Two Left Minder Feet

As anyone who has seen Mary Poppins will know, chimney sweeping can be very dirty work. But as we've said in our previous posts, Blue Bear is a very careful and tidy worker. He put dust sheets all over the furniture and then, just to make sure, he taped polythene across the fire place, leaving only a slit for his brush and rods.


From his supervisor's vantage point on the mantelpiece, Chelmer looked for any gaps where any soot might escape!

All these precautions were sucessful, and after the sweeping was completed all we we were left with was a pile of soot in the bottom of the fireplace.


Monkey then leapt into action with his dustpan and brush and quickly filled a bucket with all the soot. All that was left was to tidy everything away and re-light the fire, but then DISASTER struck, a clumsy minder tripped over the bucket and the soot went everywhere!


Chelmer swiftly dived into action wielding the vacuum cleaner hose and, in a short time, you wouldn't have known that the accident had ever taken place.


We wasted no time clearing away the equipment and re-lighting the fire before settling down will a well-earned reward, a glass of Wherry.

Love Chelmer, Blue Bear and Monkey xxx

Chim Chiminey, Chim Chim Cher-ee

After the transformation of the Bear Cave, we really got bitten by the change bug and thought about spring cleaning and other improvements we could make.

First, our fireplace. Through the long cold winter we have been keeping warm by having a roaring log fire each night. The only problem is that after a long winter of daily log fires, the time comes when you need to sweep the chimney.

Having got into spring cleaning mood, we set about organising for the chimney to be swept.

Remember meeting the very agile Monkey last year (July) when he shinned up the trees we were felling? Well, because Monkey is such a good climber, he immediately volunteered to emulate Tom from the Water Babies, and go up the chimney with a dustpan and brush and sweep out all the soot.


However, the older members of the Norfolk Branch felt this was a bit risky and that he might get stuck.

At this point, Chelmer, with an eye to an action adventure, quickly suggested that he, instead of Monkey, should be the one to take on the task, as he is considerably smaller. The older bears worried yet again, this time that Chelmer might fall and injure himself.

Fortunately wiser heads prevailed and the company Health & Safety policy was wheeled out. After a board meeting, it was decided that Blue Bear should take charge and have Monkey and Chelmer assist.

Blue Bear, being a true professional, began by assembling all his tools, (a large pile of dust sheets, his brushes and a vacuum cleaner) and, with his two assistants primed for action, started the job.


As each brush disappeared up the chimney, Monkey would pass over another.


Chelmer's job was to be outside with a pair of binoculars and a Walkie talkie, prepared to shout 'STOP!' as soon as the brush came out of the chimney pot. He had to do this before the brush hit the top of the cowl that stops pigeons trying to BBQ themselves by coming down the chimney when the fire is buring.

With such teamwork and Blue Bears's leadership, the job was swiftly, cleanly and efficiently completed.

Our Handiwork Revealed

It's time to reveal our newly made over Bear Cave. We hope you think our handiwork was worth the effort.


As you can see we've gone for a cool blue to match Blue Bear's fur and to give us a chilled out feeling while we drink our pints of Wherry. We've gone for quite a minimalist look which helps to make the room seem bigger. This is quite important when there's as many of us as live in our bear cave.

To bring you right up to date, Eddie is currently very excited as he's about to depart, with some others of us, on a new adventure of a watery variety. He's also showing, for the first time, the display of plaques, from previous of his adventures on the inland waterways, that he is making up. He'll give you a close up look when it's finished.


It may be that you hear from other members of the Norfolk branch while Eddie and the rest of his travelling party are away, but in case you don't, please don't worry if we're off air for a short while. Just like Arnie .... 'we'll be back'.

Lots of love, all at Bears Unlimited xxx

Bear Cave Make-over

We came back from our visit to the Midlands branch, to put the finishing touches to our make-over of our Norfolk bear cave.

Many paws have been working very hard at the transformation.


