In view of recent publicity surrounding that loveable character, Paddington Bear, I have re-posted original article from annefieldauthor.com.
I have long been a fan of Paddington Bear and own a Paddington bear, who also keeps Paddington’s Aunt Lucy company . They sit together in my childhood chair.
My parents bought me a Paddington book ‘More about Paddington “ when in the United Kingdom in mid -1979. The book was signed by the author, Michael Bond, on August 30, 1979 and Paddington left a stamp of his footprints. I can’t recall the circumstances in which this book was signed by Michael Bond.
Michael Bond published his first Paddington book ”A Bear Called Paddington” in October 1958. This book introduced a homeless bear from Peru , who was found at London’s Paddington Station . Michael Bond wrote another 23 books .The Paddington toys were created in 1971 by Shirley Clarkson,as a Christmas gift for her children .
I possibly purchased my two bears in Taunton, United Kingdom in mid- January 1984. I had written , during 1983 to a well -known toy shop, Walrus and The Carpenter , 277 Sauchiehall Street , Glasgow, to order Paddington . I believe that I still have their original letter of reply.
I rang this toy shop in Glasgow on January 10,1984, and visited the shop on January 19,1984. I recall that “they were not impressed that I had already bought the bears at a sale in southern England. “Aunt Lucy still has her original price, and the sale price, on her tag.
I have a photograph taken on January 24, 1984 leaving my relative’s home in Bankhead Road, Rutherglen Glasgow , Scotland . Paddington and Aunt Lucy were tied together on top of my hand luggage . I then travelled to Glasgow’s Central Station to get the delayed train ( due to bad weather ) to London , and flew back to Sydney on January 28, 1984. The bears coped well on their long journey back to Australia………..
My bears remain in a good condition. I have treasured them down through the years.
May Paddington continue to be loved by so many children and adults around the world.
Paddington , the movie opened in Sydney on December 11,2014.
Anne Field
Kogarah
Sydney.
