Our UK Hedgehogs Campaign moves a little further on.....

Greetings everyone.  Cy Bear back again.

As the title implies, things are moving on in the Cuddlies efforts to help save the British Hedgehogs. Isobel has been working on it pretty well all week, and I'm in a position to report on some of the developments.

First of all, here's a picture of the Hedgehog Family taken when Isobel was at  the October meeting of the Ashfield U3A Group on Thursday morning this week.  She only took a few of us, because this was the first time she had gone to a group meeting, and it was more of a "getting to know you" type of  occasion - because she obviously was not the only visitor there.  Another reason was that she had only taken half a coffee-type table as well!

A Cuddlies Selection on display at the Ashwood Centre, Kirkby in Ashfield , 22.10.2015

The Frog's leg is large and floppy - and would not move out of the picture!

She was, however, the only visitor/member who had a table on display and I'm pleased to say that one of the Baby Hedgehogs (seen on the right of the photograph) did get adopted, and so the first 10% contribution towards the Saving UK Hedgehogs Cuddlies Campaign is "in the bag".  Not a large sum, maybe:  but it's a start.

After spending a long time on the internet trying to find where the source of the faux fur fabric she uses for the Hedgehogs originated from (other than from where she used to get it when we lived in Wiltshire) - and not succeeding, Isobel "bit the bullet" on Monday morning and rang The Fine Quality Feather Company in Frome, Somerset to see if they could let her know.  Guess what?  The firm gets ALL fabric they use from a wholesaler which is based here in Kirkby-in-Ashfield, where we now live.  So, most of the fabric we now have in the hall cupboard must originally have come from there in the first place! Serendipity or what?

Daddy Hedgehog, on show at "The Artful Buttoner", Kingsway, Kirkby in Ashfield.

So, then Isobel googled Roma Fabrics Limited, found the correct email address to contact and duly sent a brief description of what Coldham Cuddlies is about, and how we had dealt with Fine Quality Feather Company, by taking off-cuts they didn't want and using them for us Cuddlies.  

Roma Fabrics, being wholesalers dealing direct with the trade, don't do off-cuts!  Isobel responded by saying that she is accustomed to being treated as "Trade" by the plush and tartan fabric suppliers she deals with.  Roma Fabrics, then told  her she could apply to be treated as a Trade customer.  This has been done - and we now await approval of our registration.  (Our application went in late on Friday afternoon, so probably the department concerned with such matters had already shut shop and gone home for the week-end).  

If accepted (one never takes these things for granted), Roma Fabrics' minimum order is 0.5 metres (half a yard, or thereabouts):  most of the other companies we deal with demand a minimum of 1.0 metre (39 inches for those unaccustomed to metric measurements).  I'm told by Isobel that one can get quite a lot of Hedgehogs made with half a yard (width usually being 54 or 60 inches).  We do have some of the Hedgehog special speckled fabric in stock, but Isobel does want to ensure she can get replacements quickly, as and when required.

Mommy Hedgehog - watching what's happening in "The Artful Buttoner"

Kirkby in Ashfield is a very friendly place.  Isobel finds she gets chatting with people even when she's sitting on the 'bus going into Town for her weekly shopping, or to check on whether any Cuddlies have been adopted from "The Artful Buttoner", where the Hedgehogs had been sitting, until removed for the Craft Fair earlier this week.  (They'll be going back again next week)  From our neighbours and Claire Lilley, Owner and Operator of "The Artful Buttoner" (who is more than happy for the Shop to be used for any photographs by the local newspaper - which Isobel has yet to contact) she learned about a Wildlife Sanctuary right here in Kirkby. 

Subsequent Googles disclosed that quite literally it is based down the road and around the corner to where we are based. (Again, what a coincidence, eh?)  There were two email contact address connected with this Sanctuary,  and they handled ALL wildlife needing help, not only Hedgehogs.  Isobel - not knowing either of the personalities involved - not unnaturally chose the first one.

Turns out that, alas, the gentleman is now now longer involved.  Isobel discovered however that he is a print and publicity material designer, likes our idea of helping Hedgehogs, and has offered to help with any publicity material we might need on either a "f.o.c." or at cost basis.  (Isobel presumes that "f.o.c." means "free of charge", and at the moment has responded "Yes please", but no need at present!)

Baby Hedgehog - who was adopted from the Craft Display on Thursday 22.10.2015

However that may now change.  Having tried to contact the other person involved at the Kirkby Sanctuary, and not being made exactly welcome, (almost the first rebuff she's had since moving up from Wiltshire), Isobel was surprised and somewhat bowled over on Saturday afternoon.  While checking one of her two Facebook pages  she found a message sent from one of her Etsy team colleagues about a story run on Friday evening's local BBC TV News programme from the West Midlands (based in Birmingham) giving the name of another lady based near Walsall, in the West Midlands, who is actively seeking funding for her work. 

