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NEW FOREST BEAR FESTIVAL.......What a wonderful day!

Sunday 29th June saw the first ever New Forest Bear Festival take place in and around Beaulieu village. The day was very well attended, the sun shone and the bears picnicked although blustery winds made it essential for exhibitors to hold on to their gazebos and the craft marquee had to be opened to allow for free air flow!

We have so many people to thank for their support not least the village residents and traders for their co-operation, especially Eva and Steffi at Beaulieu Delicatessen,  Fairweather's Garden Centre, Trevor and team at the Chocolate Studio and Brenda at Flowers of the Forest.

Thank you Chris and Irene from Festive Friends for manning the pay-as-you-play games all day and helping to create a wonderful family fete feel to the proceedings. Thank you to the Beaulieu Estate for allowing us to use the Motor Museum car park and Vitalise for running the park and ride bus service all day. (Huge thanks John!) A special thank you also goes to the Beaulieu volunteer fire crew for opening up the fire station and joining in the day.  (I will speak to them later about selling the treasure hunt clue to visitors if they polished the crew's boots!) Our thanks go to our judges for their time - Vicky Roberts, Jill Fry and Carol Douglas.

Big thanks to the Community Police Officers who kept vigil over things and joined in the spirit of the day allowing children to explore a real police car!

Finally a huge thank you to all the exhibitors and all the visitors without whom the day would never have been.

Next year's date is set for
Sunday 28th June 2009

Hope to see you all there.

With grateful thanks from

Julie and Amanda xx

RAGGY TEDS

Made exclusively for Bear it in Mind using pre-used fabrics, Raggy Teds are the latest craft party craze.

Suitable for age 4 and over, this unique activity is a wonderful and exciting way for children to explore their creativity.

First they choose their Raggy Ted (a variety of colours are available) then they stuff him using child safe polyfill.

The sky's the limit when it comes to decorating him.  Fabric pens, paints, glitter, sequins, beads, ribbon, foam, material, buttons and more........

Raggy Teds are available as a pre-booked party at a cost of £6.50 per child plus £35.00 studio fee. (max 12 children) or at special seasonal drop-in workshops.
Please phone or email for further advise.

BEAR MAKING IN BEAULIEU
adults only

These workshops are aimed at the enthusiastic beginner although basic sewing skills are necessary. You will be making your very own collectable mohair bear using traditional bear making techniques such as cotter pin and string jointing, glass eye fixing, stuffing and nose stitching.

Day courses at Bear It In Mind are held  within the shop's adjoining character studio.  Lunch is included in the price along with refreshments throughout the day. Registration is from 9.30am with coffee on arrival and the class starts at 10.00am. We keep our class size to a minimum to enable us to work closely with you at each stage.  This also fosters a friendly atmosphere and perfect learning environment.  (booking essential)

Please contact us for any further information.

The cost of our day workshop is £80.00 per person (payable in advance)  which covers everything you need including lunch and refreshments.

We anticipate you taking away a completed bear but in the event of you not finishing in the time allowed, we can offer support over the phone or via email.

Or next workshop will be held on...

More dates soon including new 2 day advanced workshop

Book now to avoid disappointment!

THE DAY