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Around 300 people turned up to enjoy traditional children’s games and sports at the Highfield Christmas Donkey Day on November 30.
Among the activities were donkey rides, running races, sack races, egg-and-spoon races, a sausage sizzle, a visit from Santa Claus and pin the tail on the donkey.
A highlight was the burying of a time capsule to commemorate 50 years since Ted and Alison Roberts brought donkeys to Highfield Garden Reserve and their subsequent donation of the land in Algies Bay to the people of New Zealand.
The time capsule contained newspaper clippings, stories and photographs of the donkeys collected over the last 50 years. It’s anticipated that the capsule will not be opened until 2069.
Helping bury the time capsule were Ted and Alison’s great grandchildren – Jessica Algie, 7, and Kristin Algie, 10.
Highfield Donkeys Society secretary Sheila Ford said it was wonderful to see so many people enjoying the activities and the reserve.
“It’s just what Alison and Ted hoped for,” she said.
To join the society and help take care of the donkeys, phone committee member Shona Duncan on 425 6129. Alternatively, turn up to Highfield Reserve on Tuesdays at 9.30am when the donkeys are groomed and have their hooves checked.