 Now, Melissa Miller (another funny coincidence, actually, because Isobel's maiden name was Miller!) from Alabama, USA  runs https://www.etsy.com/shop/PoarchCreekBay and she is a fellow member of the Etsy Team https://www.etsy.com/teams/10421/goldenrosecrafters/.  Melissa is a great Anglophile, and has often mentioned items she's seen when watching BBC programmes when she and Isobel are "chatting" on the Team Chat Thread (led for the Team by Isobel, incidentally), but this link is mind blowing.  Having "commented" (as I'm told one does when operating on Facebook, giving a link to my first mention of our Save the Hedgehog Campaign 

http://coldhamcuddliescalling.blogspot.co.uk/2015/10/the-cuddlies-go-on-mission-to-help-uk.html ) Isobel  then telephoned BBC Midlands Today offices in Birmingham.  The switchboard put her through to the department who produced the story last night (it hadn't even been uploaded to BBC iPlayer at the time), and was given the contact details of the lady involved.

Immediate contact was made and I'm delighted to tell you that  it's been telephonically agreed that some of the 10% proceeds from future Coldham Cuddlies Hedgehog sales will be going to Joan Lockley, c/o West Midlands Hedgehog Rescue. Joan has been rescuing Hogs for over 15 years, and in that time has taken in over 5,000 animals - never refusing any of them.  Isobel is now going to write a press release (she used to do a lot of this when Peter and she operated a P.R and Publishing Company in Canada called Coldham Press Ltd),  The draft will be sent to Joan to check facts for accuracy before the next steps on this part of the campaign are taken.

These will probably involve contacting the local weekly Ashfield District newspaper and BBC East Midlands and BBC Midlands to officially launch the campaign, and maybe even inviting "The Lady" magazine to come to the party too!  After all, it was the result of an article in the latter, that started all this off, wasn't it?

We've not been inactive in other areas in the interim.  The Hedgehog Family will now be created as a ColdhamCuddlies entity in itself and listed.  The three separate Hedgehog Toys are already listed and featured in our Shop (//www.Etsy.com/shop/COLDHAMCUDDLIES)  and every time someone "follows" any or all of them, Isobel writes to tell that person(s) about the need to save our UK Hedgehogs.  So, slowly, it's getting known on Etsy.com too.   Everyone has been very verbally supportive to date - and hopefully, Isobel will be busy sewing lots of Hogs between now, Christmas and beyond.  We'll be telling you all how we get on, obviously, as the days go by.

The Hedgehog Family when they first arrived in "The Artful Buttoner" earlier in the Summer

That's all for this week.  Your Friend Cy Bear

PS:  Isobel has just been able to upload this video all about Joan Lockley and her amazing Hedgehog "Hosprikal"!  Enjoy. (If it works, of course).

https://www.facebook.com/midlandstoday/videos/10153662969479761/

Introducing the Kirkby Koalas - and Hedgehog update(s)

Good afternoon everyone - 

Isobel here, giving Cy Bear a rest from posting.  He's been busy elsewhere today, anyway, and one mustn't over work the Bear, must one?

For instance, marshalling the Kirkby Koalas in line is REALLY hard work!

As the title implies, the latest batch of Coldham Cuddlies Baby Koalas (or Tree Bears, as the original pattern designates them) are now ready for listing - and they will be, just as soon as this post has been published, and duly publicised via Google+, Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest, not to mention just about all the  6 Etsy.com Teams that I'm on regularly.  There's quite a routine to be observed - in the hope that the Cuddlies will get viewed by more and more people.  

They're going to be listed at their current price of £14.50 each, but if more than one is required - and they make great Stocking Stuffers for anyone wanting to fill that empty space this Christmas(or even small gifts at Thanksgiving, Cyber Friday or any of the other upcoming holiday season commercial bonanzas)- a discount may well be available.  Two or three will be able to travel for much the same price as one, because in the end, they don't weigh very much when each goes on the scales. Convo me at www.Etsy.com/shop/COLDHAMCUDDLIES, and I'll be delighted to discuss the matter with you.

Talking of blog publicising, I've just checked on today's number of views for this blog and since we began in March 2011 and they amount to 40,871.  Given that I normally just natter about the Cuddlies (with some brief excursions elsewhere), I'm pretty pleased with that result - and want to thank everyone who reads us regularly for this wonderful total.  

