Number 82: Summer 2012

2012 Annual Meeting

Saturday 25th August in Warwick

You often see lists of things everyone should do before they die. Something that should be on every Follower's list is to attend and enjoy the experience of a Followers' Annual Meeting. Those of you who have been along before know what I mean and many of you come along year after year to savour the delights on offer as well as meet up with old friends and like-minded people.

Every year there are different things to see and do and also there are many traditional happenings, which are always very popular. The Origami demonstrations and folding workshops are regularly well attended and the Rupert play in the Theatre is another favourite feature. The Children’s Theatre Group put on a different play each year. Our talks are also well received and past speakers have included Rupert Editor Ian Robinson sand the expert on Children’s Literature Mary Cadogan. One past talk that is well remembered was when Art Historian, the late Brian Stewart, came along and gave an amusing and informative presentation on Rupert art and answered the interesting problem of how a lizard can ride a bicycle (a picture on a Monster Rupert cover). We always hoped to get Brian to return but unfortunately he tragically died before that could happen. Brian was responsible for the excellent Rupert Dossier and this year we are fortunate to have Howard Smith, his partner in the compilation of the book, and I can promise you his talk on his involvement with Brian and Rupert will contain some more amusing anecdotes. This year's John Hunt There are a number of other presentations being planned including a viewing in the model is of Podgy Theatre of the Channel 4 programme on which helped to inspire many to be interested again in Rupert. Of course there will be the usual Dealer Bourse with the opportunity to buy anything and everything Ruperty, plus many other distractions including a return of the North-West Group’s Conversation Corner where you can see images of many rare and scarce Rupert items and have a chat with fellow enthusiasts.

Stuart Trotter, current Rupert artist will be in attendance and signing Annuals. He also likes to meet Rupert enthusiasts and spends time walking around and talking to members.

Just to remind you that there will be the usual Friday and Saturday night special evening meals, (further details from Tony Griffin 01926 401707), and plenty of extra surprises, including a new John Hunt model. He manages to provide one year on year and this year's model is of Podgy.

So, as I started off by saying, attending the Annual Meeting is a must for all Followers of Rupert, so make this year special for you by being there. Fill in the enclosed form and get it off early, particularly if you require on-site overnight accommodation, as this is limited to “first come, first served”. John Beck

2012 Followers' AGM – official notification

This is formal notification that the 2012 AGM will take place at Warwick School at 12 noon on Saturday 25th August. It is proposed that Ben Griffin become the Membership Secretary and Pamela Stones become Assistant Newsletter Editor. All other Committee incumbents are proposed for re-election. It is proposed that a new level of Annual Membership be offered at £15 per annum as an option whereby Newsletters will be sent by e-mail. This will become available and operational when facilities are in place to offer this service. All other subscription levels to remain unchanged. Any other proposals must be lodged with the Secretary 30 days before the date of the meeting.

John Beck (Secretary) NUTWOOD NEWSLETTER Number 82 Summer 2012 – Page 3 Contents

New Website Progress 2012 Annual Meeting in Warwick ……..……..… 2 Notice of the 2012 AGM ...... 2 Work is proceeding on the setting up of our new Guest Editorial …...... …...... ….……...... 3 website RupertBear.co.uk and it is hoped we will Rupert Raffle ...... …… 4 have a presentation at the Annual Meeting whereby A little Rupert nostalgia ...... 5 all can see the facilities and content this will offer. Dogs in Rupert's Adventures by Ruth Sear ...... 6 It is hoped that it will encourage new members to Blackbird by Phil Toze ...... 11 join and also provide content access for members After Bestall by John Lester ...... 12 only to view. Louise Hopkins and Pamela Stones Junior Club update ...... 16 are liaising with our website designers to ensure Sailor Sam by Ruth Sear ……..……...... …..... 17 the content will be accurate and topical.

Rupert in the Daily and Sunday Express ...... 18 The Internet Elf Nutwood Postbox ...... 21

Guest Editorial Here we are again with the AGM close upon us- and of course Tony and his family will not need reminding of that as they have already put great efforts into getting the show on the road. It's easy to forget that as it all seems to go so smoothly on the day, but of course the reason it seems like that is all the meticulous preparatory work. So, I know that Tony has the usual mix of regular favourites and new attractions. Stuart Trotter will, I'm pleased to say, be with us again and as for dealers, I'm sure you'll agree that that was an area where there was a marked improvement last year and this is hoped to continue. As for new events, I'm really excited by the fact that Tony has arranged for an in-depth talk by Howard Smith, the designer of the estimable Dossier. If you've never come to one of our events before, why not make this the year; you won't regret it I'm sure. The other great attraction for me is always the opportunity to renew those friendships we've built up over the years, so all you regulars, make sure you're with us again. The day will of course include the formal AGM itself (don't let that put you off, it rarely exceeds half an hour), when we will be informing you of our finances and membership levels. Again the efforts of Tony and his family, on sales, recruitment, and other initiatives, have helped a lot, but unfortunately membership does continue to decline, and of course we have been hit by the unprecedented rise in postal rates. Those initiatives I've mentioned include reduced rates for joining for 2 or 3 years, and an invitation to add a small donation when renewing. For those who have availed themselves of this, warmest thanks, and if you haven't yet, perhaps you would consider doing so. Another way you can assist the Society is by choosing a present or two from the Sales Catalogue, whether for yourself or someone else. I'm sure you'll agree that Tony's re-vamp of the Catalogue has made it a lot more tempting. Other areas of course are buying raffle tickets, and buying Annuals from us even though we know that you might be able to source them from elsewhere slightly more cheaply. Okay, enough! I'll put the begging bowl away now. My principal message to close with is - please do your very best to make it to the AGM. I so look forward to seeing you there. John Swan (Chairman)

