, but it cleared up and we got off on time.”

The donkeys were supplied by Stonehill Donkeys, in Shropshire, and all the young riders came from Moor Farm Stables, in Corley Moor, near Coventry.

Stable proprietor Liz Beaty said: “The donkeys are harder to ride than ponies or horses because they have no withers, so there’s nothing to put your knees behind.

“Their stride is faster rather than long, so it’s quite bumpy. It’s a bit of a challenge for the riders, but it’s nice to give them the opportunity to do something like this.”

For more information about the Leofric Lions visit http://www.leofriclions.org.uk