A weekend in the Midlands...

Even though we saw my brother and wife a couple of weeks ago in the Azores, it was lovely to see them again this weekend and to stay with them while attending the Nottingham and Bakewell bear fairs!  It is only 5 hours away to drive but we dont see each other as much as we would like.  Here is Bobby Miller (30" bear) standing on the bridge over my brothers pond.  He has ENORMOUS fish in the pond and Bobby is trying to see them!  Bobby was adopted that day and will be travelling to his new family soon. It is nice to get a farewell picture before he goes.

I was delighted to get the chance to meet the Buffin Brothers again.  I started the Buffins in 1989 which coincided with the very first Hugglets bear fair in the Kensington Town Hall in London.  The mohair they were made in was English, made by Nortons and was the only mohair available at that time - I had to buy an entire roll of it as the manufacturers wouldnt sell any less.  Since it was the earliest days of 'Bear Artistry' in this country Buffin and his siblings were very popular, selling to shops and direct to collectors.  I was selling this set for someone else and to be honest I would have liked to have adopted them myself if only I didnt have huge mohair bills to pay just now.  However, I am happy to say that they are going to a really good home where I am sure they will be happy.

At the Nottingham bear fair I met a wonderful lady, Mrs Antrobus and her son who enjoyed choosing a big bear to join her large collection.  She decided on Toffee eventually who will no doubt enjoy her company very much.  All in all it was a good weekend!