Donkeys meet the Mayor of Warwick!
Updated: Oct 4
Brave Tails: Animals Who Served – an Exhibition commemorating animals integral to military operations
On 1st October Mayor of Warwick, Cllr Simon Pargeter, declared The Museum of The Queen’s Royal Hussars’ ‘Brave Tails: Animals who Served’ Exhibition, ‘a fitting tribute to the bravery, loyalty and service of these remarkable animals, and an important opportunity to remember their role in conflicts around the world.’ Expressing, ‘a big thank you to Andy and the staff for putting on a fantastic event,’ The Mayor spent considerable time touring the exhibits. At the centre point, our Richmond Purple Poppies, the cascade of over a thousand purple poppies commemorating animals that have served in theatres of war/conflict past and in more recent times.
It was great to welcome the donkeys to The Museum, they loved meeting their public! Donald had visited The Museum last year with his friend Pooka, a gentle giant Poitou donkey, who had been due to return yesterday. Sadly, Pooka lost her fight with colic at the beginning of the week and had to be put to sleep and will be missed by all who met her in 2025, including at The Lord Leycester Christmas event. We were so very grateful to owner Emma for continuing to support yesterday’s event.
New to the Exhibition’s Launch this year, was retired police dog Radar, whose calm, gentle demeanour earned him many fans! He was representing ‘Hero Paws’, a Charity that supports retired military and service dogs and their veterans. Volunteer, Sam spoke movingly of her relationship with her own ex-service dog. The Charity provide care, rehabilitation and loving retirement homes for service dogs while supporting the well-being of veterans. Find out more about Hero Paws here: Supporting Retired Service Dogs and Veterans with Hero Paws.
Crafting workshops were on offer during the afternoon and as part of the evening talk. Crafters created, under the expert guidance of our Tour’s chief crafter, Sarah Pennell, wreaths that could be placed on memorials or displayed each year, on the 24th February for International War Animal Day.
Andy Milton, Curator at The Museum said: “As our Museum is based on cavalry heritage with an overall theme from ‘Horses to Tanks’, the Richmond Purple Poppies Tour’s fantastic display is incredibly appropriate. The Exhibition highlights the importance of animals in war and their contribution that was carried out in some of the most appalling conditions.”
See ‘Brave Tails: Animals Who Served at The Museum of The Queen’s Royal Hussars on display from 1st October 2026 until 29th November 2026, featuring The Richmond Purple Poppies.
The Museum of The Queen’s Royal Hussars, is open to Thursday to Sunday from 10.00am – 4.00pm including Bank Holiday Mondays. Entry to the exhibition is free but donations are welcome to help with running costs.
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