Scott’s Tour of Europe, June-August 2013

At the end of June I departed on a big adventure! 6 weeks in Europe visiting, London, France, Spain and Italy! I was invited by a local family and their children. I am so glad all the other teddies were busy, this is a chance any Teddy would jump at!
I had my own teddy with me and one of the children kindly named him ‘Stitch’.

Our first stop was in London where we did a whistle stop tour and decided that on our return, we would be on the London Eye. I’m not sure, it looks very high!

We went to see Big Ben, I don’t know what that man is doing up a ladder!

There were lots of visitors at Downing Street.

After this we started on our Continental journey.

We arrived in Paris!

Our first visit was to the Louvre, I love the glass Pyramid outside and I couldn’t wait to see the Mona Lisa, only to find out the gallery was closed! As was the Eiffel Tower, what is going on here? We have come all this way to find everything shut! Oh well we live to try again another day!

At least the Notre Dame was open for us,

and I walked up the  Champs Elysee to the Arc de Triomph!

It is nice to see places I’ve only heard about!

Eventually we managed to get in to climb the Eiffel Tower, it was very high.

One of the children, ‘Chopster’, said it was like a giant Lego city below, he was right!

After that exiting adventure, it is time to pack as we are setting off for Spain tomorrow!

Now I’m on the train to Figuerres, from where we journey to Barcelona, then Tarragona.

We took the rack railway to Nuria, a small village high in the Pyrenees

It was beautiful, nestled in the mountains, and the air was so fresh!

After our stay here, we returned to Barcelona.

I took a trip on the cable car which was quite high

Later we went to the mountains of Montserrat where we had a lovely time

Our next stop was Italy!

We eventually arrived in Cresti, a tiny Alpine Hamlet, which was another beautiful place. We had a restful stay here. (Thank goodness, I’m exhausted with all this travel!)

We took a day trip to Stresa, a lakeside town

Stresa looks on to Lake Maggiore and is encircled by the Alps. Another beautiful place!

Sadly however, all too soon it seems, it was time to make our way back to the UK and the London Eye.

Well I should be safe enough in one of these pods, they look quite roomy!

This has been an experience of a lifetime, to see so many countries on one trip and I was not even on a cruise!

Initial calculations show that we have been on 47 trains, 74 metro or underground trains, 22 buses, 2 ferries, 6 funiculars, 3 trams and 7 cable cars!

The travelling was tiring but the whole, experience has been uplifting and one we will remember forever!

Thank you my friends, for taking me with you, and thank you to your children for looking after me so well!

Benji Bear’s Adventures with the Scouts in Austria – July 2013

I was invited by the 21^st Craigalmond, (South Queensferry) Scouts along with some Scouts from 1st Craigalmond (Kirkliston) Scout Troop to go to Scout Camp Austria, Sankt Georgen near to Salzburg.

I jumped at the chance, but I had to get a scout jumper and a kilt to look the part. I decided to go the whole ‘hog’ and get a set of bagpipes, but hoped no one would ask me to play, as I don’t know how!

I had a last look at the bridge before we leave – oops, my sporran has slipped!

A Young Leader is fixing my uniform, I am a bit untidy.

When they said Euro Tunnel I thought we were going by train, not walking!

Well we have arrived in Austria, now to go to the campsite! It all looks nice, but I wonder where I am sleeping, I hope it is in the building!

 I thought this was the food prep Table….what are you doing to me?

Oh, it’s a climbing harness and my own climbing rope, now I can practise absailing!

Well it is an adventure camp so I have to be adventurous!

………. I am exhausted already and it is only the first day!!

I wonder what my next adventure will be?

Oh, oh, what does this mean, you do know wet teddy bears smell TERRIBLE?

Whew, saved. Thank you! I didn’t want to go on the River Salzach.

I’m glad they left me behind for this, I’m not as adventurous as I thought I was.

This is how I prefer to view the water!

With all my new friends outside Salzburg Cathedral, can you spot me in the middle?

