Donkeys Gary and Eeyore join first leg launch of Purple Poppy tour in York

From left: Lady Mayoress, Joy Cullwick, The Rt Hon Lord Mayor of York, the Rev Councillor Chris Cullwick, Sheriff of York, Sue Hunter and Sheriff’s Consort, Nigel Goodwin, meet Gary, Eeyore and handlers, Pat and Annie. Picture: Bill Tetlow

Donkeys Gary and Eeyore greeted the Lord Mayor of York as a cascade of hundreds of crafted purple poppies were officially revealed at York Army Museum.

The Rt Hon Lord Mayor of York, the Rev Councillor Chris Cullwick, Lady Mayoress, Joy Cullwick, Sheriff of York, Sue Hunter and Sheriff’s Consort, Nigel Goodwin, were invited guests of the Donkey Breed Society and commented on the impeccable behaviour of their equine guard of honour.

Crafted to raise awareness of the roles played by animals and birds across the globe in theatres of war, past and present, the 'Northern Tour' of purple poppies will spend two months at the Museum. It will then move to the Museum of Military Life in Carlisle (June-July) and the Cheshire Military Museum in Chester (October - December).

Original organisers and crafters Christine Sellers, Valerie Blease, Lynn Rutherford and Vera Watson were also at the Launch. Christine said: “We are absolutely delighted that the poppies will be seen across the north over the coming months and that people will connect with their significance.”

Bill Tetlow, President of the Donkey Breed Society UK, who attended the event, said: “We are honoured that The Lord Mayor and Lady Mayoress were able to take time out of their busy schedules to visit the display. We are very grateful to the York Army Museum for allowing us to begin the Richmond Poppies’ journey in York and to the The War Horse Memorial organisation for introducing the Richmond crafters to us.”

The tour will also raise awareness of the UK’s official acknowledgement of International War Animal Day, which took place on February 24, and The War Hotse Memorial’s purple poppy campaign. The display brings together education, aesthetic appeal and a recognition of the importance of crafting and charity.

It remains at York Army Museum until the end of May before relocating in Carlisle.