Farewell to George (From Basingstoke Gazette)

Farewell to George

5:00pm Saturday 30th June 2012 in News By Emily Roberts, Chief Reporter

A POPULAR pony, who has appeared at hundreds of community events throughout his life, is being mourned.

George was put down just two weeks after taking part in The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee celebrations.

George, who belonged to Emma Coventry and her mother Melinda, brought joy to children and families for 26 years, at school fetes and village events in and around Tadley.

The 29-year-old pony had his final moment of glory at the Tadley Treacle Fair on June 3, where he led a procession of children from Burnham Copse Primary School into the arena.

Emma, 30, from Bramley, said: “The Treacle Fair was a really nice last thing for him to do.

“He led the procession and was so happy on that day and so full of life.”

She added: “He’s going to be very missed. He was everyone’s friend and he was like a little old man. A lot of people will know him.”

George was put down on June 15 after taking a turn for the worse. Emma added: “Nothing fazed him. He just kept going right to the end.”