A GOAT called Ebenezer has achieved a rare distinction for an animal of his kind by having his life and times immortalised in print.

Described as a “onetime scourge of Coddington and district”, the goat’s “turbulent existence” has been recounted in a 40-page booklet now on sale in aid of charity.

Ebenezer’s biographer Colin Parker, of Coddington Christmas Tree Farm, said: “The animal, a large neutered billygoat had strong views about the place of goats in society, and had no compulsion about demonstrating this through a catalogue of incidents. 

“He was a stubborn creature, a resourceful escapologist, destroyer of roses and vegetable gardens in the parish, and a dedicated misogynist, but could, when the will took him, be a charming, if eccentric companion.”

Ebenezer lived with the Palmer family for 12 years following the death of his previous keeper, who lived in Putley. 

“Fortunately his arrival predated the development of the family Christmas tree farm, which would undoubtedly have suffered considerably from his attentions,” Mr Palmer said.

The decision to write the book followed a request from a cousin for contributions to a book of memories for his 80th birthday. “Don’t forget the goat and ‘make it fun’ were his mandatory requests,” said Mr Palmer. “The resulting humour may be taken as a reflection of previous exasperation.

“The more charitable might comment that he was ‘a character’, but others would, no doubt agree with my wife to be, Margaret, who asserted that he was ‘an evil old sod’.” 

The account of Ebenezer’s life is divided into three parts: Trials and Tribulations of a Goat Owner; The Goat’s Story — an Autobiography, and a children’s version of the tale entitled For the Younger Person. 

The booklet will soon be available online at herefordshiregoat.co.uk, from nearby farm shops or direct from the Coddington Christmas Tree farm on Raycomb Lane towards Wellington Heath. The farm is open from 9am to 4pm until December 20, and then by appointment until Christmas Eve. Visit festive-ledbury.com for details.

All profits from sales of the book will be donated to the international development charity Practical Action.