JAGO: "Oh look Paddy, there is a nice black one here." *Pulls black tie from collar box.* "Which do you think would suit me better?"
PADDY: "Oh, white most certainly, Jago."
JAGO: "Oh thank you Paddy. I think you are right."
COUSIN PADDINGTON: "Which tea set do you think we will need, Paddy?"
PADDY: "Oh the faerie tale tea set for such a formal occasion, I think. If you could ask Daddy to unpack it for us, please. Thank you Cousin Paddington."
COUSIN PADDINGTON: "I will. I think he has just put a cake in the oven."
SCOUT: "Did I hear cake, Cousin Paddington? Paddy, Jago, Cousin Paddington, look! It's sunny outside. Come play hide-and-seek in the garden with Bogart and me whilst it's still good weather."
PADDY: "Oh Scout and Bogart, we would love to, but we are rather busy at the moment."
BOGART: "Paddy, why are you polishing your good antique silver tea service and the tea spoons."
PADDY: "Well Bogart, you see we..."
SCOUT: "Paddy! Are those Daddy's special pearls?"
PADDY: "Yes, they are, Scout. I thought you might like to wear them."
SCOUT: "But it isn't my birthday or another special occasion, is it Paddy?"
PADDY: "Well, Scout, as I was just about to explain to Bogart, the reason why Daddy's pearls are out and I am cleaning the silver is because we have a very special guest coming for a visit."
SCOUT: "Oh! Is it the Christmas Bear, Paddy?"
BOGART: "It's only June, Scout! It can't be the Christmas Bear."
PADDY: "Bogart is right, Scout. It is the wrong time of year for the Christmas Bear to visit. He will be helping Father Christmas in the North Pole right now."
COUSIN PADDINGTON: "It's someone else of equal importance, Scout."
SCOUT: "Hhhmmm." *Ponders.* "Is it Daddy's Mummy? He always gets out nice china and silverware when she visits."
PADDY: "No, it isn't Daddy's Mummy, Scout."
JAGO: "But it is another nice lady from England."
BOGART: "Oh! Is it Mummy June? How exciting! I know you miss Mummy June, Jago."
JAGO: *A little sadly.* "No, it isn't Mummy June, but it is someone who is equally as important."
SCOUT: "I really can't think. Who is it who is coming visiting?"
PADDY: "Well, you know how there are big celebrations for The Queen in London because it is her Platinum Jubilee, Scout?"
SCOUT: "Oh yes! We have watched so much of the celebrations on the telly with Daddy: the Trooping of the Colour and the special Thanksgiving Ceremony. Today there are horsey races for The Queen."
PADDY: "Well, tomorrow Her Majesty Queen Lilibet is coming here to visit and stay for a little while. She is doing a Royal Tour of the Commonwealth, and that includes here."
BOGART: "The Bear Queen Lilibet is visiting, Paddy?"
PADDY: "Yes indeed Bogart!"
BOGART: "Oh how exciting, Paddy!" *Jumps up and down with excitement.*
JAGO: "Isn't it, Bogart."
PADDY: "So as a result of her impending visit, Daddy thought you might like to wear the pearls, Scout."
SCOUT: "Oh Paddy! That is soooo exciting!" *Trembles with delight.* "Do you think she might like me to perform for her, Paddy?"
BOGART: "Oh yes! The Great Scoutlova could perform for Her Majesty!"
COUSIN PADDINGTON: "And honoured guests, Bogart!"
BOGART: "Oh of course! That goes without saying, Cousin Paddington."
PADDY: "I think that sounds like a lovely idea, Scout. I'm sure Her Majesty would love to see you perform!"
SCOUT: "Oh goody!" *Jumps up and down with delight.* "Come on Bogart, forget about hide-and-seek. Come help me find my tutu! I need to practice. Goodbye Paddy, Jago and Cousin Paddington."
PADDY, JAGO and COUSIN PADDINGTON: "Goodbye Scout and Bogart." *Wave goodbye.*
2022 marks the year that Her Majesty The Queen will become the first British Monarch to celebrate a Platinum Jubilee after 70 years of devoted and loyal service to her people.
Celebrations will be happening in Britain and around the world during the Platinum Jubilee Central Weekend which takes place from 2nd to 5th June, and that includes here! How very exciting!
God bless our Queen! Long may she reign over us!
This beautiful nursery tea set comprising of a tea pot, milk jug and sugar bowl are very Art Deco. They were obviously made for the child of a very wealthy family, as the set is made of very heavy sterling silver. The hallmarks on each piece (including on the inner lip of the teapot lid) indicates that it was made in Sheffield by the well known English silversmith James Dixon of James Dixon and Sons in 1921. The pot also features an ebonised finial and handle which are affixed with tiny sterling silver screws and wingnuts, just like a real teapot!
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.
Travelling all the way from London, Cousin Paddington was caught in transit thanks to the Coronavirus pandemic, so it looks like he is stopping with us for a long while. That makes me happy, as the more I look into his happy, smiling face, the more attached I am becoming to him.
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.