! 2012 Rupert Annual

We are pleased to hear that the next Rupert Annual is planned to be published in time for our Annual Meeting and remain the same price as last year with no reduction in pages. There will be a new Stuart Trotter story, Rupert and the Bosun’s Chair, and two others plus some original origami and new activity features. The print run will be only 40,000 so make sure you get your order in early as it will sell out quickly, something that has been apparent in the past few years when there have been no remaindered copies available after Christmas. Here's a picture of the cover, which is well up to Stuart’s usual form, and he will be coming along to our meeting to sign copies for members, so make sure you order your copies of the Rupert Annual when you register.

We are also offering non-attending members a chance to purchase a signed copy. Please send Tony the enclosed form and your cheques early so that we can make sure you are not disappointed. John Beck

NUTWOOD NEWSLETTER Number 82 Summer 2012 – Page 4 ! Rupert Raffle – fantastic prizes!

As usual our Annual Raffle will contain over 50 prizes most of which are exclusive and not available for sale so the only way to get these are to buy some tickets.

We are grateful to both Stuart Trotter and Raymond Briggs, who is a long time Rupert fan, for their artwork contributions.

Stuart has produced a piece of original Rupert artwork and Raymond Briggs a picture of the Snowman, which is particularly desirable as original Snowman artwork seldom appears.

We also have some delightful Gina Hart original artwork and a number of her colour art-cells produced for our Nutwood Specials, and these look Original$Stuart$Trotter$ delightful when mounted and framed on the wall. Rupert$artwork$

The$Raymond$Briggs$ Snowman$artwork$

We also will have a Rupert Letter Rack provided by our talented member Bob Whiter and some Rupert Annual proof cover pulls which will also frame up nicely and, if you are present at the draw and win one, I am sure Stuart will be pleased to sign it for you. !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!Gina$Hart$colour$art:cells$

This year we are also offering one of our Selfridges Rupert discs which have adorned our Rupert Annual Meeting displays over the years. Again, very exclusive and a great wall ornament.

We will also have some of our special meeting Rupert T-shirts, which have proved to be popular prizes in the past.

Anyway, as they say, “if you're not in it you can’t win it” so get your order for tickets off today before you forget. If you are coming along you can always buy more on the day and increase Better%than% your chances of winning. Original$Gina$Hart$artwork$ ever% ★The raffle is open to all members whether attending or not, so everyone has a chance.! this%year!%

★ Pre-sold tickets won most prizes last year.!!

The Raffle Gnomes NUTWOOD NEWSLETTER Number 82 Summer 2012 – Page 5

Rupert Notelets

We have had enthusiastic response in the past for the exclusive Christmas cards we provide for members and have decided

"You're going out, that I can see, this year to offer everyone the chance to buy exclusive Rupert So will you post this card for me?" Notelets.

These are available only to members and packs will be on sale at a

reduced price at the Annual Meeting in August. After this they will Said In fact, your pen is out of ink".Bingo "Rupert, I do think, be included in our Sales List but the price will have to reflect the

postage costs. Some examples of these are shown here and will provide you with an opportunity to keep in touch with friends in a Ruperty way throughout the year. Nutwood Sales Department

Nostalgia

Our Secretary looks longingly back in time

In the good old days, when Rupert was being used extensively to promote commercial products, Brown & Polson featured our chum and offered Rupert and Bill glove puppets for 80p (16/-) plus two Blancmange Powder packet tops.

Also featured inside the pack was a single black and white panel. Rupert story no 7 is Rupert and the Hat Trick which was presumably specially written and illustrated for this purpose, and there is an invitation colour it. The packet notes that there were ten stories and pictures to collect. A copyright date of 1970 is recorded and the pack cost 4p according to the sticker, which is attached. We wonder if any member has other examples and if you can send us details we will be pleased to share them with other Followers.

John Beck

Any horse fanciers out there?

You may be interested to follow Rupert Bear (the racehorse) who has had a few good finishes lately.