Can't help feeling that all the material I'm gathering in all these posts (counting this one, it will be 322) that there should be a way of capitalising on the stories incorporated in these posts - but, frankly (getting over a touch of bronchitis as I currently am) my entrepreneurial spirit is somewhat diminished today.  The antibiotic I've been prescribed is the strongest I've had to date, and while it's doing its stuff, it's taking it out of me a bit as well.  Definitely not firing on all pistons could well describe how I'm feeling today.  Perhaps one of you wonderful Followers - when commenting, as I hope you will continue to do, can give me a suggestion as to how this new venture might be approached?  Thanks in advance.

To return to the Kirkby Koalas (illustrated above)  - they've been made with the current Koala fabric of grey faux fur with black flecks, are as tactile to touch as usual, and ready to be pram or cot toys, mantle piece or bedside table decor or whatever else comes to mind.  They're certainly one of the most popular Cuddlies - and especially so at Craft Fairs and Bazaars we've attended to date. 

I'm due to go to one on Thursday next - if I feel up to it, and can arrange a bit of transport assistance.  It's within Kirkby, and as I'm not taking the entire 88 COLDHAMCUDDLIES contingent, I may actually be able to make it by 'bus (that leaves close to our front drive, and is free to me, as a Pensioner).  The local University of the Third Age group is holding their "Interest Groups Display" for their regular October meeting, and when I met members of the Committee at a local Seniors Forum in town a couple of weeks ago, I was invited to take half a table (at no cost). So, that's what I will attempt to do!  

(In the past, the transportation has been provided by Clare since I moved up - but with the arrival of my small Grandson, she has more than enough to do, and Little One is not yet ready to meet his public full-on - although he does pretty well when we go to Church each week:  but that's a different kettle of fish all together!)

  

Not all of these will be going, but maybe a couple or three will - and they'll be accompanied by some Cuddlies that I currently have in stock (other than those that are already on show in The Artful Buttoner craft shop in Kirkby Town Centre.) 

I took some of our Novelty Slipper selection down to the Shop earlier in the week, just to give a different flavour to the Rabbits, Foxes, Wolves and, of course, Colin, the Giant Koala.  Hopefully, with both Winter and Christmas approaching  (when Slippers seem to attract a lot of attention) some pairs may be adopted this year, especially for the Children's versions.  I like making the adult versions, but somehow they are not as appealing to work on as the smaller ones are - not to mention taking that much longer, and using more of my special faux fur fabrics!  Will have to really work at finding an alternative source for these, similar to the one I had when living in Wiltshire - but that's for another day!

The Kirkby Koalas from the rear

A quick update on the Hedgehog campaign.  Nothing much more to report, other than that I've been working to publicise the attempt.  However, this week's The Lady magazine contains a letter from a reader who found she had been "adopted" by a female Hog, who after being fed with cat food, duly produced a litter of Hoglets.  She writes that she is duly flattered to have been selected as a safe haven.  She has provided two Hog Houses and hopes to be able to host many more litters. 

While still hoping that Cy Bear's post a couple of week's ago will attract some attention from that source, I'm attempting to get hold of the local weekly newspaper to see if they might like the story - and in the process have discovered that there is a local wildlife hospital (which treats Hedgehogs, as well as other animals who need help).  I'll be following up on that as well - and promise further news next week, and in the future, of course.

Until then, have a good week - and hopefully, I'll be feeling a bit more like myself by the time either Cy Bear or I post next Sunday.

Isobel

The Cuddlies' Hedghog Mission - Latest: plus news of Old Friends

Hello there Everyone:  sorry to be late this week, but events in Isobel's life overtook us, and this is the first time we've had a chance to work together on our latest bulletin from the COLDHAMCUDDLIES' World.

Our Baby Hedgehogs, taken outside in a garden

First of all, the latest on the Hedgehog front:  Isobel has posted details about our intended campaign on our Shop About Page, (www.Etsy.com/shop/COLDHAMCUDDLIES.) as well as in the Shop Announcement section. They are also on the first row of our Shop Page when anyone calls in to the Shop to see what we Cuddlies look like.

This is Mommy Hedgehog sunbathing on a convenient wall

Then whenever anyone shows support for ANY of the Coldham Hedgehogs, they get personally thanked by individual convo message via Etsy.com. with a brief background to the campaign - just in case they had not read about it in our last week's bulletin.

Daddy Hedgehog, among the bluebells

This week, in between other things Isobel has to do (as well as fighting off the cold that she fears is "cooking") she hopes to get in touch with local media (print and broadcast) to see if she can get news about our campaign "out there" in the REAL WORLD:  so far it has basically been centred on the internet and other social media.  Will report on progress, as it happens - IF IT HAPPENS:   that's now down to YOU FOLKs, as well as us!

