JAGO: "Oh come everybear! Come and see what Mr. Postman just delivered to us!"
PADDY: "What is it, Jago?"
DANNY BOY: "Aye begorra! Would you look at that now! A surprise! The Little People must have brought it!"
ORSON: "I'm sorry to correct you, Danny Boy, but Jago did say Mr. Postman delivered it."
DANNY BOY: "Aye begorra! Well maybe he's a little postman, Orson!"
ALGIE: "I hope it's a present!"
SCOUT: "Hopefully an edible one! I have a grumbly tummy! Grumbly tummy Algie! Grumbly tummy!" *Rubs tummy vigorously.*
DAISY-MAUD: "Look! There is a beautiful gift, all wrapped up in silver paper and tied up with a pretty bow!"
SCOUT: "Is it from mijn beste vriend, Peter?"
PADDY: "What has Mr. Postman delivered, Jago?"
JAGO: "Oh it's the loveliest present, everybear! I'm afraid that it isn't from your Peter, dear Scout, but it is from someone else who loves you very much! It's a card from Mummy June all the way from England!"
PADDY: "Oh how exciting!"
DAISY-MAUD: "Oh how lovely! What does she say, Jago?"
SCOUT: "Is the present Daisy-Maud is holding from her, Jago? It looks like it may be some chocolates in a box, or a tutu for me, maybe? I have a grumbly tummy! Grumbly tummy Jago! Grumbly tummy!" *Rubs tummy vigorously.*
JAGO: "No Scout, there is no chocolate in a box or tutu for you, and that present is for Daddy. The present for us is what has been written inside the card, Scout. Also, Mummy June made this card just for us!"
SCOUT: "Oh well, that is a beautiful present!"
ORSON: "I love the lady on the front, all wrapped up in beautiful furs, just like a bear! What a smart lady she is!"
PADDY: "How talented Mummy June is! It's beautiful!"
JAGO: "Oh yes she is, Paddy!" *Proud.*
ALGIE: "What does Mummy June say, Jago? Please tell us!"
JAGO: "Mummy June wishes us all a very merry Christmas and a happy New Year! She is sending lots of love and cuddles to each and every one of us from her, Posh, Bruno, Big Bear, Happy, Bella, little Rosie and Algie!"
PADDY: "Oh that is so lovely! Thank you Mummy June!"
DAISY-MAUD: "Yes, thank you Mummy June! We miss you so much, but we are very happy here with Paddy and Jago and Daddy."
"SCPUT: "And me, Daisy-Maud!" *Concerned.*
DAISY-MAUD: "And you too, sweet little Scout. How could anyone not be happy living with you?"
SCOUT: "That's good, Daisy-Maud!" *Relieved.*
ORSON: "What a wonderful gift to all of us! Thank you Mummy June!"
DANNY BOY: "Aye begorra! Thank you ever so Mummy June!"
ALGIE: "Mummy June is so nice to think of us and send us a special card!"
SCOUT: "Hang on! What do we do with the present for Daddy, Jago?"
JAGO: "Mummy June has included a special note for me. She asks that I give this beautifully wrapped and very special present to Daddy on Christmas Day with my very own paws."
PADDY, SCOUT, DAISY-MAUD, DANNY BOY, ORSON and ALGIE: "Wow!"
PADDY: "What an honour, Jago!"
DAISY-MAUD: "Yes indeed, Jago!"
ALGIE: "It must be very precious."
SCOUT: "I bet that it is chocolate then! What could be more precious than chocolate?"
ORSON: "Love, Scout!
Love is far more precious than chocolate."
SCOUT: "Really, Orson?"
ORSON: "Oh yes, Scout!" *Nods emphatically.*
PADDY, DAISY-MAUD, JAGO, ALGIE and DANNY BOY: *Nod heads emphatically in agreement.*
SCOUT: "Do you know what everybear? Mummy June must be magic, because now I suddenly don't have a grumbly tummy any more."
ORSON: "Are you perhaps feeling a bit queasy, Scout? Do you need to lie down?"
SCOUT: "No, I don't think so, Orson. I feel contented, and don't have a grumbly tummy any more, rather than feeling queasy, Bogart!"
JAGO: "Well, Mummy June is magic, and it's because her love has filled your tummy and made you feel happy."
PADDY: "That is the magic of Christmas, Scout!"
JAGO: "Thank you for all the kind wishes and love, Mummy June! Paddy, Scout, Cousin Paddington, Bogart, Daisy-Maud, Orson, Rosie, Bertie, Danny Boy, Algie, Freddy, Duckie, Prince Maurice, Daddy and I are sending you, Posh, Big Bear, Bruno, Happy, Bella, little Rosie and Algie lots of Christmas big little bear hugs and snuffly Christmas kisses!"
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.
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 new Daddy.
Orson, named after the little bear constellation, was made by the same friend who made Jago and Daisy-Maud. He comes ready dressed in 'trousers' made of German mohair accessorised with embroidered braces. His paws are ultra suede and his eyes are glass. He is described as being a little bit serious minded but very friendly. He's fine once he gets to know you.
Danny Boy, made by the same friend who made Jago, Daisy-Maud and Orson, has a touch of the 'Oirish' in him with his emerald green scarf. He has an open mouth as he likes to sing and comes with his own songbook, "Irish Airs for Teddy Bears". He has a wobbly head to give him animation when he's talking to you, and is made of English mohair, has paws of ultra suede and eyes of glass. Quite a happy-go-lucky little character....
Algie is made by the same friend in England who made Jago, Daisy-Maud, Orson and Danny Boy. He is made of sparse English mohair, has paws of ultra suede and eyes of glass. A very adventurous little boy, he loves to climb and sit on top of gates, edges of tables and chairs. He adore climbing trees and will cheekily sit there with crossed legs. He's very friendly and he loves adventures of any kind.