NUTWOOD NEWSLETTER Number 82 Summer 2012 – Page 6

Rupert and Dogs

Dogs feature in many of Rupert’s adventures. Some Most are described as ‘he’ or ‘it’. of Rupert’s anthropomorphic friends are dogs – Pong-Ping the Pekinese, Algy Pug and Bingo the Let’s take a look at some: clever pup. In Rupert and the French Poodles we meet Pierre Poodle who is Rupert’s pen-friend and lives in Paris. The Poodle family are kind and welcoming. Mrs P is unperturbed by the sudden arrival of Rupert and Mr Bear; she produces a supper of wine and fruit which is an unusual choice for the seated carnivores.

"Hey, dog" shouts Rupert, "don't do that, It isn't nice, to chase a cat".

Snuffy

Snuffy first appears in Rupert and Snuffy. He is a mischievous, yappy, greedy, overweight, very active

puppy and has white with black markings. His owner He'd never seen a real Gendarme, is an old lady who lives in the idyllic Myrtle Cottage But Rupert didn't feel alarm. (with conventional roses around the door). She loves her puppy and forgives him for any of his misdeeds Constable Growler, an authoritarian, ‘no-nonsense’, which include chasing sheep, stealing a ball, causing stalwart dog features in many stories. Postmen are Bill Badger to fall in a pond, chewing a hole in a sometimes dogs, which is ironic when you think of shed, stealing meat from a butcher, making Rupert the reputation dogs and postmen have. Another two dirty and chasing a cat (but the latter crime is practical, worthy dog characters have made brief understandable because most dogs would do that). appearances in the stories, they are Ben the Boatman and a pedlar-dog. Shopkeepers and fire-fighters are often portrayed as dogs. Occasionally the villain of a story is a wicked, bad dog, for example there is a ‘fierce-looking, wild dog’ in Rupert in Mysteryland and a thieving ‘wild dog’ in Rupert and Uncle Bruno. Sometimes we see a (real) dog chasing a cat, and the episode is often part of the story’s plot. For example, Rupert banishes a dog that chases a cat in Rupert and the Half-Crowns, and the cat and bear have an adventure together; Rupert helps a man who gets knocked over by a stray fox terrier that’s chasing a cat in Rupert and the New Rose, and this leads to another adventure. The dogs that appear in Rupert’s adventures are The puppy, Snuffy, tries to hide, generally nice although sometimes mischievous. What is that lying by his side? NUTWOOD NEWSLETTER Number 82 Summer 2012 – Page 7

The puppy next appears in Rupert’s Puppy Hunt. In this story it isn’t clear who owns the lost Snuffy, but young Sylvia is searching for him. Snuffy is his usual mischievous canine self and Bill gets a wetting again; this time Snuffy pulls him into a river. In Rupert and the Missing Pieces Snuffy makes an appearance as ‘a Nutwood puppy’. Again there’s no mention of his owner but this time it’s his turn to fall into a river. Snuffy also appears in Rupert and the Inventor. His owner is again the old lady at Myrtle Cottage.

Floppy

In Rupert and the Shy Coconut Floppy the dog Gyp, the dog, is rather hairy, belongs to Podgy Pig. He is a white dog with a curly Those poor pink sheep are very wary. tail. He barks at Rupert’s new pet, a coconut, so the frightened nut uses his magic to trap Floppy in a circle of branches. Dog Toby

But there’s either an anomaly, or the Pig family Here is a ‘jolly-looking little dog’ named Toby (he have acquired a different dog with the same name, in looks similar to Snuffy) and he appears in Rupert and Rupert and the Cough-Drop. Mrs Pig takes her dog Dog Toby and Rupert and Mr Punch. Toby is dressed Floppy for a walk; the dog is identical to the one who in a dark jacket, waistcoat, striped trousers and wears encountered the coconut but now he’s covered with a ruff around his neck. He walks upright on his hind brown fur! legs. He is an actor and always game for mischief. His master is a Punch and Judy stall owner in Sandy Bay.

The coconut's in some distress.

But Floppy barks on, non-the-less. Toby, the dog, is very jolly, But Punch thinks he is off his trolley. Gyp Jock Gyp is a hairy dog belonging to an old lady at Rosemary Cottage. In Rupert and the Pink Sheep Described as a black ‘Scottie’, Jock belongs to a boy Gyp guides Rupert and Algy Pug through an named Philip in Rupert and Jock. When the boy goes adventure involving pink sheep and a stream that away for two weeks he leaves the naughty terrier at changes colour from pink to blue. Rupert’s cottage, but Mr and Mrs Bear don’t seem to NUTWOOD NEWSLETTER Number 82 Summer 2012 – Page 8 mind. Jock isn’t really bad in Rupert and the Bad Floppity aka Champion Hildebrand of Dog but untrained; here, Philip’s name has changed Nutchester to Peter. Peter reverts to Philip again in Rupert and the Autumn Primrose where he and Jock have minor In Rupert and Floppity Rupert encounters a large, roles. bouncy, energetic, brown dog with an acute sense of smell called Floppity. Rastus the country mouse Spot claims the dog is his until the owner can be found. ‘He’s bored,’ says Rastus, so Rupert offers to take the Spot is the name of a dog that’s similar to Snuffy, but dog shopping. What a mistake! Floppity is too frisky without the puppy-fat. He has black markings on his and Rupert discovers the dog has never been trained fur that are not spots, but patches; so why wasn’t this to walk nicely on the lead because he (the dog) pulls cur named Patch? He features in Rupert and the Old with all his might. He is very strong and Rupert is Chimney, a tale where Rupert explores a big, old yanked to the ground. house. Peter is the dog’s owner; not the Peter in the above paragraph, but a wealthy lad who lives with his Grandpa in the aforesaid house.