Now, our title promises you some news about some Old Friends - and official Associate Cuddlies.  They tend to have been Patients in our Stuffed Animal Resoration Clinic at one time or another, and this is true of some of those whose photographs I'm including here.  They all belong to Philippa. Isobel's eldest daughter, and as do all Bears, each have a story of their own - some more exciting that others maybe.

First of all there's Count Rusty de Benj - Rusty to his Friends. He was originally a raffle prize in the local pharmacy when Isobel, Peter and the girls lived in Canada, and has been with the family since the early 1980's.  When Isobel learned that one of her tickets (each time one spent over a certain amount of money, a new ticket for the raffle was issued - and I think there were about 10 that had accumulated by the time it was drawn) the only way Rusty could come home was to be strapped into the passenger seat of the family car.

Having created quite an impression on the way home, at 4ft 6ins from head to foot, Rusty has kept it up ever since.  He's travelled with Philippa around the UK each time she has moved for work purposes, and while she was in Belgium, spent some months in storage.  During that time, he got somewhat limp and dusty, so when he arrived as a Patient in the Coldham Cuddlies Clinic, (https://www.etsy.com/listing/79124185/stuffed-toy-animal-restoration-clinic?ref=shop_home_active_14)   he was de-stuffed,  He had polystyrene balls inside him (a pet hate of Isobel's) had a good warm bath and was then re-stuffed.  He now resides in the rocking chair in Philippa's bedroom in the UK. 

This is Tommy Teddy, and he doesn't look in the slightest bit like he originally did.  He was originally made with a blue and pink plush fabric and arrived in Philippa's collection of Bears when she was about 3-1/2 years old.  We'd gone to visit some Loretto Sisters in their convent in Manchester (Granma Morrell had been educated by them, and Peter spent his early years in Manchester and was therefore well known to the Sisters). 

Mother Superior arranged a mysterious delivery of this big Teddy Bear which at the time was almost the same size as Philippa herself, and he was promptly named Tommy Teddy.  He travelled with the Family to and from Canada, and also with Philippa around the UK, with Rusty.  He alas did not stand up as well to the same treatment, and indeed is a lot older than Rusty.  So, when he arrived in the Clinic he was duly taken to pieces and de-stuffed (he had foam pieces inside him, and that is no longer an acceptable form of stuffing in these days of "Health and Safety").  However, his original skin did not survive the luke-warm bath!  Isobel was able to rescue sufficient of the pattern to be able to recreate him in this more modern version using Blue and Pink Fleece, and he now sits with Rusty on the same rocking Chair in Philippa's UK home.

Now the third ursine member in this Bear family picture is known in the Family as "Big Teddy".  He was given to Philippa by Peter and Isobel for her first birthday and despite being the oldest member of  the trio, really looks in remarkable trim given his age.

When he first arrived, he was a definite favourite with his young Forever Friend:  however, shortly afterwards, a favourite Aunt and Uncle arrived from Kenya to meet Philippa for the first time, and brought with them a bright Yellow Plush Teddy Bear who became known as Sleepy Teddy.  For some reason - probably because he is a softer, cuddlier Bear - the invader ursurped Big Teddy in Philippa's affections.  Sleepy Teddy has been EVERYWHERE with her, even when she used to travel overseas to Australia, America and other exotic places for work, and he's been re-covered at least twice in his life.  (Isobel says he needs another new coat, but so far has not been able to achieve her aim of providing it).  Meanwhile, Big Teddy continues to sit serenely with his two fellow Bears - looking almost as good as new.

Isobel is busy making Baby Koalas, in between the Hedgehog Campaign arrangements, so hopefully there will be some up to date photographs to show you next week.  She's made 6 of them, and they're coming along fine.  Currently, its the battle of fixing heads to bodies that is occupying her.

See you all next week - hopefully on the right date this time around.  Your Friend, Cy Bear.

The Cuddlies Go on a Mission - to help UK Hedgehogs.

Hello Everyone - Cy Bear with you once again, this time to tell you about something new we COLDHAM CUDDLIES are going to get involved with. - trying to do our bit to save the extinction of British Hedgehogs.

This has all come about since Isobel read an article in a weekly magazine to which she subscribes called "The Lady".   In the edition for 25th September 2015, there is an article entitled "Is it the last hurrah for The Hedgehog?".  Apparently Hedgehogs in the UK are declining at such a rate that by 2025, it is thought hedgehogs could become a "mere urban myth, perhaps vanishing from some urban areas completely".  "The Lady" says that in the 1950's there were 30 million of them:  by 1995, they had reduced to 1.5 million.

