Celebrating Malvern Through Poetry and Storytelling

by on 18 June, 2026 with No Comments

The Donkey Minister’s Inspiring Poetry and Stories of Malvern Hills, Spring Water and the Spirit That Connects Us All

The Malvern Spa Association is delighted to feature the latest work of Reverend Valerie Needham, affectionately known as The Donkey Minister.

Inspired by the vision for the future of Malvern and its internationally renowned spring water heritage, Val has teamed up with award-winning local filmmaker Michael Coombes to create a series of short films combining poetry, storytelling and stunning imagery of the Malvern Hills.

The Donkey Minister during a procession- Image by Mel Platt

The first film, The Boy Who Walked the High Ground, is a moving tribute to Val’s late father and his extraordinary love of the Malvern Hills. Despite suffering from severe bone cancer, he climbed North Hill every day, drawing strength, joy and inspiration from the landscape he loved.

A second YouTube film is also now available, featuring two of Val’s poems: The Gift, which reflects on the precious legacy of Malvern Spring Water, and I Am The Dance, a meditation on the Universal Spirit present in all living things. The poem explores the idea that we are all connected — different expressions of the same divine essence.

“I hope that it will help to spread the understanding that all things have value … each a unique and precious thread in a magnificent universal tapestry of wonder.”

The Donkey Minister performing a dog blessing- Image by Denny Ellis (©) Mayday 2011

For many years, Val and her rescue donkeys were a familiar sight in Malvern, delighting families through processions, celebrations, water blessings and community events. Today, her creative work continues to support causes close to her heart, helping raise awareness and funds for:

  • The Malvern Spa Association
  • Penny Ha’penny Horse and Pony Rescue Centre
  • Safe Haven for Donkeys in the Holy Land

Through poetry, film and storytelling, Val continues to celebrate the beauty of the Malvern Hills, the gift of Malvern Spring Water and the connections that unite us all.

Make sure you subscribe to The Donkey Minister on Youtube for the upcoming films.

The Boy Who Walked The High Ground

Experience The Donkey Minister’s story The Boy Who Walked The High Ground with immersive, meditative storytelling.

'Only the forest knew his wonder
made paths for him 
to climb 
to high plateaux
where tall pines stretch
after sweep of wing 
into far sky.'...

I Am The Dance/ The Gift

Experience The Donkey Minister’s poems I am the Dance and The Gift accompanied by the author’s insight and inspiration behind her words.

I Am The Dance

I am Dolphin
I am Eagle
I am The Dance
I am wind blown of sudden urge
Impelling wings across the sky
I am Voice of indomitable freedom
Proclaimed in an eagles cry
I am leap of salmon in Springtime
Curved against the tide
Full straining to reach upwards
Determined to survive
I am tree that bends with grace as breath of wind
sings through Me
I am No thing and Every thing
The Pulse, The Heart of Life.
I am Light that dances on the water
Child of Earth
Come and Dance with me
I am splendour moved at dawn
to firewalk the sky
Child of Earth is My reflection
Trust in Me
Trust in Me
and Fly.

©/℗ 1993 Kathryn Player aka VP Needham
The Gift

The Gift
If you hold our your hand
I will give you happiness
I will give you sunlight
I will give you joy
Here is my gift
Take a gift of freedom
There, a gift of peacefulness
Now a gift of joy
Accept my gift
Know it comes with thoughtfulness
Wrapped in gentleness
Sharing my joy
I AM your friend,
I HEAR your singing
I SEE your carefulness
I FEEL your joy
Come with me now
Walk towards the future
There, where the new beginning
Starts to arise
See how it shines,
High above the mountains
Watch how its dancing
Lightens up the skies.
You’re my friend ,
We live together
You ARE my friend,
We share one world
You’re my FRIEND
Lets build together
Sharing ONE Dream,
ONE Truth, ONE World

©/℗ 1993 Kathryn Player aka VP Needham

Credits

The Boy Who Walked the High Ground
Free Verse Story © K. Player (Rev. Valerie P. Needham), 1993. Originally published by New Day Dawning (1993).

The Gift and I Am The Dance
© Rev. Valerie P. Needham.

Narration and Poetry: Rev. Valerie P. Needham
Video Production: Michael Coombes
Music: Bridge of Time © David Eastoe and K. Player (Rev. Valerie P. Needham).

© Rev. Valerie P. Needham, 2026. All rights reserved.