Tinker

Margot has a frisky, black puppy named Tinker in Rupert and the Dog-Roses. When Rupert calls at her house carrying Mrs Bear’s shopping, the yapping Tinker suddenly appears. Down falls Rupert, his shopping falls everywhere, eggs break (no cartons then), the dog continues to yap, Margot arrives on the scene, the little bear bursts into tears and Margot offers him eggs from her own chickens.

Floppity sniffs at Rupert's shoes, Hope he's not stepped in doggie-do's.

At the conclusion of the story Floppity’s real owner is found. ‘I’m training him to be the finest police dog in the world,’ the man says. He tells Rupert the dog’s correct name is Champion Hildebrand of Nutchester. Rupert innocently thinks the dog will be wonderful for tracking people. Nowadays those ‘people’ might be illegal immigrants; but this dog, with its highly

developed sense of smell, might also be used to We know this doggie's name is Tinker - detect illegal drugs. Barked at Rupert – what a stinker! As a reward for finding Floppity Blackie the owner/trainer gives Rastus a fat Rupert is invited to stay with Rusty, a red-headed boy puppy. The Mouse wonders how big (his correct name is Adolphus) in Rupert and Rusty. it will grow; he suggests Rupert can The cheerful, friendly, fun-loving lad is the grandson have the care of him every other of an elderly couple who dote on him. Blackie, a month. What will Mr and Mrs Bear small black dog featured in the story, belongs to say? Let’s hope the dates don’t clash Rusty. with having Jock to stay! NUTWOOD NEWSLETTER Number 82 Summer 2012 – Page 9

working then enjoys the fire in its mistress’s kitchen towards the end of the tale. The poverty stricken Dame says she hasn’t been able to afford coal for weeks; therefore this tale was set in a time before the welfare system arrived. But the good dame and her dog look well-fed, clean and neat and the cottage looks comfortable and tidy.

Dickon of the Dell's Dog

Rupert is lost in a wood that contains a waterfall in Rupert and the Waterfall. A snarling, growling ‘rough, yellow dog without a collar’ appears and Rupert hastily climbs a tree. The dog’s owner arrives; he is a nice young man in old-fashioned clothes and speaking old-fashioned English. His name is Dickon For now, the puppy's very small, of the Dell and is trying to rescue the young Lord And it holds Rastus in its thrall. Osric. Towards the conclusion of the story, when Rupert rescues the Lord, the dog becomes friendly. At the conclusion of the tale the reader is led to Rastus' Dog believe this strange adventure was Rupert’s dream.

In Rupert and the Outlaws we are informed of the size of Rastus’s new puppy, encountered at the end of Rupert and Floppity. Rastus’s ‘tracer pup’ is half- grown, and big. Rastus can’t have trained it properly because the dog strays and is unruly. Rupert tries to return the pup to Rastus but it escapes and thus begins an adventure with the outlaws of Nutwood. Here the dog’s olfactory gift is very useful because it finds a lost child; eventually the dog returns to the Mouse.

Santa Claus' Snuffle-hound

This dog is made of wood, painted black and white, is similar to Snuffy in appearance, and has an acute sense of smell. At the end of Rupert and the Cough-

Drop Santa sends Rupert a snuffle-hound look-alike, Though Rupert hadn't made a sound, a wooden dog on wheels with a string attached so Out leapt an ugly, snarling hound. Rupert can pull it about with him – but don’t you think Rupert is too old for this type of toy? The Stray Puppy Dame Tansey's Dog The yapping, frisky stray puppy in Rupert and the We find Rupert fly-tipping in Rupert and the Stray Puppy looks similar to Snuffy, but is not so Gemlins. He and his chums help to repair Dame plump and has slightly different markings. It doesn’t Tansey’s cottage that has been damaged during a have a name and gets involved in a seaside adventure recent gale. Nobody mentions Health and Safety laws featuring Rupert, Willie Mouse, smugglers and a as the youngsters energetically work among the coastguard. At the story’s end the puppy is still rubble without gloves, hard hats, dust-masks or any without an owner. ‘I do hope we can keep him,’ says protective clothing. Dame Tansey’s dog doesn’t Willie. Perhaps the coastguard became the owner? feature in this story, it simply watches the chums We’ll never know. NUTWOOD NEWSLETTER Number 82 Summer 2012 – Page 10

The Circus Dog

Rupert befriends a dog from the circus in Rupert and the Circus Dog. This dog, who wears a ruff around his neck, is the frightened victim of the bullying ringmaster. The dog not only runs and walks like a normal dog, but is able to run and walk on his hind legs and perform tricks. At the story’s end the ringmaster is dismissed by the kind circus owner, and Rupert, Algy and Bill get free tickets to see the circus show.