That's an awful thought for any one who likes Hedgehogs as I do - especially as I have three Coldham Cuddlies friends who are Mommy, Daddy and Baby Hedgehogs - seen here, all together on a table in "The Artful Buttoner", the craft shop in Kirkby in Ashfield - where last week, I was telling you that Colin the Koala has now taken up a spot,

Isobel took this photograph of them yesterday morning, so we could start work on our campaign to help the Hedgehog survive in the 21st Century in the UK.

The Coldham Cuddlies Hedgehog Family

Isobel and I have put our heads together and decided we're going to try and do something to help save our Hedgehogs and would like to ask for support from all our Followers here, on Google+, Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest, and anybody else who might be reading this post today.

All of our Hedgehog Toys make great companions for anyone - from birth to whatever age you want to choose, there's no upper limit.  We've got Cuddlies who are companions to a former good neighbour of ours who lives in The Hospital of St. John, Heytesbury, who has a Mommy and a Baby and is nearly 90.  That's where we used to live until we moved to Nottinghamshire last year. There also used to be a lady who lived in the Village there, who made a point of buying a Baby Hedgehog for each great grandchild as he or she arrived in the world (think there were at least 3 before we left Wiltshire) - so you see they have great appeal.  They are also always popular when they appear at Craft Shows and Charity Bazaars.

https://www.etsy.com/listing/95653745/baby-hedgehog-toy-flecked-brown-plush?ref=shop_home_feat_3

https://www.etsy.com/listing/95653310/mommy-hedgehog-art-doll-brown-and-cream?ref=shop_home_feat_2

https://www.etsy.com/listing/95653310/mommy-hedgehog-art-doll-brown-and-cream?ref=shop_home_feat_2

Isobel has decided that anyone who wants to buy one of our Hedgehogs - the prices are shown if you use the links given to each individual Toy - she will donate 10% of each sale and send the proceeds to www.tiggywinkles.com (mail@tiggywinkles.org).

In addition, if you add up the cost of all three Hedgehogs it comes to £49.50 - which is £50.00 as near as makes no difference.  So, if anyone wants to buy the Family all together, she'll reduce the price to £40.00 for the three of them, which means £4.00 will go to Tiggywinkles for each Family purchased.  There are some in stock, and they don't take too long to make:  orders will be treated strictly in order of receipt.  Baby takes a couple of days, with Mommy and Daddy taking a day or two longer each.  Isobel tells me that if folks would prefer Daddy to be in the prone position like his wife and child, she'll be happy to accommodate that request.

I'm told that there are two particularly famous Hedgehogs in the world:  a Mrs. Tiggywinkle, who is the heroine of a book of the same name, written by a lady called Beatrix Potter.  Isobel is particularly fond of that story - as were/are Philippa and Clare,  her daughters.  There is also a relative newcomer in the world of fictional hedgehogs, this time in the field of video games (whatever they may be) called Sonic the Hedgehog.

 Isobel doesn't know much about the latter, but she's determined to do what she can to help save the real time Hedgehogs - and asks all of you Followers, Readers and anybody else who are interested - to think about possibly getting a Hedgehog for Christmas (to begin with) and any time else, afterwards.  They make great Stocking Stuffers I am told (again, whatever that might be.  I think I would be too big for that).

Thanks for reading this - and I do hope you will think about it.  Isobel will make them as quickly as she can - so if it is for Christmas 2015 that you want them - you'd better get on with ordering them!

Until next week:  your friend, Cy Bear.

Coldham Yogi is my full name.  I'm Cy Bear to my friends.

PS: The LADY magazine  has actually featured the Stuffed Animal Restoration Clinic - we wrote about it in this post in 2014 - http://coldhamcuddliescalling.blogspot.co.uk/2014/01/more-about-stuffed-animal-restoration.html   (and if this link doesn't work, you can reach it by going to the right side of our blog page, and finding it under the blog for 16th January 2014).

Adventures (or possibly, Misadventures) of Colin the Koala - Part Two

Good afternoon once more Everyone:  Cy Bear here again.

Me in a Cherry Tree a couple of years back

Lovely to be back, as it looks like there's going to be a break in communications for at least one week, while Isobel goes to Normandy next week, and while we still await the arrival back home of Colin the Giant Koala, about whom I posted last Sunday. 

There has been yet another mix-up between Isobel and the Couriers - poor old Colin, he seems to be jinxed, doesn't he?  She thought she'd ordered - and paid for - a Courier service:  they booked it as a parcel service, which entailed our customer having to haul Colin to the nearest Parcel Shop, from which his journey would then commence.  