It tends to be a rather messy operation when bears arm themselves with a paint brush. The walls tend to fare rather better than us: they come out of the process looking immaculate, while, if we're not careful, we can end up with very strangely coloured fur. It therefore becomes necessary to search through our minders' rag bag and swathe ourselves in large t-shirts. It works a treat and we frequently give old t-shirts an inadvertent new lease of life in the process - something to do with retro 70's psychadelic styles.


It's always important to have an effective supervisor to ensure everything is properly co-ordinated and that we don't end up trying to implement too many contradictory ideas. On this occasion, Ungi did a great job for us, and we could tell he'd been watching lots of Property Ladder and Grand Designs type programmes.

We bet you can't wait to see the finished result. Rest assured it's really good. We'll show it to you next time.

Lots of love from the Norfolk branch xxx

Clanger Liberation

Our account of our visit to the National Space Centre is almost at an end. However, we've saved our favourite encounter to last. This was a meeting with someone we haven't seen for a few years and, when we did last see him and his friends, it was on the T.V. Here he is ...


It was simply splendid to meet a real live clanger and we were thrilled to be able to talk to him and catch up on all his news since he last appeared on T.V.

Mind you, as he was encased in a glass bubble we had to shout pretty loud to be able to hear each other. We looked around for one of those 'in case of emergency break glass' hammers so we could libearate our new friend but we couldn't find one. Clanger said he was happy as he was, but even if he didn't want to leave the space centre, we thought he should be free to roam round it at will, so we promised to return soon with the relevant tool.

Before we returned back to our respective homes, we couldn't resist an outing to revisit one of the local canals that we'd travelled last year - remember all our posts?

While we were walking towards the canal we were stopped in our tracks by the sight of some marvellous wood carvings. These had been carved into the trunk of a tree and painted authentic colours.


At the bottom was a friendly looking fox, and perched on the top was a rather rare red squirrel. As the owner of the house was in his garden and keeping an eye on us, we resisted the temptation to climb to the top and join the squirrel. We enjoyed posing with the fox though, and gave the house owner a friendly wave so he'd know we were harmless.


We also enjoyed our walk along the canal and were envious of all those we saw out in their narrow boats.

Lots of love, all at Bears Unlimited xxx

Astronaut Bears

We learnt loads about space at the National Space Centre (surprise!) but we particularly enjoyed finding out what it is like to be an astronaut and whether we would be suitable candidates. We know monkeys have gone into space but we're still not sure whether any bears have.

We were able to try our paw at some astronaut tests and did quite well, despite long queues and computer malfunctions. We also watched a film called 'Astronaut' in the centre's amazing 360 degree field of view fulldome cinema, where the video and sound literally surrounded us - quite an experience we can assure you.

Then we came back down to earth and considered some of the practicalities.


Out of all of us, Yorkie was the most worried about what there might be to eat, but then he isn't nicknamed 'piranha' for nothing. In our picture you can see him taking a look at some of the foodstuffs that astronauts have taken with them on space missions. It didn't look too appetising and was all either dried or tinned, including the dried fruit juices.

Of course the question we were all dying to ask was, how do astronauts manage to go to the toilet given the lack of gravity to make things flow/drop downwards? In the end we didn't have to ask one of the staff, as we came across a space toilet along with instructions!


As you can see, George found it quite fascinating. He couldn't help thinking it must be a lot easier for chaps than ladies, not that this would be much of a problem for Bears Unlimited members, being predominantly male. He also couldn't help thinking that the toilet bowl rather reminded him of a milk churn and went off milk for a day or two after this visit.

All in all, while we enjoyed finding out about being an astronaut, we thought we enjoyed our lives on earth too much to want to become one, especially when we found out that you can't get Woodforde's Wherry in space.

Lots of love from all at Bears Unlimited xxx

Bears Still In Space

One of the great things about the National Space Centre is that lots of the exhibits aren't hidden away in glass cabinets: they are there for you to get close to, and not only touch, but also to climb all over. This is especially true if you're bear sized.