Although the puppy is a stray, It looks as though he's come to stay.

Tigerlily's Dog

You would expect Tigerlily to have an exotic pet, or a magical one, but no – the girl has a small, nondescript white dog. We meet him in Rupert and the Crackerjack where he is teased and chased by a naughty Chinese imp called a crackerjack.

The Snow-Dog The dog for Rupert stands up tall, The cat can't weigh it up at all. In Rupert and the Angry Dolls the little bear fashions a dog from the snow, which comes to life when a snowman mutters some magic words. Thanks to this The Hermit's Dog dog Rupert finds some very cold dolls, lost and shivering in the snow. His good deed done, the snow- A dog that doesn’t bark, yap, howl, whine or growl is dog returns to the snowman, and both presumably the star of Rupert and the Silent Dog. He shops for, melt when the weather becomes warmer. and safeguards, his master who is a hermit. The man seems to spend his lonely days doing crossword puzzles.

The Pedlar's Dog

Described as a ‘little woolly dog’ this creature belongs to a pedlar-man in Rupert and the Lucky Man. It makes a brief appearance at the beginning of the story.

Ruth Sear At present it is snowing fast, But how long will these two chums last?

NUTWOOD NEWSLETTER Number 82 Summer 2012 – Page 11

Rupert has a special relationship with many members of the avian world. Here Phil Toze investigates the role played by the humble blackbird in some of Rupert's adventures…………

Rupert has a love of birds. Birds often talk to Rupert and consider him their friend, but the Blackbird is

found to be a particular friend.

Rupert always ensures the birds don't go hungry. One winter, whilst feeding them, a blackbird flies up and chirps a message of warning: “your friend Algy wants to see you, he is very unhappy” thus leading Rupert into another adventure - Rupert’s Adventures in the Snows (B5)

This means of conveying information and warnings by a blackbird has been used by different artists over the years, starting with Mary Tourtel. In Rupert’s Mysterious Flight (T51) a blackbird warns Rupert of a dragon, allowing him to flee.

Another Alfred Bestall story to include a blackbird is Rupert and Golly (B64), when Rupert is warned to keep away from brambles. “They’re not ordinary brambles” squawks the blackbird. (well, they wouldn't be, would they?)

The final appearance of a blackbird in Rupert and the Tattered Clothes (JH2) shows the helpful bird flying with a medal that it takes to Odmedod, for Rupert.

There are many instances of the birds helping Rupert – explore your old annuals and see how many you can find.

Phil Toze

NUTWOOD NEWSLETTER Number 82 Summer 2012 – Page 12 ! After Bestall – The Characters of John Harrold

by John Lester

The Rupert of my childhood was the Rupert of them are forming welcome additions to our Alfred Bestall, both in the daily ration of the Nutwood Newsletters but these can only nibble at newspaper and the opulence of the annuals, the huge feast that lies tantalisingly out of reach. supplemented by the Rupert of Mary Tourtel. As a And so to the first character. In the second issue result I have tended to look with suspicion at post- of Nutwood back in 1983 Tony Shuker praises John Bestall Rupert and the new characters that have Harrold as having ‘arrived’ with the story Rupert become established and with disappointment at the and the Dragon Race (H01), drawn especially for disappearance of old favourites whose faces no the annual and written by James Henderson. Since longer fit with the modern day. Shuker was not slow to criticise where he saw cause, this positive assessment is worth having and, indeed, reflects my own feelings for the story. It introduces The Sage of Um, who has a cameo appearance when he is seen cavorting about the night sky with his Brella upside down and out of control. The Chinese Conjuror, Pong-Ping and Rupert are on the Conjuror’s travel-cloud in pursuit of Pong-Ping’s dragon, which has been lured into a dragon race by a villainous emperor, and the Conjuror’s gyroscope, accurately thrown by Rupert to the Sage, turns the Brella right way up. The Sage’s news that his predicament was caused by racing dragons sends the three friends on the travel- cloud rushing off once more to try to overtake them.

Another problem that arises for anyone venturing into post-22 July 1965 territory (the date of Bestall’s final Rupert pictures in the ) is that most of the stories are uncollected and thus, barring a marathon at Colindale (or maybe Boston Spa), inaccessible. I have read all the Tourtel and Bestall tales and can write with confidence about them. Not so those coming later. Thus besides my stated prejudice there is my confessed ignorance to be considered in what follows. But the later Rupert appears seldom in surveys so, very tentatively, let me venture into this territory with no childhood liking to guide my adult eye.

