President of the Donkey Breed Society Sue Ansdell

The Council of the Donkey Breed Society is the equivalent of a company's board of directors.  Comprising three nationally elected members, who may put their own names forward for democratic election via a paper ballot of all eligible voting members of the Society.  Nine regional delegates, elected and appointed within their regions to speak on the members behalf, and formally adopted by council at their first meeting of the year.  The chairman of the six standing commitees, each being elected to that office from within their committees and adopted by council at their first meeting of the year. Whilst members may hold more than one position, being either a nationally elected council member, or a regional delegate member as well as a committee chairman member,  they hold only one vote.

Terms of office are for three years and each member may serve two terms after which they are required to stand down for one year.  

A Chairman and Vice Chairman of council are elected by a paper ballot  annually in September,  from anyone wishing to be considered from the serving council, and any previously elected council members wishing to be considered for office in either capacity.

The Company Secretary attends council meetings to take the minutes, but has no vote similarly is a member of all committees but without any voting powers.

The Honorary Treasurer attends council meetings but has no voting powers.

The Aims and Objectives of the Society

Working for and on behalf of  donkeys, their  owners and admirers of all ages.

Working with and supporting other equine charities and organisations  throughout the world.

Welfare & Understanding  - Creating and maintaining knowledge of and  respect for the donkey in the UK and overseas :-

                                       * Education

                                        * Training

                                        * Promotion

 

Utilisation - Both for work and recreation :-                                      

                                        * Correct handling

                                         * Correct usage and utilisation

Demonstration - Allowing proper appreciation of the true nature and abilities of the donkey :-                                                                           

                                         *Organise events and competitions                                      

                                         *Establish and govern the rules thereof

                                          *Encourage the public to attend

 

Breeding - Helping to ensure the ongoing well-being of the donkey :-

                                          * Control and develop the established stud book

                                          * Promotion of best practise

                                          * Advice and information

The British Donkey - Establishing it as a distinct breed within the species :-

                                           *Formalize the breed description

                                           *Gain official recognition

Legislation - Laws, rules and regulations of  other organisations effecting donkeys

                                 and their owners :-

                                            *Advice and consultation

                                            *Assistance in the drafting

                                            *Suggesting amendments

ALL DONATIONS GRATEFULLY RECEIVED!!

The Society is a registered charity and as such we expect to spend money on our charitable aims, which includes the improvement of the standard of donkeys and the promotion of education of members and the public in donkey welfare, amongst others. Hopefully we all get enjoyment from this, as well as giving benefit to donkeys. We can only continue to carry out these activities at the same, or hopefully at even greater levels providing the Society's income can be maintained.

We, like many other charities, rely upon the returns from surplus funds to boost our income. The current low rates of interest available on bank deposits and the volatility in the stock markets have a direct adverse impact upon the income we can expect to obtain. Alternative forms of income are therefore most welcome.  

So there is the challenge to Area Representatives and all other active members!  Whether you are organising a teach in, a driving event or some other get together, please think about using the occasion as an opportunity to raise some additional funds for the Society. Many of you already use these events to collect money for charitable causes, but please don't forget that the Society is one such cause. If you would like to obtain collecting boxes for this, then please contact Carol Morse, our Secretary, who will be pleased to provide them to you.

Neil Glover

Finance Committee Chairman

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MEMBERS  -  YOUR SOCIETY NEEDS YOU !!

Council is the governing body of the Donkey Breed Society and the members are Directors of the Private Company Limited by Guarantee and Trustees of the Registered Charity.   It is made up of National Members and Regional Delegates; Regional Delegates represent the members in their regions, and work closely with the Area Representatives within those regions.   Chairmen of Committees (Driving, Education & Youth, Finance, Shows & Judges, Stud Book and Championship Show) are also Council Members.

We are always looking for new recruits to provide fresh ideas and enthusiasm, on Council, Committees and as Area Representatives.  If you think you would like to contribute to the running of the Society in whatever capacity please do get in touch with either Carol Morse, Secretary on 01732 864414 or email society secretary@donkeybreedsociety.co.uk or the Society Chairman, David Capps on 01522 731087 (evenings and weekends), or any one of the Committee Chairmen depending on your particular interest.  Most committees do need additional members, in particular the Finance Committee, Driving Committee and Education & Youth Committee;  and there are various vacancies around the country for additional Area Representatives.