You'll have to agree that our minders would probably have had an undignified loss of balance and probably have been thrown out if they'd tried to stand on this model of the moon - no problem for us though.

We were also able to try out a space capsule for size and comfort.


While it was spacious for us, we could appreciate that for humans it would be rather claustrophobic and you really would have to get on with each other very well. Action bear Chelmer was disappointed that there weren't any rockets attached, but the rest of us were secretly rather relieved, as we don't think he'd have been able resist hitting the launch switch.

Being techno bears, we also had a great time checking out a mock up of a space lab. How's this for a bewildering array of switches, knobs and dials?


When we thought no-one was looking we daringly flicked a few switches, but we regret to say they'd been visitor proofed and nothing much happened - certainly no smoke or fireworks.

However, the fun wasn't yet over and there was still lots more to see, so we'll be back soon.

Lots of love, the Bears Unlimited space travellers xxx

We Have Lift Off

Birthdays are too much fun to limit to just a day. We therefore enjoyed a second day out to make the most of our visit to the Midlands Branch. This day out couldn't have been more different to our visit to Bradgate Park, although it did have a trip to Leicestershire in common.

Our day out was an out of this world experience - literally! - as it was to the National Space Centre. If you've got a sense of adventure and a good imagination, just as we bears have, you'll be in your element, especially as there are so many interactive displays.

A first for us was a walk on the surface of Mars ...


... that's exactly what Moose and Pedro are pioneering in our picture. They said the surface wasn't quite as warm as they were expecting, although they understood why it is called the red planet.

The technical experts among us were quite fascinated by the model of the Beagle 2 space probe, as it would have looked, going about it's business analysing the surface of Mars, if it hadn't been lost on landing.


We don't like to brag too much, but we couldn't help feeling that had the contract been awarded to Bears Unlimited, the outcome could have been so completely different. Looking at it, we reckon we could have landed that probe safely, but we'll probably never get a chance to prove it.

Talking about crash landings, one of the highlights of the day for us, was the journey we went on from the moon, to Europa, one of Jupiter's moons. It was on a simulator, but ask any bear who was there, and it was incredibly realistic. We had to wear funny glasses and and had to be secured in with a safety bar. It was a real rollercoaster ride (which is why we couldn't take a photo to show you) and we were really shaken around, especially when we crash landed. Our craft skidded, at very high speeds, over the surface of Europa, hurtling through canyons and cliffs. We bravely clung on and enjoyed the adrenalin rush, although we were very relieved when our space craft finally came to a halt.

That's probably enough excitement for our readers for one day, but we'll be back soon to tell you what else we enjoyed at the National Space Centre.

Lots of love, all at Bears Unlimited xxx

Birthday Lunchbox

We ourselves had no need of the tea shop (at that point), as we had a delicious birthday lunchbox packed. We had to do a bit more walking before lunch though. We didn't mind, as it was lovely scenery, all new to us, and it is always good to work up an appetite. Mind you we were exercising our jaws, catching up on each other's news, as much as our legs.


When a break for lunch was called, we bears all eagerly gathered round to see what was in the lunchboxes. We were very pleased to see chicken tikka sandwiches and, one of our favourites, cheese with the famous Aunt Jessie's marrow chutney. This really makes a bear's mouth salivate (recipe available from chef bear Oakley for anyone who is tempted). In the lunchbox, we also had Aunty G's lovely buns (although it was very hard deciding between fruit or chocolate), Nutrigrain raisin cake bars (kindly provided by Fred's Mum and very good walking food) and some very juicy and rosy red Braeburn apples. Definitely a feast fit for a bear and very soon there was much happy munching.

Fortified by our lunch, after a fur raising trip across a golf course trying to avoid flying balls, we climbed up to two of the landmarks in Bradgate Park, the memorial and the Old John Tower, a local folly dating back to 1784.


