DBS SCOTLAND
NEWSLETTER – JANUARY 2015
Chairman and Regional Delegate – Elma Cunningham
Treasurer – Alison Robertson
Acting Secretary – Alison Bell
(alison_bell@tiscali.co.uk or 0777 854 7557)
FROM THE CHAIRMAN
I trust this Newsletter finds you and your donkeys in good health. Judging by the long coats
our donkeys have, more cold weather has still to come. Perhaps they know something we
don’t!
I represented our members at 3 Council Meetings in 2014 and was in the fortunate position to
attend the National AGM near Gatwick Airport. Main matters arising included: When taking donkey to events such as Nativity Plays, Palm Sunday Parades, Pantomimes,
etc make sure your insurance policy covers them for same. The DBS can offer cover.
Details obtainable from Carol Morse, DBS Secretary. Carol’s contact details can be found
in Braytalk.
 The Championship Show is returning to a 2-day event. The venue at Derby College has
spotlessly clean stables, a super arena surface and bright and airy. The donkeys seemed to
enjoy themselves.
 Barbara Whale has taken on the role of Treasurer of the Society. Neil Glover has taken up
the reins as Chairman of the Finance Committee.
 On 7 April Avondale Veterinary Group is hosting an evening for our members. Details in
this Newsletter.
 A Driving Seminar will be held on 12 April this year at Bennington Carriages. If this is
deemed successful then a similar event will be staged further North in 2016.
 Diana Milligan has agreed to join the ranks of Area Representatives for Aberdeenshire to
assist Mary Sivewright and Iain Thompson.
 £10,000 has been ring-fenced by Council for educational purposes. eg driving seminars.
Regions are invited to bid for a share of this money. Ideas for funding must be presented
to Council for approval.
 Plans for DBS participation in The Lord Mayor’s Show, London 2017 are progressing.
DBS entry is to mark the Society’s 50th anniversary.
Enjoy yourself with your donkeys and ensure to stay safe. Keep me up-to-speed on anything
donkey in your area and I’ll try to come along and join in. As I always say, there’s nothing
better than talking donkey!
WHAT’S BEEN HAPPENING SINCE THE LAST NEWSLETTER?
CHAMPIONSHIP SHOW
Elma Cunningham’s mare, Gamlingay Love in a Mist stood Reserve Supreme Champion
Donkey 2014. Getting through to the final 8 is a long, nail biting process. First of all, Mist
was placed Champion Mare. Another northerner stood reserve to Mist, Lorraine and John
Rae’s Arranbrook Bedazzled Faberge. Last 8 comprise Champion and Reserve Stallion,
Mare, Gelding and Young Stock. The final result saw Gamlingay Legend, owned and
produced by Jane Bramwell Champion and Mist right behind him. Legend is a half brother to
Mist. How proud Janet Lee who bred the 2 donkeys must be.
SCOTTISH SHOWING POINTS CHAMPION
The Robert Bell Memorial Trophy (Scottish Points Championship) was presented to Claire
Armet’s mare Jools. This mare shares a stable with the ever faithful Baxter who was awarded
this trophy a few years ago. The salver was presented to Claire by DBS Chairman, Rosemary
Clark at the Scottish AGM in September.
Well done Claire and Jools– it takes lots of miles, diesel, grooming, soap suds and of course
the unforgettable picnics to win this prestigious award.
BEN HART
DBS Scotland had a tremendous day with Ben in October last year. Full of humour coupled
with a strong message on donkey behaviour. A report on the event is in Braytalk. Maybe in
the future we could invite Ben back. He has written a book on Clicker Training – now,
there’s food for thought! Ben wishes to thank DBS Scotland for their kind invitation,
hospitality and the wonderful bottle of Malt Whisky.
ALISON BELL – THE CHRISTMAS CARD
Alison Bell has been out and about at Christmas time. By answering a call
from Radio Cumbria she was never off the top of the road with her donkey,
Bullrush and his stablemates. Between Nativity Plays and Christmas
Pageants, Alison and her donkeys raised almost £1,000 for Charity. The
money has been donated to The Borders Donkey Sanctuary, who, like
similar organisations care for donkeys not quite so well off as Bullrush and
his friends.
Many thanks Alison from DBS Scotland for bringing donkeys to the
public.
WEB-SITE
The new DBS web-site will be up and running shortly. I must say the preview I have seen is
really professional, bright colours and easy to navigate. Have a look. Web address is
http://www.donkeybreedsociety.co.uk/
If you are planning to do something in your area let Alison Bell know and she will collate
appropriate information and send it to The DBS Website Administrator. Alison’s contact
details are on page 1. Please ensure what you wish included in with Alison by the 1st of every
month.
WHAT’S COMING UP SO FAR FOR THIS YEAR?
DONKEY EVENING – TUESDAY 7 APRIL –7.00 pm for 7.30 pm
Avondale Veterinary Group, Strathaven is hosting an Evening for DBS Scotland.
See flier at end of Newsletter. PLEASE BRING ALONG A SUITABLE RAFFLE PRIZE.
AND
Come and meet the Foster Donkeys, Bruckleseat, Gight, Aberdeenshire – 25 April
DONKEY AFTERNOON – NORTH OF SCOTLAND – still in preliminary stages.
Details to follow.
SHOW DATES FOR 2015
Scottish Grass Sickness Show (Alyth) ……………………………………….……….. 7 June
Royal Highland Show, Ingliston (Donkey classes – Saturday)…………………… 18-21 June
Alyth Show …………………………………………………………...……………… 27 June
Kittochside (Museum of Country Life, East Kilbride) …..…………….…Donkey Classes tbc
Border Union Show (Kelso) …………………………………….……………………. 25 July
Perth Show …………………………………………………………..……………… 1 August
Turrif Show ……. ………………………………………..………………………… 2 August
Wigtown Show ……………………………………..…………………………….… 5 August
Keith Show ……………………………………………………………... Donkey Classes tbc
Peebles Show …………..………………………………..……………………...... 15 August
Details, Entry Forms, etc can be accessed via the Show’s website.
Remember, Royal Highland Show entries close in April.
DBS COUNCIL MEETINGS
Dates for above are:-
14 March : 3 June : 2 September : 29 November
I hope to represent Scottish members on these dates and feedback accordingly.