Issue 497 – Donkey Derby raises cash for local good causes

PROCEEDS from this year’s Donkey Derby have come to around £3,500, which will be distributed to good causes in and around the area.

Now in its sixth year, the Donkey Derby, organised by the Lions Club of Westbury, saw plenty of people flock to the White Horse Country Park on Sunday 11th September to cheer on the donkeys and their young jockeys.
Although down on previous years, the Lions say they are delighted with the total, given the temperamental weather of the day.
Westbury Lion David Firth said, “All in all it was a thoroughly good day. The numbers were down due to the weather but it was still well supported and we have done very well with the total.”
The Donkey Derby is one of the main events on the Lions’ calendar and they will now set about distributing the funds to local charities and good causes in and around the town.
David explained, “We have a welfare committee within the club, and they do their work and then the club will approve it. The money usually goes to schools and various other groups in the area.
“We don’t tend to hang on to it but start distributing straight away. One of the first things we’ll do will be make a donation to Matravers School because they had their junk band down at the derby.”