Elisabeth Svendsen Trust

A donkey-riding centre for children with special needs in Ivybridge is hosting a special carol service on Wednesday 9th December from 6.00pm to 7.30pm.

The service will be led by Chris Osbourne, Vicar of St John’s Church, and Stowford Primary School choir will be performing traditional Christmas carols and taking part in a Nativity scene to help celebrate the season and raise funds for The Elisabeth Svendsen Trust for Children and Donkeys (EST) Centre.

Admission is free and visitors will be able to warm themselves with festive refreshments such as mulled wine, mince pies and hot chocolate whilst enjoying beautiful carols in the company of the donkeys.

Bob Venn, Manager of the centre says, “We are very pleased to be hosting this special event and thrilled that the children of Stowford Primary School are joining us. An evening of Christmas carols with our donkeys is the perfect way to share some Christmas spirit with our supporters and friends, old and new.”

The EST centre in Ivybridge accommodates over 150 children with special needs and disabilities from 30 schools each week, all within Ivybridge and the surrounding area. It makes no charge to the schools, hospitals or parents whose children attend and staffing is strongly supported by a dedicated group of volunteers who help with the riding sessions.

The centre has four adorable donkeys; Eeyore, Pooh, Snowy and Wayne, that the public can adopt which make unique Christmas gifts. The cost of each adoption is £16.00 and the money raised helps support the work of the charity.