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John Wield's description of his donkeys "We have had some four or five donkeys. Each had its own character. Their bray was individual. Polly’s voice was very clear, it could be heard miles on a still night. She was a willing worker, always eager to go out and ready to return. No stick for Polly! Neddy proved too fast for the bath chairs. He would trot for miles, so, with regret he was swapped for our number 1, Jack who puzzled us by refusing to stand still when left by himself in the stable. At last we left the stable open and, much to our delight, he came outside and just stood about, never leaving the place! Then when Polly returned he always went and rubbed his nose against hers. When drinking he always let Polly drink first. Our little daughter could play all around his legs. Yes, he was gentle, kind and a lovely disposition. Later on we acquired Nancy, she was also a nice animal, and a number 2 Jack who was a fine donkey but so nervous. She must have had a shock some time! Nevertheless, one Sunday, just before lunch I saw Nancy and Jack feeding in the field. Five minutes later, by chance, I realised only one was to be seen. Jack was leaning forward over the side of the ditch, grasping something, pulling and nearly falling backward, then going forward and repeating. I realised Nancy was in the ditch. Jack was trying to grip her mane and pull her free! She was fairly fixed but, after some moments, I was able to get her leg so that she could stand in the ditch. How Jack so quickly learned to help Nancy will always remain a puzzle to me. Soon after this, the war became critical. The donkeys were given up. In 1919 some recovery took place but the destruction by fire of the Victoria Hotel in 1920 severed the old days completely."