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