TV Presenter at home on Jimmy's farm
There was much excitement at Redwings recently as the one and only John Craven came to Hapton!
Iconic television presenter John was filming for a series called Castles in the Country, and needed to be filmed whilst leading a donkey…all will be revealed why in October when the episode, featuring Burghley House, is aired on BBC2.
A researcher from the BBC rang Nicola Markwell at Redwings, and asked if the Sanctuary could help. “Naturally we are pleased to help with things like this which bring the nature of our work to the public’s attention,” explained Nicola, “but when I heard it was John Craven I was very excited as I loved Newsround as a child!”
John and the crew spent an hour or two early one morning filming John leading the donkey but Redwings’ first choice of donkey was rejected. “The donkey we first offered was a little small, so they asked if we had a taller one and we brought Jimmy over. Jimmy was a natural, and I am sure he knew he was being filmed! However he did get spooked and try to run off with John Craven at one point, but John is a lovely kind man and was very good with Jimmy."
Nicola discovered that John is in fact a donkey fan. “He was totally at home with Jimmy and was every bit as nice as I hoped he would be. He is welcome here anytime.”
Will Jimmy become a household name? Will he be asked to appear on Celebrity Eeyore Factor? Will he go on Celebrity Love Barn? It’s unlikely says Nicola, as he was soon back in his paddock enjoying some grass with his donkey chums and all thoughts of stardom were quickly forgotten.
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