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    02

    Sept 2023

    Last Updated: 01/09/2023
    Community
    Community

    Cow in Valley Gardens was 'reunited with owner', say police

    by John Plummer

    | 02 Sept, 2023
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    It's the mystery that has been hanging over Harrogate for a week: how did a cow get into Valley Gardens — and was it reunited with its herd?

    The story of the cow wandering towards the Magnesia Well Tea Room last Saturday morning is one of our best-read this week.

    It has provoked numerous head scratching because Valley Gardens is nowhere near grazing cattle. It has even inspired a poem, which we've published below.

    Dog walker Lucy Emma Renshaw-Martin spotted the bovine beast when she was taking her usual morning stroll.



     



    Lucy, who sent us these photos, still has no idea how the cow got there or what happened to it. She left as the police were struggling to deal with the loose cow.

    The Stray Ferret asked North Yorkshire Police last weekend for details of the incident. The force finally replied today with a one-line statement saying only that 'the cow was reunited with its owner' — leaving the mystery only partially solved.

    Poem about the cow


    Carole Keegan, a member of Harrogate Writers' Circle, compiled this imaginative poem about the cow's sojourn to Valley Gardens.

    “I want to break free” sang the Friesian cow

    Not to the abattoir just right now.

    Aha! A hole in the fence, looks big enough for me

    Plenty of Flora and Fauna and of course the magnesia well for a cup of tea

     

    It’s strange to be here without the herd

    A few pics and police but nobody’s saying a word

    Everyone’s looking at me but not even a MOO

    Perhaps I should pop over and shout BOO!

     

    It’s a mystery how I got here, buts it’s been such fun

    I do love Patrica Hodge as Miranda’s mum!

    AND an added boost I can manure the roses and plants

    Maybe to the onlookers it will be pants.

     

    I’ve looked all over and don’t know how I will be taken away

    Oh the memories of such a glorious day

    Gosh,I know I will put a daisy in my mouth, with a pout

    Join the Magic Roundabout….hey Zebedee

    Please wait for me!




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