According to The New Rupert Index only fourteen Shuker’s expressed satisfaction with the new of the 109 stories that appeared in the Daily Express character was obviously shared for the Sage appears over the next thirty years (i.e. till 1985 and not again in Rupert and the Two Moons (H02), a story including those by John Harrold) enjoyed a written specially for the 1984 Annual, this time presence in an Annual. Alex Cubie and Jenny centre-stage and drawing Rupert into difficulties by Kisler are prominent among the illustrators but his refusal to heed the Wise Old Goat’s warning. most prominent of all is the question mark: 73 He dominates the cover of the 1988 Annual, which stories have no accredited artist or author. Some of contains Rupert on Um Island (JH22) – repeated in NUTWOOD'NEWSLETTER'Number'82'Summer'2012'–'Page'13' ! 2000 – where the Sage’s herd of unicorns is saved As the title Rupert and the Stolen Snowmen by Rupert from a young unpleasant enchanter. He suggests, Billy Blizzard has deprived Nutwood of has made five significant appearances since and its snowmen and, when run to earth in the Frozen been seen in 293 pictures in all. He complements South, it is Rika with her reindeer lasso who characters such as the Chinese Conjuror and Wise manages to capture him. The impetus of Billy’s Old Goat well and fits in comfortably to the attempt to escape drags Rika down the snowy slope Nutwood scene. – another memorable picture. The same combination of Henderson and Harrold produced the little Lapp girl, Rika, whose anxiety for equality (Lapp girls may not herd reindeer) causes her to rustle Santa’s reindeer for a little herd of her own in Rupert and Rika (JH13) – a highlight of the 1986 Annual. She isn’t very friendly at first but when an exhausted Rupert falls dangerously asleep in the snow, she returns to warm him with a fire and hot soup – and the friendship begins. The picture of the concerned little girl heating the soup and regarding the waking Rupert is especially memorable. Rupert persuades Santa Claus to make Rika ‘the official keeper of my reindeer during their long holidays in the Far North.’ Another character has arrived, a female too – much needed since the Guides’ swansong in 1979.

Blizzard is to retaliate in Rupert and the Christmas List (JH92) in the 1999 Annual, locking Rika and Rupert in with Santa Claus while he attempts to take charge of Christmas. Rupert, Rika and her special bell, the one uncaptured reindeer and the Clerk of the Weather combine to foil his schemes. Earlier in the Daily Express, though later in the Annual (2005) is Rupert and the Wind Chimes (JH81) where Rupert and Ottoline prevent Billy sending all year blizzards to the world. He has been around for some time then since his 1966 introduction; a useful character whose mischief can serve to bring many other characters into play. Like the Sage, Rika is not a permanent resident of Nutwood but the 1993 Annual saw the introduction of Ottoline in Rupert and Ottoline (JH58) – an Ian She also fits effortlessly into the Nutwood Robinson contribution. Female animal friends are pantheon and returns for four more stories in the not plentiful in Rupert; only Lily Duckling really 1989, 1991, 1999 and 2004 Annuals. The 1991 qualifies (one would hesitate to call Rosalie a story Rupert and the Stolen Snowmen (JH44) has a friend) and her appearances are infrequent. Once cameo from the Sage of Um in similar installed, Ottoline makes up for lost time, appearing circumstances to that in Rupert and the Dragon in more pictures (718) than anyone but Bill between Race (though he’s right way up this time), and was 1993 and 2006, 93 of them in her second year also reprised in 2006. The villain of this adventure (1994). She is an accomplished pianist (as she is Billy Blizzard, the bad apple of the Jack Frost shows on her first day at school, to Dr Chimp’s family, who first appeared in Rupert and the delight) and lives in Nutwood Manor - clearly more Blizzard (P11), an early post-Bestall story by up-market than the other friends, very much the Freddie Chaplain illustrated by Alex Cubie, first lady and obviously a firm favourite with her seen in the Daily Express from 16 December 1966 creators. Post-Harrold, though, there have been few to 13 February 1967 and later in the 1980 Annual. sightings of the little otter. NUTWOOD'NEWSLETTER'Number'82'Summer'2012'–'Page'14' ! The second villain, Sir Humphrey Pumphrey, is first seen in Rupert and the Angry Sea (JH38) attempting to add a Merboy (not specified as The Merboy) to his private zoo and causing an angry King Neptune to send fearsome waves to pound unwary fishermen – a dramatic beginning to the 1991 Annual. Thwarted there, he teams up with Sir Jasper in Rupert and Sir Jasper’s Revenge (SE4), a Sunday Express magazine story running from 8 December 1991 to 9 February 1992 but not seen in an annual. This is actually a sequel to Rupert and Little Yum, for the vindictive Jasper steals Pong- Ping’s pet dragon to sell to Humphrey. The two villains capture Rupert and Pong-Ping and prepare to use Pong-Ping’s lift – which Jasper remembers from the previous story – to send them to China.