At least we are going home on the train, and not walking!

I am totally exhausted but I had a great time, can I come with you all again please, maybe?

Mary’s Visit to Aberdeen University- May 2013

In May, I was invited by Kirsty to experience Student life in Aberdeen University. She is studying English and Anthropology!

I thought I was going to be drinking beer and eating beans, but it was not like that at all! Kirsty is a sensible student, or maybe she was warned not to lead me astray!

First I had to help Kirsty write a religious essay. I have been working so hard my ribbon has come undone and I am ready to drop!

We went to Bridge of Don Baptist Church, where I made some new friends. I found their welcome magazine very interesting.

Kirsty said I should join the Role Play Society.
It was fun, but don’t ask me what I was meant to be doing!

Here we are outside Kings College, in Aberdeen, it is huge!

I found Joe on the beach. He is a Buddhist Monk! He was so happy to meet me!

Thank you Kirsty, for a lovely time. I found it very interesting. Bears don’t normally get to go to University! Anytime you need more help with your essays, just call me!

Benji’s May Adventures – 2013

My good friend Ray and his wife Stephanie, asked to take me on an adventure. I was excited as Claire told me that Ray goes to good places and does exciting things!

The first place we went to was the Scotstoun Stadium in Glasgow to see the Glasgow Sevens Rugby!

I saw Scotland win their only match!

The winning South African team looked exhausted.

People were dressed as Smurfs to bid farewell to spectators and players! (I think that lady was trying to do a John Cleese ‘Silly Walk’)!

My next visit was to Blenheim Palace

I don’t know what they were looking at, but I was looking at the lovely table, big enough for all my friends!!

I went on to the Chelsea Flower Show

What a patriotic display!

I managed to get in on the Gold medal winning Floral Display.

The lady from Scotland, who designed it, is one of Ray’s neighbours!

Bet you can’t see me in here! (That’s because I am not there!I  just thought you would like a better look at the display!)

I stopped for a well earned break in the shade!

Can I text Claire Bear when you are finished please Stephanie?

There are no flowers to look at here, other than Stephanie!

My biggest thrill of the day, meeting a genuine Chelsea Pensioner, see my big smile!

This is where I say “Hi Claire”, no, silly me, it’s Highclere or Downton Abbey!

This is Bourton on the Water, on the village green.

This really is Bourton on the water- very refreshing on a hot day.
It felt as if we were at the seaside!
I didn’t go in though, wet fur does not smell too good!

Ray and Stephanie took me on a sail on Lake Windermere on the way home. Claire was right, this has been exciting!
Thank you both for another memorable trip, and for the new badge marking the Centenary of the Chelsea Flower Show!
Please can I come with you again?

Claire’s ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ Canaries Cruise-11th – 24th may 2013

On 11th May, I set sail from Southampton on the MS Azura, for a Canaries, ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ cruise. Craig Revel Horwood, Natalie Lowe and Ian Waite were to be on board. I was so excited!

The ship was ginormous, but very sleek!

Of course we had the usual Lifeboat drill before we set sail. When are they going to get one small enough for me? I guess I will have to carry my own one!

Our first port of call was Madeira. Here I went on the cable car to the top. It was very high!

I saw a nice church

Then I came down the hill again in a toboggan!

These are the two men who were in charge of my toboggan, it was great fun and I wanted to go again!

I then went to a viewpoint to look out over Funchal.

I tasted Madeira wine-

It was delicious but I think I had too much!

My next port of call was La Palma. Here I took a train ride around the town.
I met Barbara and Gloria, two sisters from Bradford .

And Ranata, our guide.

We went up to a castle where I saw the cannons and had a good view over
La Palma.

Next we went to Gran Canaria where I took a bus tour.

I saw banana plantations

And Jacaranda trees with their lovely blue/purple flowers.

 I met Margaret from Seaforth, near Brighton

Here I had a lovely view of my ship!

My next adventure was in Lanzarote where I helped to drive a buggy around the hills and villages of Lanzarote for two hours! It was very dusty and bumpy but great fun, quite exciting!

