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The Elisabeth Svendsen Trust for Children & Animals

Dr Elisabeth Svendsen, MBE, DVMS - Founder

Dr Svendsen has dedicated many years of her life to the rescue and protection of donkeys, and to fight for animal rights and welfare, and to date has taken in 11,000 donkeys.  Hundreds and hundreds of donkeys live at the original Donkey Sanctuary in Devon as well as the centres in Leeds, Sidmouth and Birmingham where Charlie C. resides.

Charlie C.

I am proud to announce that I have adopted Charlie C. from The Elisabeth Svendsen Trust for Children and Donkeys.

Certificate of Adoption

Charlie lives at the Elisabeth Svendsen Trust for Children and Donkeys in Birmingham, England. The E.S.T is a registered charity no. 801070 and a sister charity to The Donkey Sanctuary, registered charity no. 264818. Both were founded by Dr Elisabeth D Svendsen, OBE, DVMS. Read on for more details of both charities and their work. 

This wonderful drawing of Charlie C was received from the Centre as part of the adoption package.

History of Charlie C.

Charlie C is one of the donkeys giving rides to children with special needs at the Centre in Sutton Park, Birmingham.

Charlie arrived at the Sanctuary in 1996, spending a year at the Sidmouth Centre before moving to the training Centre. When a new donkey was needed at the Sutton Park Centre, Charlie C was considered ideal. He came from a happy home, when his owner could no longer give him the time, love and attention that he wanted Charlie to have.

Charlie, a broken coloured gelding was born in 1992, and the staff at the Centre say he's a real star, kind and interested in everything - he is great with the children and loves them all.

Although the Elisabeth Svendsen Trust in Sutton Park, Birmingham is not open to the public, the principal, Sue Brennan, and her staff will make you most welcome should you wish to visit Charlie. However, could you please ring Sue Brennan in advance at the Centre - Tel: 0121 354 944.

There are many donkeys available for adoption, and all of them as appealing as each other, but I chose Charlie C. because he looks a fine character indeed and because of his name! Michael Wincott's character in his first movie was Charlie Connors! .

Today I had a letter saying that "ever since a new window was put in between the office and arena, Charlie can be found with his face pressed against the glass. He is fascinated with all that goes on in the office - Gill, the EST secretary wonders if he's after her job!"

I will receive updates on Charlie C. from time to time from the Trust and I will keep you all posted as to how he is doing and what's happening in his life.

Other Donkeys available for adoption 

The Trust invites you to adopt one of their donkeys for one year to help towards the costs of the charity, which provides riding therapy for children with special needs and disabilities. The adoption fee is very reasonable per year and you will receive details of the donkey you decide to adopt, together with a beautiful drawing of your donkey, (like the one of Charlie C above), an adoption certificate and a twice yearly report. 

For a little extra they will send you a video of the donkey group. (DVD or UK VHS format PAL video - overseas format US/Canada VHS format NTSC video available). An adoption makes a novel and ideal anniversary, birthday or Christmas gift for the discerning animal lover. 

The donkeys below are available for adoption at the following Centres. For an adoption form please contact The Elisabeth Svendsen Trust, (Dept, ADOPT), Sidmouth, Devon, EX10 0NU, or e-mail them at the address at the bottom of the page:

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Charlie C.

Charlie C, a broken coloured gelding, was born in 1992 and is kind and gentle.

Donk Dean

Donk Dean born in 1987 is a handsome grey gelding, who can be very cheeky.

Oscar

Oscar, born in 1994 is a dark brown gelding, he is a very mischievous donkey.

Moses

Moses is a grey donkey with a white face who was born in 1995. He is very friendly and affectionate with a placid nature.

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Location

The Birmingham Centre is based in Sutton Park, Sutton Coldfield, on land leased by Birmingham City Council. 

If you have made an appointment to visit your adopted donkey over the weekend you may find that the gate into the Centre's grounds is shut. However you will find that the padlock is not locked. Please open the gate, drive through and kindly shut the gate behind you.