We were too close to it to get the whole of Old John in our picture, and you can probably see more of the view of Leicestershire that we had, than you can of us. Some of us are there, but you'll have to look very closely, in true 'Where's Bear' fashion.

Tiny had to retire from the picture as he'd just had an accident falling into a muddy puddle (Norfolk branch minder to blame) and was in the process of being cleaned up.

As we descended from this high point, we spied the tea room again, a long way in the distance. This time, it beckoned to us, so we took a cross country route to get there. On the way we passed some lovely old trees which made a great playground for us with a soft carpet of bracken to cushion us if we fell off.


As we sat resting on this old tree, we wondered if it had been around at the time Lady Jane Grey was born in the park, and whether it had watched her grow up. We're sure that at least that stage in her life must have been happy, given how beautiful these surroundings were.

We didn't dwell on these thoughts for too long though, as our need for that cup of tea became even greater, so off we went.

Lots of love, once again from all 3 B.U. branches xxx

Birthday Day Out

It was great to see the Midlands branch having such fun in the snow. We were quite envious: not also did they have snow but they had lovely sunshine so they could go out and enjoy it.

Mind you, the weather was far from snowy when we, along with the Suffolk Branch, visited the Midlands Branch the week before last. We got together in order to celebrate the birthdays of two of our minders (twins!).

The birthday itself dawned dry and sunny and the weather continued that way all day. Present unwrapping, therefore, was largely deferred to the evening so we could make the most of the day and have a special outing.


The Midlands Branch organised a lovely day's walking around Bradgate Park and its surrounding countryside. The park is just north of Leicester and much nearer to the Midlands branch base than the Peak District, but as you can see from our picture, the scenery is equally lovely, and you could quite easily believe we were sitting in a Derbyshire dale enjoying the river and the sunshine.
Another great thing about the Park is that it is home to lots of deer, and you don't have to look to hard to find quite a few fine specimens.


If you look closely towards the back of our picture you should see a number of deer grazing. We wondered whether it was just a coincidence that this herd had taken up a position very close to the tea room! Had they earned money from the having photos taken with tourists, or were they just hoping for tid-bits or a raid on the bins?

We've lots more to tell you so will be back soon to continue our tale.

Lots of love, all 3 Bears Unlimited branches xxx

Fun in the Snow!

Hello Norfolk & Suffolk Branches and all our readers!

What a lovely surprise when we woke up this morning and saw the snow! While our minder was in the shower we sat in the window and gazed out at the unusual sight -


We then decide to go outside and have a snowball fight followed by an attempt to make a giant snowball. Unfortunately it was so sunny that the snow was melting too rapidly so our ball did not get very big. We tried to take a picture of Rupert pushing the snowball but his back was playing up, so being the eldest, we let him sit on top while we had a rest -


We got a bit damp so decided to sit in the sun under the tropical palm, and dry out -


and finished drying off indoors sitting on the radiators. Quite a fun morning! Hope you enjoyed the snow too.

Love from the Midlands Branch. xxxx

This Must Be the Place to Be!

It seemed that hardly had I been formally welcomed to Bears Unlimited, than I was taking part in the next ceremony to welcome two even newer members. I didn't mind though as I think that Bears Unlimited is such a great organisation, that I want as many bears as can, to share in it and experience the welcome that was so readily extended to me when I tentatively stepped through the door on our return from Ireland.


So here I am, trying to look like an old hand, welcoming, not one, but two, new members of Bears Unlimited. On my left - the right as you look at the picture - is Giovanni (Gio for short) who you will have already met briefly if you read our Easter Sunday post. Gio's t-shirt reveals that he is a member of the Society of St Francis, and he has come to us straight from Hillfield Friary in Dorset. He left there with a friend of my minders who looks after a neighbouring group of parishes to ours and spent some time at Hillfield as part of his recent sabbatical. Gio is called Giovanni, as Giovanni was the middle name of St. Francis, the founder of the monastical order which bears his name.

