2
Historical Happenings
by Peggy Butterfield
December 2016
DONKEY RIDING AT NEW BRIGHTON BEACH 1950’s
Donkey rides were a great feature on the beach in the 1950s. The donkeys were all
very docile and good tempered, and we never heard of any child getting hurt
The donkeys were kept by the "donkey man" on Withell's Island, a reserve at the
corner of Union and Rodney Streets named for a former owner Charles Withell
(1832-1916). A well known New Brighton Resident, the late Pauline Sealey is
pictured wearing the floppy sun hat. Every day the donkeys were walked to the beach, and then back
to Withell’s Island at night,
where the local
neighbourhood children
would feed them treats,
and get a free ride. I lived
over the road in Owles
Terrace, and we eagerly
awaited their return in the
evenings, because we
could brush and care for
them . We knew them all
by name.
They were a very popular
attraction at the beach in
the summer time.
The New Brighton Museum have their 2017 calendar
ready for sale . This year it is on old shops and
shopkeepers- a real classic.
$10 each or 3 for $25 The museum is open every day
1 to 3pm and they are also on sale at Hammer
Hardware. Also we are looking for some
volunteers to man the desk one day a week and
show people around. Someone with a love for New
Brighton would be great. Pop in or ring Peg on 3884
-286
Golden Oldie Movies every Monday at 1.30pm
December movies5th
12th
19th
26th
Cat Ballou 1965 Lee Marvin Jane Fonda. 97 min Comedy Western
The Greatest Show on Earth 1952 Betty Hutton, Charlton Heston, James Stewart
Circus drama 1hr 36min
White Christmas 1954 Bing Crosby Danny Kaye 120 min Comedy Musical
A Christmas Carol 2009 Animated Jim Carey Colin Firth Drama Comedy 1hr 36