Peter Rhodes on fields, fertility and a funny man who has died too soon

Admittedly, the storm drain near Market Drayton into which a donkey called Amigo tumbled a few days ago was concealed by leaves. But even if it had been clearly visible and marked with a large sign saying “HOLE,” the animal would eventually have fallen in. There is an unexplained but irresistible attraction between sudden drops and ungulates. Ask any fire fighter.