That is until Thursday this week - when we thought he would be arriving with us here in Nottinghamshire,  Instead, we received a message from the Customer telling us that he was still waiting to be picked up.

Having been thus alerted to the true situation - and after exhaustive searches on the Courier's site, and Isobel being able to find out how to "chat" to some one on line, another journey was arranged - with the first one being cancelled.  A refund of the "ticket" home is due early next week, and Isobel is hoping that she has now organised Colin's departure from London to begin on Monday morning.

Now, as the Courier in question does not guarantee a delivery in anything under 5 Working Days from pick-up, that could pose a problem.  As I said in the opening paragraph, Isobel is due to be travelling to Normandy, France (with visits to friends en route, as well as a special lunch at a hotel called "The Compleat Angler" near where Philippa lives, which is on the way to said friends in Kent). 

They will then be overnighting at Folkestone and getting on an early Chunnel Train to Calais, from whence Philippa will be driving both of them to stay with family in Normandy for five days.  As Isobel is doing the navigating both ways, I am trusting that all will be well. (She used to be pretty good at it, I'm told, here in England, so presumably it won't be THAT different in France!  When they're there, there are plans for photographs to be taken of my Twin, Peter Bear, together with old friends Mons. Reynard and Madame Lapin:  so look out for a post about them soon!)

The reason for stopping off at "The Compleat Angler", in a town called Marlow, is that it is where Isobel and Peter spent their wedding night in 1969.  As Thursday happens to be the 46th Anniversary of that date, Philippa suggested it might be nice to go there - and the arrangements were set up accordingly. (Isobel's main memory of that day - apart, of course, from the Wedding itself - was Peter going to dinner, in this very posh hotel, wearing bed room slippers.  He'd spent the whole day in a new pair of shoes, and his feet were killing him.  It wasn't such a social disaster, however:  as Peter always wore leather slippers (polished to a high degree!) and could get away with it!!)

So, Colin is likely to arrive back in Kirkby-in-Ashfield on either Friday or Saturday of next week - when Isobel will be far away in Normandy.  Matters have been arranged that the parcel will be taken in by our kind next-door neighbour at Old Chapel Close - where we now live.  The good lady has already seen Colin - before he was packed up for his journey to London - so she knows he's going to take up quite a corner in the corridor of her flat!  (Isobel could have arranged for Colin to be delivered to Clare's home, three doors away - but with the recent arrival of a Little Man in the lives of Clare and Alan, an enormous Giant Koala parcel seemed to be an additional responsibility too far.)

Interestingly, while discussing the new travel arrangement with our Customer - who happens to be an Australian living and working in the UK, who had been particularly excited to find Colin for the project she was working on. Isobel discovered that, our Customer was working on a a video in which Colin would have "played" a major part.  Such a shame that the journey south didn't work out - as that would indeed have been a "FIRST" for any of us Cuddlies.  (On the other hand, am not sure any one could have handled Colin's ego had the plan been fulfilled.)  Yes, I'm jealous!!  But then who wouldn't be? 

Just to remind you - this is Colin's head already....

Sorry, we cannot centre this photo - as we couldn't last week - because it's been "cut and pasted" directly from our listing in our Shop.  The layout of this blog doesn't seem to allow us to do it, AND centre it!

We have "re-activated" Colin, because one never knows if or, indeed when, someone else might want him to feature in a Video, or as a Special Mascot, or even as a Special Prize in some Tombola or Raffle competition  - whatever any of those might be!!  You know me:  being a mere Beaver Lamb Bear, these things are a complete mystery to me.

Just to revert to Isobel's proposed journey to Normandy later this coming week - she's been making some new Baby Rabbits for our shop (www.Etsy.com/shop/COLDHAMCUDDLIES) based on the very first Baby Rabbits she made in the 1970's.  Then she only had access to some yellow and white plush fur, so as babies don't care what colour their Cot or Pram Toys come in, she made one for Philippa and one for Clare, when she arrived some years later.  That first Baby Bunny was named "Treasure" by Philippa when she was able to speak, (because her Grandmother used to call her that -  usually when she was holding the Toy in her hand)- and so every Yellow and White Plush Coldham Baby Bunny made since has been referred to as "Treasure" ever since. 

 One of the three Treasures shown below

will be accompanied by a Purple Fleece Rabbit - because the two travellers are going to meet the Little Boy who has recently arrived in the home of a former flatmate of Philippa's.  Treasure 15 (because he was made in 2015) is Isobel's gift:  Purple Bunny is going to be Philippa's present to her latest Honorary Nephew. 

 I think the final presentation will look like this.

