Chrisov Chatterings
noeltone
Member Posts: 878
Chrisov’s Chatterings No 3
Debate is raging in Cromer at the moment as to whether donkey rides should be allowed on the beach during the coming summer season. A local woman’s desire to introduce two of these animals has met with some initial opposition from the local council. The council were less favourable as they did not think this idea was quite right for Cromer as it might devalue the place and detract from Cromer’s title of being the gem of the Norfolk coast and donkeys were deemed as being somewhat inappropriate for such a gentile Victorian seaside resort.
The locals have mixed opinions over this idea and the council’s reaction. Some argue that Cromer is no longer such an ideal Victorian place and it has already lost a lot of its gentile charm. Others have said that if people want such things as donkeys then they should go down the coast to good old great Yarmouth. Another voice said it would be good to have donkeys around the place and their droppings could be used to fertilise the local flower displays.
I can recall being at Cromer for the day a few years ago and a local reporter was asking people’s opinions on whether or not Cromer as a seaside resort was dead. Opinion then was quite mixed. During that time interval there has been some decay in Cromer as there is in most seaside places in the UK. Alternatively people do still come to Cromer for their holidays whether it is for long or short stays and there are many day trippers about the place so I guess it has not died yet!
Whereabouts on the beach will the donkeys go, perhaps they will be under the pier. I remember having and sometimes still do have the customary cheese and tomato and salt sandwiches under the pier after braving the North Sea for an invigorating swim. The donkeys could ploddingly ply their trade under the cliffs and be a part of that scenic area along with the kittiwakes that nest there. Alternatively they could be sited towards Mundesley under the token light that omits from Cromer lighthouse.
I recall a daily spectacle in Skegness of many donkeys going down to the beach to ply their daily trade with their bells tinkering. My kids loved helping the donkey man on Bridlington beach and they were content during the holidays to spend their time with him and his many donkeys and I could hardly drag them away from them and for them it was such an exciting spectacle. Whilst they were entertained I was able to explore and have my own fun.
Finally some ground breaking news has just broken and it has been decided that the donkeys can descend upon and enrich Cromer by their presence. The local council who some say have acted like complete assess over this (forgive the pun) have done an almighty U turn and their adamant NO to donkeys has now become a grudging Yes. These animals will be allowed to ply their trade under the Rocket café and this end of the resort is also where the slip way is sited where the ancient tractors haul the fishing boats to the sea. I hope the donkeys do not make the slipway anymore slippery then it already is. Already as these animals and their owners make their way through the town to the seafront they are followed by a crowd of children much akin to the Pied Piper of Hamlyn. As for any success, both in attracting more people to Cromer or to any financial gains I guess it is a case of watch this space. It just goes to show that faceless bureaucrats do not always know what is wanted by the local community and what is best and people power has gained the upper hand, my word that is very revolutionary, whatever next, perhaps the people will demand the pier is re-painted yellow and Overstrand gets a fish and chip shop.
Debate is raging in Cromer at the moment as to whether donkey rides should be allowed on the beach during the coming summer season. A local woman’s desire to introduce two of these animals has met with some initial opposition from the local council. The council were less favourable as they did not think this idea was quite right for Cromer as it might devalue the place and detract from Cromer’s title of being the gem of the Norfolk coast and donkeys were deemed as being somewhat inappropriate for such a gentile Victorian seaside resort.
The locals have mixed opinions over this idea and the council’s reaction. Some argue that Cromer is no longer such an ideal Victorian place and it has already lost a lot of its gentile charm. Others have said that if people want such things as donkeys then they should go down the coast to good old great Yarmouth. Another voice said it would be good to have donkeys around the place and their droppings could be used to fertilise the local flower displays.
I can recall being at Cromer for the day a few years ago and a local reporter was asking people’s opinions on whether or not Cromer as a seaside resort was dead. Opinion then was quite mixed. During that time interval there has been some decay in Cromer as there is in most seaside places in the UK. Alternatively people do still come to Cromer for their holidays whether it is for long or short stays and there are many day trippers about the place so I guess it has not died yet!
Whereabouts on the beach will the donkeys go, perhaps they will be under the pier. I remember having and sometimes still do have the customary cheese and tomato and salt sandwiches under the pier after braving the North Sea for an invigorating swim. The donkeys could ploddingly ply their trade under the cliffs and be a part of that scenic area along with the kittiwakes that nest there. Alternatively they could be sited towards Mundesley under the token light that omits from Cromer lighthouse.
