Hampshire walkers back on track to support our Animal Purple Poppy Fund

STANDING PROUD: Cesar and rider Clair Ramshaw alomgside ‘Arthur’ outside the Plough Inn.

Walkers in Hampshire returned in their numbers, post pandemic, to once again support The War Horse Animal Purple Poppy fund.

More than 50 took part in Walk for War Horse, starting in Little London, a village situated between the North Hampshire Downs and the Kennet valley. Joined by rider Clair Ramshaw on Cesar, a 21-year-old grey, the party set off from The Plough Inn to enjoy a five-kilometer walk through Pamber Forest. To engage the children, 10 trail spots were set up along the way to point out bat boxes, Wild Service trees, among the rarest native to Britain, pollarded willows and water mint.

Children who completed the walk show off their medals.

“Old friends caught up and new friend's were made,” said organiser and War Horse Memorial amabassador Simon Greaves. “Everyone had a great time and loved the medals we gave to all who took part. Money is still coming in but so far the walk has raised £386 for the Animal Purple Poppy Fund.”

The armistice anniversary memorial standing in Little London, Arthur the War Horse, was dedicated on August 23, 2018. A silhouette cut from steel plate, it commemorates not only the men and women who lost their lives in the World War One, but also, the horses, donkeys and mules which perished alondside them.

Arthur, named in honour of Arthur Pearse, a villager who lost his life at Mons during the Great War, stands outside the Plough Inn. It has become a focal point for the village and has even lent its name to a local ale brewed espacially to help raise money for our Fund.