First we had to fill up with petrol.

Then we set off

I was shown how it works!

It was so bumpy, they had to hang on to me in case I fell out.

Back at the centre where we got the buggy, I saw these funny
creatures. I was told they were Camels and people could hire them for a ride! I didn’t fancy that, they looked too uncomfortable to me with their humpy backs!

Cadiz was our next port. Here I took an open top bus tour.

 

It was very interesting.

The best bit was the park, but it was a bit dangerous!

Help!

I liked this very old tree.

And tried to climb it, but didn’t get very far!

I thought these trees looked funny!

Last port of call was Lisbon where I just went for a walk
about

It was sunny that day, so when I went back to the ship, I got time for some sunbathing in my bikini!

I attended a Chocaholics tea party.

Everything was yummy! I couldn’t decide what to have next. If I keep on like this my bikini won’t fit any more!

It was time to get ready for the Black and White Ball!

Craig, Natalie and Ian joined the ship in Lisbon and I had my photo taken with them! Norma told them all about Teddies for Tragedies! Craig told her to keep up the good work. Natalie said she had heard about Teddies for Tragedies!

Norma and Laurie danced for them in a passengers dance competition, just like on ‘Strictly’ and they were judged. Craig gave his usual type of comments, but it was all in good fun!

I had a ball! It was a Fab-u-lus cruise daarlings!

Scott Bear and the Church Golfing Weekend- May 2013

Well, the bears were asked who would like to go on a Church Golfing Weekend, and I said, as I was the only boy free, (Benji was away playing Rugby!),  it should be me. The girls were not too happy with me for this, but Mary was about to set off to Aberdeen University to experience Student Life, and Claire was packing for her ‘Strictly Come Dancing ‘ cruise, to the Canaries, on P&O Azura, so they let me go!

 

Any self respecting golfer starts the weekend in the proper manner I was told.  I hope these golfers are not going to lead me astray!

We visited Innerleithen Golf Club

and Kelso Golf Club

 

We also visited courses at Cardrona Hotel and Lilliardsedge.

I got a few pointers on how to play –

this improved my game no end!

Later, we all got together to talk about our scores! I was quite pleased with my games and I’m looking forward to the next golfing weekend, if I’m allowed back!

Chernobyl Children Meet the Teddies – May 2013

26th April 1986, saw the nuclear power plant at Chernobyl in Northern Ukraine explode & subsequently blanket Belarus with radioactive contamination.
FOCC Forth Valley  intends to provide respite care for disadvantaged children from the contaminated areas of Belarus following this nuclear catastrophe.

Friends of Chernobyl’s Children-Forth Valley, is a new group set up in Linlithgow, which already exists in other areas of the UK.

17 children came over from Belarus, one of the worst affected areas, in April, to live with host families in Linlithgow, for four weeks.

All the children have been referred by either a teacher at their school or a social worker, they all live in contaminated areas that have high levels of radiation. They also come from poor families that struggle to provide food and clothing.

They speak no English and Russian is their first language. They left Belarus at 2am on Wednesday 17th April and travelled for 4 hours by car to Minsk airport. They then flew to London and on to Edinburgh, where they arrived at 6pm. You can imagine how they felt in this strange environment, where nobody speaks their language except their new friends and the interpreters.

It seemed appropriate, to give these children one of our ‘Teddies for Tragedies’, when they were first met at the airport. All teddies the same size, so all starting on equal footing, regardless of what toys and gifts their host families will give them later.

One host family said when they went in to check on their charge the first night, she was fast asleep, and regardless of the lovely toys on her bed, provided by this family, she was cuddling into her new knitted teddy!

Sending the teddies back to Belarus will be easy as they will tuck in nicely among the children’s new clothes which take priority over the toys they have received over the time they have spent here in Scotland.

A Month of Love

” The children arrived pale faced, under-nourished, shabbily-dressed and carrying small plastic shopping bags with basic belongings. Some children arrived completely empty handed after the 2 day journey from Belarus.

