ON account of the narrowness of the lanes that run along the hillside at Chalford, bread was traditionally delivered by donkey.

Two large panniers were attached across the animal’s back and a basket was provided for the delivery boy to take loaves to the doorstep.

A few years ago the SNJ reported that a system of delivering groceries by donkey had been reinstated but according to people I have spoken to this has now lapsed.

Using donkeys in Chalford became quite a feature and many photographers from Edwardian times onward recorded the practice.

Postcard A, taken near what was once a water source for Chalford, is now largely unchanged and came from the collection of the late Fred Hammond, who was extremely knowledgeable about the history of the parish. Details about B and C came from Mike Mills.