FROM the Archive this week features a photograph of donkeys on Whitmore Bay, Barry Island.

In 1894 Barry Urban District Council issued a licence to Mr H. Pullen to allow two donkeys to be on hire on Barry Island.

By 1897 it seemed donkey rides had become so popular the council was insisting the boys in attendance upon the donkeys at Whitmore Sands wear a uniform consisting of a blue jersey, blue trousers and a blue cap and that each donkey saddle have a white cover.

Mr H. Pullen’s donkeys did not only give rides on the beach.

In 1895 Bank Holiday sports day at the Witchell sports ground, Mr H. Pullen won the donkey race.

Sports day also included more traditional sports like Tug of War, Three-legged Race and Catch the Greasy Pig - a competition for women which was won by Mrs Stephens.

The Barry & District News would like to thank Cllr Shirley Hodges for the photograph and information.

If you have an old Barry photograph you would like to see included, with information about what it depicts, email sha@barryanddistrictnews.co.uk