Right, think I've wittered on long enough for this week.  However, since you're going to have a week's break from a post, perhaps you'll forgive me - just this once.

Your good friend, Cy Bear,

As Promised - Showing where the Cuddlies used to live

Hello there Everyone - it's Cy Bear back again somewhat surprisingly, and this time, I'm not chatting to you all about my fellow Cuddlies, but about where I used to live before Isobel and I moved to Nottinghamshire.  Amazingly, it is a year ago this week that this happened.  Isobel did promise to show you some pictures of the place, so this is what this week's bulletin from the Cuddlies is all about.

There has got to be a reason, I can hear some of you thinking to yourselves (as a Bear, that's what I think happens when human beings do what they do).  Well there is.  An amazing thing happened to one of the Cuddlies this week, and it's not yet over.  The eventual outcome will happen next week, So Isobel (and I, because of course I get consulted), decided that we'd wait until the whole story could be told all in one go.

So, as promised here are some pictures of The Hospital of St. John, with an explanation of what it now is in the text  (printed in blue).  It is taken from the brochure about the establishment for would-be residents.

"The Hospital of St John is situated in the heart of the village of Heytesbury. It is not a Hospital in the medical sense, but in the mediaeval meaning of the word as a ‘Hostel’. Although it was founded in 1472 and has provided accommodation for those needing it ever since, there is nothing mediaeval about it today."

This picture shows the oldest part of the Hospital - which has blocks of flats, bungalows and studio flats surrounded by gardens.  These buildings have been in situ since 1764, and form the front entrance to the complex.  The white flagpole on the left of the picture flies the Union Jack on appropriate occasions throughout the year (both for National commemorations, as well as local ones too).  (The original building for the Hospital was at the other end of the Village to it's current location, but was burned down in the 1760's to be replaced with the current structure.  There have been additions in the 1970's, which is where Isobel and I lived - built at the rear of this building.)

A closer shot of the Clock, which chimes on the hour, and the Coat of Arms of the Heytesbury family who originally set up the Charity to look after workers on the Heytesbury estate in 1472  - or thereabouts.  The family still has associations with the village, and direct descendants are currently resident in Australia.  (Sorry the picture is slightly skewed - but Isobel was taking it in a bit of a hurry!)  

If any one is interested, a brief history of the place can be seen by Googling "The Hospital of St.John and St. Katherine, Heytesbury".  Until the 1950's, there were 12 gentlemen and 1 lady resident (the Cook and Housekeeper)  - in the charge of a Custos, and the men regularly paraded to the Village Church in the uniforms they were provided with when they became residents.  There are still folk in the village, Isobel tells me, that remember this well.

"There is a small staff headed by an Administrator, who is responsible to the Trustees for the smooth running of the Hospital, and the pastoral interests of Residents are undertaken by two Chaplains, one of whom is resident. Staff are on hand to deal with emergencies and give limited support in the event of temporary sickness of any Resident. Home helps, ‘meals on wheels’, private carers and the services of the district nurse and social services are, of course, available in the normal way.

This shows one side (the east facing one) of the complex - although it does go back a bit further than the camera angle allowed.  The wall surrounding the garden and buildings is listed - which made for difficulties when - because of modern transport and sheer old age - parts of it began to bow outwards. In 2014, when surveyors came to decide how to cope with the problem they also blamed the shrubs and holly bushes that had been planted innocently, but whose roots were undermining the wall. So, the decision was taken to remove them, while the wall was restored by specialist contractors.   While residents affected were initially somewhat dismayed, when they suddenly realised how much light had been kept out, the culling was eventually welcomed.

This shows the western frontage (at the front of the complex - taken from where Isobel stayed when she recently visited Wiltshire, and where the stories about Berry, the Lurcher and her two feline Friends, Merlin and Pelinore were based - our post on 09/08/2015).

The white building on the right of the picture is The Angel Inn, one of two traditional English pubs in the village - where the portions are huge and the prices similarly high!  However, it was most convenient to be able to take one's visitors over, if one didn't feel like providing hospitality oneself.  The Angel has it's own history as a coaching inn - and one can see where the coaches were driven in (not in this picture though!) when travellers were journeying between the south Coast (Southampton being the nearest big spot), via Salisbury and Bath, through to Wales and the West Country.

(The gardens shown in the front of the picture are actually allotments - tilled by some more active residents, and also the Garden Committee, who undertake to provide the flowers for the Chapel.  I understand from Isobel that they do a great job.)

"The House Supervisor is on duty Monday-Friday during normal working houses. She is not qualified to carry out nursing duties; her duty is to be ‘a good neighbour’. No nursing care or administration of drugs is permitted. Proposed residents requiring more than this degree of attention would be better served by a residential care home or a nursing home.

