Delilah the donkey brought smiles and fond memories to the residents of a dementia care home in Yeovil last week.

Jane Davey, the activities coordinator at Chestnut Lodge, is friends with Russell and Naomi who care for nine-year-old Delilah at their small-holding in Odcombe, and she was delighted when they agreed to bring Delilah to visit the home.

Jane said: “She is such a lovely gentle soul, and the ladies and gents we support absolutely loved her.

“One of our ladies asked: ‘Is that the donkey from Bethlehem?’ and they were delighted to have the chance to make a fuss of her.

“One of our residents used to live on a farm and he had a long chat with Russell about donkeys and farm machinery.

“Russell is hoping to be able to return in the New Year with a few small pieces of old machinery that this gent will enjoy reminiscing about.

“Lots of the residents remembered the donkeys that used to be on the beach at Weymouth, which is our nearest seaside, and it brought them such pleasure to tell us about these memories.

“Although dementia means that recent memories are lost, places and events from decades ago are often recalled with ease, so a visit like this can unlock those recollections and the residents love to share them with us and each other.”

Delilah’s visit was part of a full and varied programme of pre-Christmas activities at Chestnut Lodge, which also includes visits from Chilthorne Domer Choir, Yeovil Town Mayor, a therapy dog, and Grace McDonald and Jan Milward, two local singers who entertained with carols and Christmas songs.

Chestnut Lodge is run by award-winning dementia care provider Camelot Care, who also run homes in Bridgwater, Plymouth and Wellington with a fifth due to open in Holsworthy in 2025.