Teddy - a lifetime companion?

More than half of Britons still have a teddy bear from childhood and the average teddy bear is 27 years old, the poll found.  Travelodge, the hotel chain, surveyed 6,000 British adults and found that respondents said sleeping with a teddy a “comforting and calming” way to end the day.

The survey also found that 25 per cent of men said they even took their teddy away with them on business because it reminded them of home. In one year, the company say that staff have reunited more than 75,000 teddies and their owners. A spokesperson said: “Interestingly the owners have not just been children, we have had a large number of frantic businessmen and women call us regarding their forgotten teddy bear.”

Apparently, more and more teddy bears are being taken to 'teddy hospital' for repair. The trend seems to have begun following the television series Brideshead Revisted.  Sebastian Flyte's bear was Evelyn Waugh's symbolism at work.   Flyte would not let go of his bear because he did not want to relinquish his childhood. Symbolically, he was the aristocracy on it's last legs, trying to hold back the sweeping social change post WW1.  I won't get into the psychology of men and teddy bears. That is a science all on its own.

I don't recall having a teddy bear as a child. My sister says that I had a blue bunny and that bedtime was impossible if the much loved comforter could not be found.  I am a teddy bear fan though and bought a lovely jointed bear for my son.  Unfortunately around the same time my sister brought him a large Mickey Mouse from a Florida holiday and because Mickey talked, (I used to make his voice) teddy was relegated and Mickey soon became a trusted companion and confidant. My daughter loved Eeyore and he was her bedtime companion of choice.

Several years ago, I acquired a small cuddly Rhinoceros. Neal, as he is affectionately known is a handsome, horny little chap who sits in my bedroom. I can hear you asking , why would she call a Rhino Neal?  Well if you get that one, then you are of a particular generation.  If you don't then please ask your Mum.  When the kids were little, we encountered a real baby rhino at Chester Zoo.  Now that is what I call cuddly. He was gorgeous.

Anyway, getting back to Teddies. I have to say categorically that I am a Teddy lady and I really don't like dolls.  Creepy things dolls. I especially dislike the ones with pot heads and dark glass eyes.  I think the pained on eyelashes are hideous.  Give me a worn out, stuffed bear with a loveable face and stiff joints and I will be a happy bunny. I have a granddaughter now and I definitely won't be buying her dolls.  If I buy a teddy bear, it will be an investment in her future happiness. Perhaps I will buy her a subscription to the World Wildlife Fund.

You are invited

To a Pyjama Party.

Wear your pyjamas and bring your teddy

Or – wear your teddy and bring your pyjamas.

You can chose;

·         A bedtime story (pure fantasy)
·         An early night (it takes a while to warm up)
·         Lights on or off (night sight glasses available)
·         Late checkout (not available on Saturdays)
·         Breakfast in bed (no crumbs allowed)
·         Morning newspaper (or music magazine)

Toothbrush required.

If you are coming Neal – please wipe your muddy feet.

Please RSVP in person.  Thanks for reading.  Adele