The Hospital comprises attractive one or two bedroomed flats and bungalows, all of which are particularly suited to the needs of retired or elderly people. The dwellings are self-contained and centrally heated. Residents bring their own furniture.

The view from our living room one Spring day.  

Where Isobel recently stayed  - the other side shown in the picture above

"The Hospital is run under a charitable scheme and is non-profit making. Residents are required to make a contribution toward the cost of their accommodation and there is also a charge for the heating and hot water. (The cost of living at St John’s is within the means of those whose only income is a state pension).

The residents' Hall

"Some communal facilities are provided, they include a Hall where social functions are held, and a Residents’ Social Group organises events and outings. Residents are under no obligation whatsoever to be more sociable than they feel inclined. There is a Chapel where regular services are held. Other facilities include a limited number of garages for rent, a Guest Room, a composite TV licence for all dwellings, and a laundry room.

The Hospital is set in pleasant grounds and the village Post Office cum shop is just along the road. Buses serve Warminster, Bath and Salisbury."

Here is another shot of the view from the living room window, and if you look closely, you can see the Village Church (which has a full peal of bells, which regularly practice during the summer months).

A picture taken at, or around, the same time as the Spring pictures shown earlier in one of the cherry trees shown earlier.  With that, I'll end for this week.  Hoping that everyone has a good week and that preparations for "Back to School" are well in hand.

Your friend

Cy Bear

Starting Afresh - First Cuddly with a New Look

Goodness gracious me - but it is such a long time since I've been able to talk to you - Cy Bear back with you again!

As the title of this post indicates, we at Coldham Cuddlies are thinking of starting afresh in various ways.  Jogged into action by Isobel's recent differences with her computer, we've joined a new Team on Etsy.com - called Friends R Us, and from all accounts it's going to keep Isobel busy, as well as hopefully raise the Cuddlies profile at the tame time.  (There's a lot of daily supporting each other that goes on, and lots of Treasuries and things involved as well). The Shop is going to be re-jigged, beginning with new titles and new tags - if and when there is time for it happen that is.  Finally, but actually most importantly, new Cuddlies will be coming in to the Shop (www.Etsy.com/shop/COLDHAMCUDDLIES).  I'll qualify that last statement by saying that perhaps they won't ALL be brand new specimens, but different versions of old favourites - just like our Frog, which Isobel has been working with over the past few days.

He's made from the same pattern used to make our previous Green Frogs - who have had either light green undersides or orange ones in the past - and Isobel has decided to another multiple offer.  This one has been listed  in the Shop earlier this week under this link -

https://www.etsy.com/listing/116285186/stuffed-frog-brown-and-yellow-animal-art?ref=shop_home_active_1

(Alas, pictures of our original Green Frogs are not currently available, I don't think - until Isobel has a chance to look at the photographs she did back up, well before the computer crashed a couple of weeks ago.  Otherwise, because she's enjoying making these guys at the moment, it may mean she makes a couple of the Green ones again - but I do know the fabric for them is running out, so that may be ALL she can do in that particular colour format.)

In case the link doesn't work, I'm going to show you some other views of this fellow - which Isobel has found a lot easier to work with this time around.  She'd realised that it was in fact easier to follow the instructions given in the pattern - TO THE LETTER - rather than make him the way she THOUGHT was even better!!   (It wasn't actually!)

 It's resulted in almost three versions of Mr. Frog being made in 10 days or so of evening sewing.  One remains to be stuffed:  the other is in the throes of being put together.  As you must realise, in effect Isobel has to make each one twice, then sew the limbs on to the body, and then sew the underside to the rest of the body after that. 

She's  hopeful that all three will be ready to be offered for sale by the middle of the coming week, because she's not going to be living in two different places from now on.  Clare and Alan have been busy getting to know and cope with their adoptive son in the last 12 days or so, and it's meant that at times Isobel has been staying up the road with their dog and two cats - feeding them at regular intervals and walking the canine too.  We are all hoping that as of this week, Little Person will be allowed home for good and can carry on getting settled - as he's shown every sign of doing to date.  Isobel can then spend all day at home, because for the next few weeks, no one is allowed near the house to enable the parent/child bonding process to strengthen.  So far so good:  and everyone can't wait until some sort of  "normality" can be achieved.

Meanwhile, here is a close up of Mr. Frog to end this post.

Hope to be back with you again next week - it will depend on what Isobel's sewing and other plans end up achieving.  Meanwhile, have a great week everyone. 

Your friend, Cy Bear.