Jasper detaches the ‘Return’ lever to ensure the As well as resident friends Nutwood also acquires chums are marooned in China but Constable resident enemies. In the 1990 Annual story Rupert Growler arrives in the nick of time to save the day. and Little Yum (JH32) – repeated in the 2006 The little dragon has escaped and made straight for Annual – Rupert quickly runs foul of the new the police station. Sirs J and H are arrested. occupant of Nutwood Court, Sir Jasper, and his equally unpleasant servant, Scrogg. Sir Jasper catches animals for zoos (an occupation the far more pleasant David Attenborough once pursued) but this zoo quester steals animals from others, in this case a baby Yeti, Yum. Having rescued Yum, Rupert and Pong-Ping hand him over to two Chinese men who have come to retrieve him but Sir Jasper enlists a reluctant Constable Growler to arrest the pair in Pong-Ping’s house before they can escape to China via Pong-Ping’s lift. The cunning

They are not out of circulation for long, though. Sir Humphrey returns to his familiar unscrupulous ways in Rupert and the Goose Chase (JH93) and Rupert and the Pearl Fishers (JH105), which appear in the 1998 and 2001 Annuals. Sir Jasper resumes his activities in Rupert and the Reindeer Rescue (JH53), collected in the 2004 Annual, when Scrogg alerts him to the fact that Rika and her reindeer are visiting. Once more Jasper tries to make use of Constable Growler, claiming that the reindeer have entered Britain illegally but again the constable affects not to know about this express policeman outwits him in much the same way as he route to the Orient and contrives to set the lift in did previously, ‘accidentally’ allowing Rika to say motion with Sir Jasper still outside. Once in China, the magic words that will cause the reindeer to fly. of course, Growler has no authority to arrest Growler can be a clumsy copper when he chooses anyone. to be. NUTWOOD'NEWSLETTER'Number'82'Summer'2012'–'Page'15' ! presumably we have to cite August-September 1989 in the Daily Express for the Balloonist’s real debut. As well as new characters some of Bestall’s rarely-seen creations are given a new lease of life. The Clerk of the Weather, summoned into action for Rupert and the Rainbow (B013) in the 1948 Annual but scarcely visible thereafter, becomes a familiar figure and gains an assistant in the 1989 Annual in Rupert and the Thaw (JH26). Both appear periodically thereafter. The seldom-seen Uncles Polar and Grizzly visit and are visited more often and are supplemented by an Uncle Boris. Cousin Joan, not sighted since Mary Tourtel’s time, has also re-appeared. Meanwhile the evil Pine Ogre of Bestall’s reign becomes the more acceptable Pine King of Rupert and the Christmas Fairy (JH112) in the 2002 Annual. The problem with having this pair of dodgy knights in the vicinity is that Nutwood loses the feeling of being a safe haven, an idyllic English village that it has enjoyed prior to this with only the foxes as the resident irritants. The tone of the neighbourhood has decidedly declined and there is effectively a no-go area around Nutwood Court. For me the jury is still out on whether having villains in the village is a passable idea. Another human presence is the Balloonist who makes his Annual debut in 1992 in Rupert and the Falling Leaf (JH51). Rupert has been up in balloons before in Mary Tourtel’s time (he and Margot used one to escape a hungry giant in Rupert’s Latest Adventure – T58) but a genial, if accident-prone, balloonist is new. Instead of landing in Nutwood he drags Rupert and Willie off One particular change concerns the Professor’s to a tropical island where a handy mirror to reflect Dwarf. He is referred to as the Dwarf up till the the sun’s rays alerts a passing ship to the castaways’ 1977 Annual story Rupert and the Silent Land plight. Even then Rupert has to remind him that (B175). He is then absent from the next four S.O.S. is the appropriate message. With his annuals. When he next appears in Rupert and the goggles, moustache and posh way of speaking he is Gemlins (P6) in the 1982 Annual he is called the more a caricature of a pilot than a character but Professor’s ‘Servant’ and remains this till Rupert then, presumably, that’s what he’s meant to be. and the Power Flower (H04) in 1989. He is absent He returns in Rupert’s Birthday Adventure again from the 1990-2 annuals and then, in the story (JH85) in the 2001 Annual where Bea Badger’s ill- Rupert and the Chinese Creeper (JH54) in the advised pulling of a lever sends Rupert, Bill and her 1993 Annual, he acquires the name Bodkin. Each off into the skies with the Balloonist sprawling on time, then, that there has been a change of title for the ground. They contrive to win a balloon race him, it has followed a prolonged absence, and meet his brother balloonist who transports them presumably so that the old reference would have back to Nutwood. Rupert, with Pong-Ping this been forgotten or, given new young readers (and time, has another unscheduled flight in the balloon not hoary old ones), not known about. Bodkin he in Rupert and the Runaway Balloon (JH40) in the has become and remained, though not to this hoary 2004 Annual, which actually preceded Rupert and old reader’s liking. He may be mediaeval in dress the Falling Leaf and thus explains why the balloon but I see no reason why he should be mediaeval in seems a new experience to Rupert in that story. So name. And besides, the word ‘bodkin’ means a NUTWOOD'NEWSLETTER'Number'82'Summer'2012'–'Page'16' ! dagger, which is far from friendly. I would probably have quibbled about any name – after all, Rupert Badges his master remains simply ‘The Professor’ – but this one seems singularly inapposite. We have heard that Brian Adkins of the City of London Police who ran the Rupert Fund and who, for many years, has been wonderfully helpful and provided a superb service for Followers who collect Rupert pins and badges, is retiring from the Police and as Rupert Pin Man. His assistance over the years is very much appreciated by the Followers and we wish him a long and happy retirement.

