Grandads Donkeys
I was most surprised to see my late grandfather William Mannall and possibly my uncle Paul with granddads donkeys ,which he had for many years on the beach at Hemsby and also later at Newport (uncle Paul). I had many gratis rides to encourage others and used to help with the tack and grooming. All in all I had many happy days at Hemsby with my Grandfather, my uncle Paul and of course the donkeys.
I nearly For got to thank my cousin Denise Brown who lives in Australia for guiding me to this photo, I can't thank her enough.
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RE: RE: Grandad's Donkeys
Hi! My husband actually found this picture recently, as we were talking about the years when I used to do the donkey rides at Newport for my 'adopted' Grandad, Billy Mannall.
To explain, I was born in 1952, lived in Great Yarmouth, and did the donkeys from the summer of 1965 to 1970. I used to have a 4 string at Newport Gap and Paul Mannall had a 6 string at Hemsby Gap. Paul worked full-time and I did weekends until school holidays, when it became a 7 days a week occupation! Upon leaving college at 18 and a half and commencing work in an Oil Company, Billy decided to finish the business. Paul intended joining the Fire Service, married Pat, and I believe they had 2 boys and live outside Norwich.
The donkeys names were, from the left - Tosh, Paddy, June, Nana (June's dam), next 2 unknown, and Flanagan. In fact, old Nana survived the GY floods of the early 1950s, so Billy always told me, and was quite elderly.
My four donkeys were Bridie (which I kept as a companion to my pony when the business finished), Crackers, Flanagan and ? Just cannot recall the fourth! In-foal when we purchased her, she over-wintered with us instead of going out to a temp winter home. Unfortunately, she twisted her gut and died before foaling ...
I would love to hear from any of the family, and I have several photos of my donkey string and I, plus Billy. I have many happy memories of my years giving rides at Newport/Hemsby. Perhaps you remember me?
MARILYN COLE (nee Drew)
mcole65@hotmail.co.uk
Comment from Marilyn Cole on Wednesday, 28th May 2008.