I recall a daily spectacle in Skegness of many donkeys going down to the beach to ply their daily trade with their bells tinkering. My kids loved helping the donkey man on Bridlington beach and they were content during the holidays to spend their time with him and his many donkeys and I could hardly drag them away from them and for them it was such an exciting spectacle. Whilst they were entertained I was able to explore and have my own fun.
Finally some ground breaking news has just broken and it has been decided that the donkeys can descend upon and enrich Cromer by their presence. The local council who some say have acted like complete assess over this (forgive the pun) have done an almighty U turn and their adamant NO to donkeys has now become a grudging Yes. These animals will be allowed to ply their trade under the Rocket café and this end of the resort is also where the slip way is sited where the ancient tractors haul the fishing boats to the sea. I hope the donkeys do not make the slipway anymore slippery then it already is. Already as these animals and their owners make their way through the town to the seafront they are followed by a crowd of children much akin to the Pied Piper of Hamlyn. As for any success, both in attracting more people to Cromer or to any financial gains I guess it is a case of watch this space. It just goes to show that faceless bureaucrats do not always know what is wanted by the local community and what is best and people power has gained the upper hand, my word that is very revolutionary, whatever next, perhaps the people will demand the pier is re-painted yellow and Overstrand gets a fish and chip shop.
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Comments
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It's still not enough to tempt me to Cromer. I think it will look lovely, and perhaps introduce today's much-younger generation to a simple but pleasing delight. Donkeys are lovely creatures, and they could be a good introduction to general animal care and welfare for youngsters. But . . . .
No, on consideration it isn't enough to restore any degree of charm to that sad, forsaken resort. We'll pay our customary, annual visit next January to see if the decline continues. The whole town needs a huge facelift, it needs cleaning, brightening, a general make-over as modern terminology has it. Donkeys are not enough. DDHave you got the despatches? No, I always walk like this. Eddie Braben0 -
I don't think there should be donkey rides anywhere.
When the weather is hot these poor creatures walk up and down. That is their life.
My personal opinion is to stop this being done.
When these animals can no longer work some are just abandoned and left starving.
I adopt donkeys from the Doney Sancturies around the country. The state these animals are in when found is awful. The hooves grow so long they can hardly walk.
I looked at the video which came with my adoption papers and cried at the state of some of them.
I am in full support that some of the donkeys are used to help disabled children. They are allowed to ride them to help them gain support of their necks and spines.
They are then free to go around their enclosers and to be with other donkeys.0 -
There are some humans who do know how to look after animals. Given the fact that these will be on a public beach, and under the aegis of the local council, I'm positive there's no need to fret. It is part and parcel of the traditional English seaside and we live in more enlightened times. DDHave you got the despatches? No, I always walk like this. Eddie Braben0
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Hi Chrisov
That made very interesting reading, and it's good to see you posting again.
The RSPCA are concerned about the welfare of donkeys on the beaches in hot weather, and would like the tradition of donkey rides to end.
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/drop-the-hot-donkey-say-rspca-as-beach-temperatures-soar-1247042.html
As for Cromer, it seems strange that they thought donkeys might spoil the Victorian resort, because donkey rides were first introduced in Victorian times.
I haven't been there for a long time, and I remember it as a pleasant town. I climbed up to the top of the church tower, which I think is the highest in Norfolk. It is sad if the town has been allowed to get rundown.
All the best
Joan
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Hi Chrisov
Thank you another well-wriitten peice of prose
I enjoyed it too.
I agree with DD - they should be safe enough shouldn't they?
'Our' donkeys, Trisher, at Sidmouth help children with disabilities no end with their rides dont they?
Love
Toni xx0 -
Sidmouth - one of my all-time favourite places. We had a wonderful holiday there in 2008, November-December time so no donkeys then. It is a lovely town. DDHave you got the despatches? No, I always walk like this. Eddie Braben0
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Hi all I must say I dud not think about donkey welfare I hope they are monitored and not abused I know the horses that pull the landaus on GY golden mile are inspected regurlarly0
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Hi Chrisov
they will be inspected too - I am sure.
The Donkeys have ben there for ages DD but it is not in the town centre - outside and not esay to find at all.
I (on a cheery note) have a memorial plaques there for my mum and Dad coz my Mum loved them.
You take care
Love
Toni xx0
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