On Thursday the 2nd of October 2025 we launched Brave Tails: Animals Who Served — a powerful exhibition honouring the animals who’ve stood alongside soldiers in war.
Pooka and Donald, our four-legged guests from the Donkey Breed Society stole the show as they met Lady Mayoress Jackie D’Arcy and helped unveil the Richmond Purple Poppies — a stunning cascade of handcrafted blooms gifted to the Society’s Northern Region in remembrance of animals in conflict
Visitors of all ages joined in collage workshops, crafting scenes of animals in wartime inspired by the Bayeux Tapestry, and shared extraordinary stories of birds, donkeys, and dogs who served in transport, communications, and specialist operations.
With cadets from QRH Redditch Troop and the Leamington Sea cadets, care homes, and community members all taking part — and an evening talk by Sarah Booth to close — it was a day of reflection, creativity, and connection.
Come see Brave Tails on display until 30th November, and catch Pooka and Donald again at the Victorian Christmas event at The Lord Leycester Hospital on 27th November!
