There’s a new donkey at St James’, helping to keep down the grass in the churchyard and brightening up many a visitor’s day. She’s called Mary Nancy Swift (MNS) and came to Taxal in the autumn in a ‘sort of swop’ with Moses, the previous churchyard donkey.

Mary Nancy, appealing eyes and a lady of taste

Mary Nancy is three, and expecting her first foal.  Owner John Swift, one of the churchwardens, says she is ‘a lady of taste’, preferring apples to carrots if there is a choice.

She is about to have a ‘pedicure’ from local farrier Peter Smith . She will need a little training before taking part in any church events, as donkeys sometimes do.