During the next 4 weeks the children blossomed, gaining strength and vitality before our very eyes. One month later the children returned to Belarus with suitcases filled to bursting with warm clothes, shoes, toiletries, vitamin pills and as much pre-packed and tinned food as we could cram into them. The children returned home having gained weight, with rosy cheeks and happy confidence, knowing that people in the UK care and will continue to provide a valuable lifeline for them “

During their stay in the UK the children live with host families and take part in a huge range of activities developed to meet both their recreational and medical needs.

The host families care for the children, providing a friendly stable environment, nourishing food and lots of loving care. The charity meanwhile organises daily activities, medical checks and plenty of good clean fresh air and fun.

This help however does not end when the children return to Belarus. The Friends of Chernobyl’s Children also provide a twelve month supply of vitamins and any essential medicines, clothes and food for both the children and their families in order to maintain the benefits of their visit throughout the year.

It has been proven that care of this nature substantially boosts the children’s shattered immune systems and enables them to enjoy a healthier, fuller and longer life.

It is the aim of the charity to repeat this treatment for each child every twelve months in order to help them live a life we all take for granted.

You can follow the events on Facebook at Friend’s of Chernobyl’s Children – Forth Valley.

2013, My Adventures Continue! February, Boudicca Cruise to Norway to Chase the Northern Lights!!

 My Adventures in Norway!

9^th – 25th February 2013

This is going to be my home for the next 16 nights!

I am going on a cruise to Norway, “Chasing the Northern Lights” on the Fred Olson ship, Boudicca.
I hope we see the lights!

We sailed from Portsmouth

Our first port of call was Molde, where I met this scary Troll. I am with my friends.

In Molde we took a bus trip up into the Troll Mountains

I had a shot of a Ski-doo, at a nearby Ski slope, it was fun!

Then from Bjorli, we went on the Rauma Railway and returned back down by train.

The snow is very deep,

and the mountains very steep!

This is the train we were on.

We sailed up the Inside Passage, the scenery was spectacular,

and then sailed around the little island with the marker for the Arctic Circle. It was very cold, I was glad of my furry hood!

Our next stop was Tromso. We were here for 2 nights.

The snow here was piled up very high at the roadside.

I could look back and see the ship!

I walked across the bridge that links Tromso to the mainland, it was very cold and windy.

I was glad to get back to the ship!

I had a good view of Tromso from the ship and I could watch for the others returning to base!

Our next stop was Alta where we stayed for 2 days.

We took a trip out to visit the Ice Hotel at Sorrisniva, where I met retired Brigadier General Canute, who had the honour of designing the Hotel every year. This year’s theme was ‘Fairy Tales’.

The Ice Hotel
looked very small!

‘Billy Goats Gruff’

There are 27 bedrooms, but no doors!

There is an Ice Chapel where there are 10-15 weddings during the short season of January to April.

We also went on a Ski-doo adventure on the frozen River Alta! I didn’t fall off!

Later that night we went to search for the Northern Lights.

We didn’t see very much as it was cloudy and snowy.

We did see a faint green glimmer as the clouds cleared, but they soon came back again!

The next day we took a bus trip to Hammerfest,  the Northernmost City in the World, with the most population!

(I have now been to the Southermost City, Ushuiaia in Argentina – and the Northernmost City!)

I tried to make a snow angel here but the snow was too hard!

We went to the Sami camp Mikkelgammen, near Salen, for lunch (Reindeer Stew) where we met a reindeering family and learned about their life.

Traditional Sami Costume

On the return bus journey we saw a lovely sunset.

Then we sailed back down through the Inside Passage and Fjiords on our way to Kristiansund.

The scenery was spectacular!

 

We saw the’ mountain with a hole through it’.

And ‘The Seven Sisters’!

When we arrived in Kristiansund, I met this Viking

At Kristiansund, we took a trip along the Atlantic Road and saw a bridge I have seen on telly car adverts!