ACCESS IS ONLY VIA TOWN GATE - SUTTON PARK

After entering the park through Town Gate, keep to the left hand side to the top of the hill. Turn right down a No Through Road - signposted to Keepers Pool only. There are some trees which split the road around them. Immediately past those trees on the right there is a small lane with our small green sign at the top. Drive down the drive and find a parking space outside the building. See The Donkey Sanctuary site for more details.

Address     Pilkington Donkey Centre, Sutton Park, Sutton Coldfield, B74 2YT

Email     [email protected]

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Kelly

Kelly is a very pretty grey mare, born in 1992 she loves a lot of attention.

William D.

William is a handsome tri coloured gelding, born in 1993, he's a happy lively donkey.

Simon

Simon is a grey gelding, born in 1986, he is a very friendly donkey.

Rosie

Rosie born in 1989 is a broken coloured mare with a gentle and loving nature.

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Location

The Leeds Centre is situated at the bottom of Swan Lane off Black Hill Lane near Eccup, Leeds. Take the A660 Leeds/Skipton road and from the mini roundabout follow the Eccup signs. Go along Kings Road, left at junction and right onto Black Hill Lane. Swan Lane is ¼ mile on the left. Remember to phone first.

Address    The Donkey Centre, Swan Lane, Off Blackhill Lane, Eccup, Leeds LS16 8AZ

Email    [email protected]

PLEASE ALWAYS PHONE FOR AN APPOINTMENT IF POSSIBLE ESPECIALLY FOR BOOKING DISABLED/SEN RIDES AND ADOPTION VISITS TO VOID DISAPPOINTMENT. UNFORESEEN CIRCUMSTANCES DO ARISE!

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Mary

Mary was born in 1992. She was a much loved pet and enjoys being groomed and stroked.

Toby

Toby was born in 1997 and used to live on a farm in Alton Towers and loves meeting people.

Cocoa

Cocoa is the 8693rd donkey to arrive at the sanctuary. He has a cheeky personality and and easy-going nature.

Hannah

Hannah, born in 1997. She is a quiet and gentle donkey who likes human company.

Location

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The Manchester Centre is situated at the bottom of Green Fold, off Abbey Hey Lane at the Northern entrance to Debdale Park (there is no vehicle access from the Hyde Road entrance to the park). From the M60 take junction 23 and follow the A635 (Ashton Old Road) toward Manchester. Continue for 1.5 miles passing St Anne's Catholic Church on the right hand side. After a further 1/2 mile take a left turn opposite St Clement's Church into Capital Road. Take the 3rd left (immediately after bridge by corner shop) into Abbey Hey Lane. A short way past the Hamlet Public House take the left turn into Green Fold. The Centre is straight ahead over the bridge and to the right.

Please remember that access down Green Fold into the park is shared between the residents, school children and walkers in the park in addition to our donkeys and children....
PLEASE BE VERY CAREFUL WHEN DRIVING

Visiting Times: Mon, Tues, Thurs & Friday 10am - 3pm, Wednesday 10am - 5.30pm and every Saturday 10am - 3pm but disabled and SEN rides once a month on the third Saturday. We are open the first Sunday in the month 10am - 2pm and some other Sundays and Bank Holidays opening is flexible.

Principal      Debbie Coombes

Telephone   0161 301 4051        Fax    0161 301 4051

PLEASE ALWAYS PHONE FOR AN APPOINTMENT IF POSSIBLE ESPECIALLY FOR BOOKING DISABLED/SEN RIDES AND ADOPTION VISITS TO VOID DISAPPOINTMENT. UNFORESEEN CIRCUMSTANCES DO ARISE!

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Tom Harrison

Tom Harrison was born in 1983 and is a very handsome skewbald gelding.

Daniel P.

Daniel is a grey roan gelding, born in 1989, he is a large and loveable donkey.

Tapestry

Tapestry is a very pretty and gentle skewbald mare, born in 1990

Marguerite

Marguerite is a pretty light brown mare born in 1996, who came into the Donkey Sanctuary's care in 1999.

Location

See http://www.thedonkeysanctuary.org.uk for more details of how to find the centre, but remember to phone to book first.

