The Chichester bears spreading Christmas cheer

• Are you a local bear?

Like Winnie the Pooh, my brother Eddie Teddy and I are proud Sussex bears and we live in Chichester. We were given life by Sally at Mimics Productions. A professional character costumier and puppet maker, she’s made incredible creations for film and telly shows, including The Muppet Christmas Carol, Tweenies (Sally was also the original voice for Bella in Tweenies!), Playdays, The Shiny Show and Big Brother. We have an excellent pedigree!

• Is Christmas a busy time for bears?

Usually we are run off our paws helping Father Christmas with various events, but of course this year has been very different. But last week I did get to visit Fordwater School with Father Christmas for a very well arranged and socially distant grotto event. It was so lovely to see all the children and staff. It is a truly wonderful school and the Big Man and I had the loveliest of times.

• Teddy bears have a long and distinguished history. Why do you think their appeal has endured?

A teddy bear is the universal symbol of friendship and everyone had a teddy bear once, even jolly important people like newspaper editors. We are perfect to snuggle up to when you feel a bit sad, we make terrific confidents and we have been a much-loved part of playrooms and toy boxes for generations. Some of my forebears are also collectors’ items. A Steiff bear sold at auction for £125,831 in October!

• Are you looking forward to Christmas?

Gosh, yes! I’m especially looking forward to seeing Pinocchio at the Festival Theatre. It’s brilliant that they have managed to stage a show, which I gather is completely fabulous. Eddie and I usually stay up to greet Father Christmas, because teddy bears are allowed to. The elves tell us that he is very sad that Covid-19 has made it such a difficult year; but that he is very happy so many people have been kind and thoughtful to others. He hopes that this will carry on.

• Is there anyone who really deserves a bear hug this year?

Every single person working for our wonderful NHS! And all the dedicated teachers and members of school staff who have worked so very hard to our children safe and focussed. Hugs too to all those keeping us safe, and the teams working in shops and hospitality, tradespeople and all the local organisations and individuals who have done so much, often unpaid. Kindness is a light that is shining especially brightly just now.

• Do you have a message for our readers?

Please continue helping each other. And please support your local newspaper. Local papers are so important. They keep us informed, including telling us when people are being a bit naughty and might be trying to do something that isn’t good for our community. But most of all I wish everyone health and happiness and, of course, a very cuddly Christmas.

For more information visit www.bearabouttown.co.uk

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With the coronavirus lockdown having a major impact on many of our local valued advertisers - and consequently the advertising that we receive - we are more reliant than ever on you helping us to provide you with news and information by buying a copy of our newspapers.

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