Donkey's: eco-friendly transport in Chalford

I think few people will not have heard of the Chalford Donkey Project (see their blogspot here) - the national media has covered the story several times but this blog has barely given them a mention and after talking yesterday to someone who was a supporter of the project I thought it was time I at least made mention of this local eco-friendly transport option that will no doubt become increasingly widespread as oil prices continue to rise.

Cartoon: from Russ, the Local Scribbler - still makes me smile

Oil prices have doubled since last year and more than quadrupled since 2002. They broke through the $100 a barrel at the beginning of this year and Goldman Sachs are now talking about an average price for the year of $140! Next year will see further rises as Peak Oil takes hold. Click on the label below for more info.

Well for those who missed this media sensation a group of residents of Chalford have initiated a donkey delivery service to help people transport their shopping and other goods to their doorsteps. In the past due to the steep hills of Chalford donkeys were used in the village as late as the 1930's to make deliveries, carrying bread, coal and many other household items to people's doorsteps.

The plan is that the donkey will live at a smallholding on the outskirts of the village and will be looked after by the project co-ordinator. Here is what they write on their blogsite re the donkey: "It will be taken into the village to make deliveries at set times during the week when people can book out the service. A core group of trained donkey handlers will also be on hand to help so that the job of taking the donkey out can be shared. The Chalford Community Stores will play a key role within this project. Many of the deliveries will originate from this shop which is a real hub of the community. It is a really special shop run mainly by volunteers and selling a lot of unusual and organic produce. It is from the community spirit of the shop that the Chalford Donkey Project will grow."

Apparently donkeys really enjoy working and being around people. Both the Donkey Breeds Society and various donkey sanctuaries have come out in support of the Chalford Donkey Project. And the press recently announced the name of the new 11-month-old donkey chosen by the Chalford Donkey Project from about 300 suggestions by villagers and ITV viewers: Chester.

The Project now also has it's second donkey for the new paddock built by volunteers in the village. Anyhow anyone wanting to make a donation to the donkey project or become a donkey handler should contact Anna on anna_usborne@hotmail.com

Also catch the YouTube of the Dancing Donkey in Chalford here.