Then we went to see Kvernes 700 year old Stave Church which has lots of painting on the walls inside.

Our next and last stop was Bergen. Sadly Norma was not well here, so we didn’t go sightseeing. Laurie went to get photos but I stayed to look after Norma.

We did get some photos of Bergen from the ship.

I noticed the snow had all gone from the city!

Laurie brought back this photo for me! There was snow at the top of Mount Floien. The Funicular railway took him to the top.

Sadly it was time to return to Portsmouth and then we waited until we could disembark. We had a lovely holiday even though we did not see the lights in all their glory and I made lots of new friends who now know all about ‘Teddies for Tragedies’

(I can’t see my case there!)

Well, I will be going to the Med with Laurie and Norma on a ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ cruise in May, while Benji is away helping with the World Sevens Rugby in Glasgow, Mary is away to Aberdeen University and I have had to ask Scott to attend a golfing weekend!!

I need a new dress so I can dance with Ian Waite!

Queensferry Parish Church, Teddy Blessing Service, 28th October 2012

On 28th October there was a ‘Blessing Service’ in Queensferry Parish Church,  for 687 teddies, made and donated by wonderful volunteers, who care enough to do something to help children who have very little.

500 teddies in bags are on their way to Malawi. The remaining 167 teddies will be sent elsewhere in the Spring. the 59 blankets and 18 puppets will go to Eastern Europe.

A mountain of 687 teddies and Teddy bags, 59 blankets and 18 teddy puppets

A close up!

Each teddy has it’s own drawstring ‘teddy bag’

The teddies were spread around the church to allow the congregation to participate

There were teddies everywhere!

Teddies in baskets for the children to give a ‘Hug of Love’ to send to the children in Malawi

All the congregation will be asked to give a ‘hug of love’ to the teddies.

Teddies upstairs waiting for ‘hugs’

Teddies absailing from the balcony to join their friends!

Norma Brown, Co-ordinator, tells the congregation about the wonderful volunteers, where the teddies are going, and an update on Claire’s Adventures.

He wants to give his hug now!

The children give their ‘Hugs of Love’

Dr Peter tells about his experience with Bruce Bear in Punjab, India, when he worked with Slum Doctors (read about this lower down in the Blog).

It was a wonderful response, a wonderful day, and a  wonderful service!

Benji’s Adventures in America – September 2012

Claire was very busy with Olympic ‘stuff’ so when my new friend David asked if I would like to go to America with him, I jumped at the chance!

We stayed with his relatives in Las Vegas, who have a lovely house!

I slid down the banister and landed on an elephant! I hope no one saw me, but it was fun!

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We started our tour at the Hoover Dam. It is HUGE!

This is David and me!

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We were on Route 66!

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On the way back we saw Las Vegas at night. The fountains at the Belagio looked great lit up!

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Next day we had a bit of sunbathing in our host’s garden!

It’s a pity David forgot to get me down to my ‘bearskin’! I was very hot.

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We went to Oatman, an old Gold Mining Town

In Oatman,  burros own the streets!

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Our next visit was to the Grand Canyon!

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     Ouch!

 Oh, it’s a long way down.

I hope I don’t fall!

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We next went to Bryce Canyon National Park. The Mountains here a bit more jagged.

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David put me here, he’s not very kind to animals! I will have to think how to get  back at him!

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One of my new American friends who wanted to know about Teddies for Tragedies!

(we found her in the mountains, she is not one of David’s relatives!)

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We went home to a beautiful sunset.

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The next day we went to see Las Vegas by day!

The Venetian Hotel

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I had to take the photo. David would not let me near the machine in case I won ‘his’ money!

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I had an early night as we were going to a Gold Mine in Death Valley, the next day!

An old mine

A donkey drawn wagon

Mining area.

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Two new friends.

Now I saw my chance to get my own back on David for the trick he played on me.

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Only kidding!

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The next day we went to a Chocolate factory!

I had fun hiding amongst the goodies!

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I had a wonderful time in America.

 Thank you David for taking me!