Paddington, Scout and a Final Story Time with Bartie Bristle

PADDY: "Have you enjoyed your holiday with us, Bartie?"

 

BARTIE: "Oh yes I have, Paddy!"

 

SCOUT: "And you have enjoyed playing hide-and-seek with me and Bogart, Bartie?"

 

BARTIE: "Oh that was lots of fun, dear little Scout! You are a very good hider and so is Bogart!"

 

BOGART: "Oh thank you, Bartie! That's because we are little." *Giggles.*

 

SCOUT: "Thank you Bartie!" *Bows towards Bartie and giggles too.*

 

DAISY-MAUD: "And hopefully you have enjoyed all the tea and cakes we have had, dear Bartie!"

 

BARTIE: "Indeed I have, Daisy-Maud! Daddy's cakes are scrumptious!"

 

JAGO: "And story time, Bartie?"

 

BARTIE: "Oh that has been one of my favourite things, dear Jago!" *Sighs.* "Usually I am the one telling stories or featuring in them. It has been lovely to sit and listen to you, or Paddy or Daisy-Maud read faerie tales to everybear."

 

BOGART: "Then why are you going home, Bartie? Don't you like it here any more?"

 

BARTIE: "Oh no, little Bogart! I have loved being here, but I must confess that after my lovely relaxing holiday here at Daddy's, I am missing things to help repair. You all take such good care of all your possessions here that there is nothing that needs mending."

 

PADDY: "Daddy has taught us all well, to respect our toys and possessions, Bartie."

 

SCOUT: "I can smash some cups and saucers and plates for you, if you like, Bartie." *Helpful.*

 

BARTIE: "Oh no, little Scout! I do not want you to do that! I only repair things that have been broken by accident, or have worn down over many years. It would be awful to break something on purpose."

 

SCOUT: "Oh!" *Puts paw to mouth.* "I was just trying to be helpful, Bartie!"

 

BARTIE: "I know you were, little Scout. But I promise that now I know there is a magical portal at Mummy Marian's that I can use, I will come and visit again soon!"

 

SCOUT: "Do you promise, Bartie?"

 

BARTIE: "Of course, little Scout. But it isn't only having nothing to fix that makes me want to go home."

 

SCOUT: "What else is it then, Bartie?"

 

BARTIE: "Well, I also miss my friends the Teddy Bear Ladies, and my home in the Repair Shop. And also, I want to use the magic portal to go home, so I can stop and meet Little Bee at Mummy Marian's. Little Bee loves my story book, and I thought that perhaps I might read him some stories."

 

PADDY: "That is very lovely of you, Bartie! I know that Little Bee will be so excited and pleased about that!"

 

DAISY-MAUD: "You are always so thoughtful and kind, dear Bartie."

 

JAGO: "And think of others, dear Bartie. You are a good bear."

 

BARTIE: "Oh thank you Daisy-Maud and Jago!" *Blushed pink beneath golden plush.*

 

PADDY: "Do you have time for one more story before you go, Bartie?"

 

BARTIE: "Oh yes, dear Paddy! That would be wonderful!"

 

PADDY: "Very good, Bartie! Do you know the story about The Magic Flute? It is a faerie tale that was written originally as an opera by Mozart."

 

BARTIE: Oh no I don't, dear Paddy! That sounds very interesting. I should like to hear it!"

 

PADDY: "Then settle back and relax, Bartie. You will enjoy it! Settle back everybear! It's story time!"

 

SCOUT, BOGART, DAISY-MAUD, JAGO and BARTIE: "Hoorah! Thank you, Paddy!"

 

Paddy is reading my 1997 first edition of 'The Magic Flute' based on the opera by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, retold by Anne Gatti with Illustrations by Peter Malone, published by Chronical Books.

 

Bartie Bristle shares his time living part time in a very special teddy bear shop with all his friends, and part time with Mummy Marian Marian Kloon (on and off) in the Netherlands. His stories can be read in the book "Bartie Bristle and Other Stories" by The Teddy Bear Ladies Julie Tatchell & Amanda Middleditch. Whilst gaining a huge following for skilfully bringing people’s treasured childhood bears and soft toys back to life, alongside their specialist repair work Julie and Amanda also designed and crafted their very own trademark bear, Bartie Bristle. Bartie Bristle is hand-made by Merrythought in England from short-pile sandy-gold mohair plush and soft toffee-coloured velvet, and features embroidered stitch detailing, along with a hand-sewn nose and smile that captures the character’s unique charm and cheerful expression. You can see more of Bartie’s adventures with Mummy Marian here: www.flickr.com/photos/40262251@N03/galleries/721577229361...

 

My Paddington Bear came to live with me in London when I was two years old (many, many years ago). He was hand made by my Great Aunt and he has a chocolate coloured felt hat, the brim of which had to be pinned up by a safety pin to stop it getting in his eyes. The collar of his mackintosh is made of the same felt. He wears wellington boots made from the same red leather used to make the toggles on his mackintosh.

 

He has travelled with me across the world and he and I have had many adventures together over the years. He is a very precious member of my small family.

 

Scout was a gift to Paddy from my friend. He is a Fair Trade Bear hand knitted in Africa. His name comes from the shop my friend found him in: Scout House. He tells me that life was very different where he came from, and Paddy is helping introduce him to many new experiences. Scout catches on quickly, and has proven to be a cheeky, but very lovable member of our closely knit family.

 

Bogart has travelled all the way from Georgia, via Alabama as a gift to me from a friend. He has lovely Southern manners and seems to be a fun and gentle soul with an inquisitive nature.

 

Jago was a gift from a dear friend in England. He is made of English mohair with suede paw pads and glass eyes. He is a gentle bear, kind and patient who carries an air of calm about him. He is already fitting in with everyone else very nicely.

 

Daisy Maud is Jago's little sister and was made by the same friend in England who made him. She is made of German mohair with floral fabric cotton paw pads that match her pretty sunhat, and glass eyes. A sweet and loving little girl bear, she is happy to be reunited with her big brother, Jago, and enjoys being spoiled by her Daddy.

Done