Brooke, one of our chosen charities has been nominated as Charity of the Year (with an income over £10 million) at this year’s Charity Times Awards, taking place in London on 2nd October.

Hosted by comedian Zoe Lyons, the awards celebrate the best practice in the UK charity and not-for-profit sectors.

“It’s fantastic to see Brooke recognised by our industry peers. Thank you to everyone who works so hard to make a difference to the lives of working horses, donkeys and mules; from UK-based fundraisers to our international colleagues reaching animals and their owners on the ground. Today I am particularly Proud to be Brooke!”

Petra Ingram, Brooke CEO

Highlights from the last year include the Every Horse Remembered campaign, which ran throughout 2018 and honoured the horses, donkeys and mules lost in WW1, as well as the organisation’s position as official charity at both the World Equestrian Games in North Carolina and Olympia, the London International Horse Show. More recently, Brooke has particularly focused on raising awareness around the donkey hide crisis in Kenya and beyond.

Many congratulations to our good friends at Brooke!

The War Horse Memorial presents Sainsbury’s Purple Poppy Music Feast. 

Sunday 6th October 2019 11am – 3.30pm. Sainsbury’s 150th Anniversary – A day of fun and music for all the family while you pop in at your favourite store.

• Special guest performances
• Sainsbury’s Sister Act
• Ascot Duo Sugar & Sax
• Face Painting & Tombola
• All donations go to the Purple Poppy Appeal

Your MC for the event is singer, songwriter and London West End star Colin Roy who, along with some amazing artists, will be entertaining you throughout the day. Expect to hear great songs from The Rat Pack, Abba, Michael Bublé, Nat King Cole, Diana Ross, Ed Sherran, The Temptations and more.

Sainsbury’s, 3 High Street, Ascot, SL5 7 HD.

Last year the picturesque Cockington in Devon became the first village in Britain to hold a Purple Poppy Day in support of War Horse Memorial. The idea was the brainchild of Kirk and Hannah Petrakis ( pictured here) who run K and H Cockington Carriages and provide popular rides around the village. They had been selling pin badges and came up with the idea of a special ceremony to remember the local men and horses who gave service and sacrifice in the First World War. More than 200 residents joined members of the Royal British Legion; local MP Kevin Foster; Councillor Nicole Amil and ladies from The Red Hat Society in a special service of remembrance which included readings and poetry and a special song, written and performed by the local choir. This year the village aims to go one better and the popular pub, The Drum Inn will play host to an afternoon and evening of music and entertainment. Matt Rogan from local radio station Breeze FM will be on hand oncer again to help organise things with Kirk and Hannah, who we are proud to say have agreed to become of Ambassador Volunteers and are already raising lots of money for our good causes. The party starts at 2pm and we are delighted to report that our favourite soprano and special Ambassador Christina Johnston will be guest of honour and has agreed to sing for the village. Its going to be a wonderful day!