With the approach of the Festive Season, it may be appropriate to remember with affection some famous Bears. Some, of course, are known world-wide by way of books and television, and we call to mind perhaps the most famous bear of all, Rupert. Many a Managing Director has forgotten the problems of the Stock Market for a while by turning to the page of the Daily Express, to join Rupert Bear on his latest adventure, accompanied by his loyal canine friend, Algy, the Pug. Later on that day the children would tune in to Teddy Edward, with Richard Baker leading the play from the High Rise Flat which this particular bear occupied, with his little girl owner. Sooty Bear has the distinction of being the only one to have a regular live Show, with his Presenter. Pooh Bear has been taken over by the Americans, but still retains his love of Honey and appears in his shrunken jersey. Paddington Bear also has millions of devotees of all ages, and instead of a jumper, sports a mac and sou'wester. His penchant is for marmalade sandwiches.
Archibald
Many famous people have owned Teddy Bears, the most well-known bear possibly being Archibald, owned by Sir John Betjeman. Then there is Tristram, given to Elizabeth Taylor by Richard Burton, and wearing a diamond-studded Collar. The two Royal Princesses, Margaret and Elizabeth, were also deeply attached to their Bears, Mildred and Maureen, who were lucky enough to have their own Play House built for them, and regularly taken on picnics at Balmoral, using Royal Doulton Tea-Sets, albeit with Mickey Mouse decorations. The Teddy Bears' Picnic held annually at Hyde Park in London attracts literally thousands of bears, many turning up in new outfits specially purchased for the occasion.
But our thoughts must turn to the ones we see, gazing forlornly from the windows of Charity Shops, abandoned and no longer loved by their owners. Some have been regularly washed and hung up to dry by their ears, whilst others have spent many a night in the freezer, until finally, with their fur worn out, they are discarded.
No matter how popular other toys are, the Teddy Bear has remained a firm favourite at Christmass. They have been manufactured in all colours, but honey-gold is still the favourite. Other toy animals take centre-stage for a time, inevitably. One toy tabby-cat was heard of actually being taken on Pilgrimage to Walsingham and having a seat near the window on the Coach. Perhaps some of the Clergy tuck their favourite teddies in their luggage on Pilgrimage. Who knows??...
Some Famous Teddy Bears written by Rosemary Goulding
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