Address     The Elisabeth Svendsen Trust, Sidmouth, Devon, EX10 0NU

Email     [email protected]

PLEASE ALWAYS PHONE FOR AN APPOINTMENT IF POSSIBLE ESPECIALLY FOR BOOKING DISABLED/SEN RIDES AND ADOPTION VISITS TO VOID DISAPPOINTMENT. UNFORESEEN CIRCUMSTANCES DO ARISE!

The work of the Elisabeth Svendsen Trust

for Children and Donkeys

The aims of the Elisabeth Svendsen Trust for Children and Donkeys (EST) are to bring enjoyment and pleasure into the lives of children with special needs and disabilities and to give them the satisfaction that comes with the achievement of learning riding skills.

The Slade Centre at Sidmouth was registered as a charity in 1975 by Dr. Elisabeth Svendsen, MBE, Administrator of the Donkey Sanctuary. As the aims and objectives of The Slade Centre restricted its activities to the Devon area, The Elisabeth Svendsen Trust for Children and Donkeys was registered as a charity in 1989 and a second centre opened in Sutton Park, Birmingham. In 1997 Slade Centre and EST were amalgamated to save administration costs. In 1999 a third centre was opened in Eccup, Leeds.

Riding skills are taught by qualified riding instructors using the donkey because of its placid nature. In addition the children are encouraged to groom and care for the donkeys. The children who attend have a wide range of disabilities; some have learning difficulties, others are physically disabled or have behavioural problems, brain damage or sensory impairment. Children are brought to the Centre daily by their school or hospital, and once a month on a Saturday or during school holidays they can attend the Centres with their families. Every week up to 150 children attend each Centre. Their ages range from 1 year to young adults and those over 8 stones in weight, and too heavy to ride the donkeys, are taught to drive a small cart.

During the summer months mobile units operate, taking donkeys out to those children in schools and hospitals who, because of their disabilities cannot travel to the Centres.

The emotional and physical benefits of companion animals are now being established in psychiatric hospitals and elderly care units and there is well-researched evidence that the presence of animals can have a direct calming influence.

They are also a focus for the child's affection. Even the most disturbed, agitated or withdrawn child is more relaxed when stroking and talking to the donkeys. A confidence shared with a donkey has no chance of being revealed as it can be with a human.

Learning new skills in a safe and caring environment means riding therapy is also fun. Setting simple, achievable goals at each riding session increases the motivation of the child, raising the confidence and self esteem that is so often lacking in many of the children who first visit the Centres. The act of riding can also improve balance and dexterity for many children.

The donkeys have proved to the staff time and time again that they, too, are very special individuals as are the children who come to the Centres.

The EST receive no government aid and rely entirely on the generosity of their supporters. They make no charge to the schools, hospitals or parents whose children attend the Centres. Unfortunately they do not hold large reserves for future running costs but they are economical and keep their spending to a minimum. The staffing is strongly supported by a dedicated group of volunteers who help with the riding sessions.

If you are able to help the EST by adopting one of their donkeys, volunteering at one of the Centres, holding a fund-raising event or even by a donation, covenant or a legacy, you can be assured that your gift will be used to its full advantage.

Cheques or International Money Orders should be made payable to The Elisabeth Svendsen Trust for Children and Donkeys and sent to the following address :

Gifts

The Trust also has a fine catalogue of gifts, books cards, calendars and a video or DVD of the Sanctuary, which is available in PAL format and in NTSC format for the USA and Canada. All the proceeds go towards running the Centres and fighting to stop the ill treatment of donkeys worldwide. 

If you would like to make a donation, adopt a donkey, or receive further information on the E.S.T. or the Donkey Sanctuary and the remarkable work they do, then please contact them by the following means: 

website:    www.thedonkeysanctuary.org.uk  

e-mail:      [email protected] 

Write to:   The Donkey Sanctuary, Sidmouth, Devon, EX10 0NU, UK.

"Sanctuary" Midi File composed by Arfon Edwards 

Please do not copy or use this Midi file without permission as it is copyrighted to Arfon Edwards 10/5/1999.

To visit my Donkey Sanctuary page and see the work that they do, click on the above donkey button

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Michael Wincott