While Gio is a very religious bear, he came to join us as he wanted to have a rather more adventurous life than he felt he would have had, had he stayed at Hillfield. We've already told him he's come to just the right place for adventure, especially as he is very keen to see more of the world. Gio's t-shirt also has the Latin words 'Pax and bonum' - peace and goodwill - we think - and that certainly sums up his character. He is, not surprisingly, spending a lot of time with Bris, who is our main church bear.

The other bear, who you will not have met before is Pedro. He has travelled even further than Gio to join us, as he has travelled all the way from Spain. Do you remember Dilly, the very cute dog who stayed with us towards the end of last year and who introduced Gilbert to us as a thank you for looking after her while her minders were on holiday in France? Well Dilly came to stay again recently, while her minders were on holiday in Spain, and Pedro came back with them. Pedro also has a special t-shirt, but his reads 'friends always'. What a great sentiment - it really should be the motto of Bears Unlimited as it sums up all that we are about.

It might seem strange that we only have comings at B.U. and no goings, but if you spent any time with us, you'd soon understand why no-one ever wants to leave.

Lots of love Patrick & all my friends at Bears Unlimited xxx

P.S. I was very pleased to find that the B.U. company colour (the green of the bear flag) matches the emerald green of my homeland (and ribbon & shamrock) so closely.

Back to Blighty with a Piece of Ireland

With that last post, our wonderful Irish holiday came to an end. We hope you've enjoyed sharing our adventures, as much as we've enjoyed the reminiscing. The Northern Ireland chapter of the Friendly Planet Guide will certainly be packed with lots of ideas of places to visit and loads of local information.

But, as you know, we brought a little bit of Ireland back with us, in the form of the very lovable and charming Patrick. Following the Bears Unlimited tradition he was welcomed into our ranks, in the presence of the company flag, by the previous newest member of B.U., on this occasion, Gilbert.


As we've been blogging about Ireland for so long, this photograph is now quite old. Please rest assured that as a mark of his permanent position with us, Patrick has now had his Emerald Buddy manufacturers tag removed. As he is rightly, very proud of his Irish heritage, he has kept the tag safely as his Irish passport.

Patrick has settled in very well and says he is very happy living in Norfolk, although he does hope to return to Ireland for visits and holidays whenever he can.


Gardening bear Tommy, did his bit to make Patrick feel welcome by showing him round the garden to see all the spring flowers which were flourishing as a result of his green paws.


Lots of love, all at Bears Unlimited xxx

Artistic Derry

As we neared the end of our walk round the walls of Derry, Patrick told us that he had saved his favourite part of the tour until last.

He then took us straight to a modern sculpture by Anthony Gormley. You may not know his Derry sculpture, but most of you will be familiar with his more famous work, the Angel of the North.

So here is his bear adorned Derry statue, rather unimaginatively entitled, 'Sculpture for Derry walls' (perhaps we should launch a competition to come up with a more imaginative name).


What you may not appreciate from our photo is that the statue is the same whichever side you view it from. This is because it consists of 2 indentical cast-iron figures joined back-to-back. The intention is that the statue is a metaphor both for the city's divisions and it's common bonds (we're quoting the official blurb there). The bit we thought was fun was that as the eyes were open, we could look through from each side and see 2 very different views (that is when we managed to arrange it so that we weren't looking at each other!)

Our tour of the walls finished rather conveniently at a very nice restaurant where we enjoyed a fine lunch. It was then time to check out a few shops with a view to buying presents for those members of Bears Unlimited who had stayed at home and kept the wheels of business turning.

There were lots of shops hidden away in courtyards reached by small alleyways. Amongst some of these shops we found a very traditional Irish thatched cottage.


Can you see us peering through the window? It looked like the kind of place that should be serving cream teas, but sadly it wasn't. Perhaps that was just as well as we were planning a special end of holiday meal that evening, and knew hearty appetites would be needed to do it justice.

Lots of love from the Bears Unlimited Irish travelling party xxx