At present we have no information as to the future of badges but will keep you informed as and when we have some news.

Another Rupert fan identified

Terry Slade sent us this interesting snippet, Not now the Dwarf or the spotted in a recent edition of the : Servant – the ever-helpful Bodkin

Another change concerns the Imps of Spring who, after years of trying to operate unseen (except to the likes of Rupert, Bill and one or two others) decide to ‘go public’ in Rupert and the Little Train (JH34) in the 1990 Annual, with even the King arriving to make a formal complaint to Constable Growler. Thereafter they seem to be a little too familiar, appearing in circumstances where they would never have appeared under Bestall. But Tony Shuker has been here before me (see Nutwood 13). So, a variety of new faces (The Sage of Um, Rika, Billy Blizzard, Ottoline, the Balloonist, Sir J and Sir H) and a restoration of some old ones are features of Rupert since Bestall. I’m sure there are others you feel should have been included. But that will do for now.

We all have our personal

preferences and I have tried not to allow mine to become too intrusive. Enough to say Junior Club update

that on the whole the legacy I apologise to all that because of family problems I that Bestall left has been was unable to send out any birthday cards for the embellished by those who month of April. succeeded him and both artists and storytellers alike deserve Further, it is regretted that due to increased postal our heartfelt gratitude. and stationery costs, the Junior Club subscription will be increased to £5.00 with effect from Ottoline - a favourite new chum September 2012.

Eddie Tarbuck John Lester NUTWOOD'NEWSLETTER'Number'82'Summer'2012'–'Page'17' !

People choose where they live for a variety of do but fish,’ Sam sighs. He takes Rupert to his reasons, and some people have no choice. But Uncle but just as the youngster enters the igloo occasionally someone may receive an attractive Uncle Polar says they are about to be plunged into offer of a home, and the offer is too good to miss; months of darkness. that is what happened to Sailor Sam. He had the Off Rupert goes and luck to be offered a home in the beautiful, country gets lost in a snow village of Nutwood. blizzard but is rescued Sam first appeared in Rupert and the Iceberg in by Sam. The illustrated the Daily Express in 1938. The story begins with a frames look like splash and Rupert goes to the aid of an old man scenes from the (sporting a magnificent white beard that hangs well expeditions of Scott or past his waist). The man has fallen into a lake Shackleton. whilst collecting water-weeds. He proceeds to dash The pair board home and is startlingly nimble for someone of Sam’s boat and set advanced years. He invites the little bear to his away to find the home and Rupert can scarcely manage to keep pace Collector, but the boat smashes into an iceberg with the man. When the breathless bear enters the whilst in a nasty storm. It is Rupert’s idea that saves mansion he’s impressed with a large collection of them; they use the iceberg as part of the boat and fish tanks containing not only fish, but many kinds with the aid of the undamaged engine and ropes of water-plants. By now the reader has guessed the they escape the storm. Sam steers by the sun and man is not only seriously rich but a serious stars and they eventually reach warmer waters. But collector. the iceberg begins to melt and the boat’s propeller The Collector says becomes entangled with seaweed. As Rupert, Sam, he’s flying to a cold the boat, the iceberg and the seaweed begin to sink land that day in his the Collector’s seaplane appears and the marooned seaplane to collect a pair are rescued. But it’s a wonder the Collector rare and valuable doesn’t fall into the sea with excitement when he seaweed. Would Rupert sees the seaweed – it’s that rare and valuable plant like to come? You bet that he’s after for his collection! he does! He runs home The Collector is delighted with the find and to collect his coat and offers to take Sam away from the North Pole and scarf and refuses to tell fly to Nutwood Mrs Bear where he’s in the plane. But going. Strangely, she doesn’t object. oh dear, why is The Collector pilots his plane to somewhere near Sam is unwilling the bitterly cold, inhospitable, bleak North Pole. He to leave? So the proceeds to search for the seaweed after saying to Collector says he Rupert, ‘You had better do a bit of climbing to keep will provide the warm.’ sailor with a Rupert decides to visit his Uncle Polar Bear. What brand-new boat a coincidence this relation lives nearby. But how with engine and does he get to his Uncle’s house? Suddenly a sails. Sam agrees, cheerful ‘queer old sailor man’ emerges from the and when the trio rocks. This is Sailor Sam. He’s dressed in an old- and the rare seaweed arrive in Nutwood Sam is fashioned blue naval uniform and seems to spend given a roomy wooden shack in the grounds of the his lonely, cold days fishing from his boat and Collector’s home. living in his little hut. So that’s how and why Sailor Sam came to live in Why is he here? Was he banished to this Nutwood. unpleasant terrain? Does he eat anything other than fish? ‘It’s a dreary life up here alone with nothing to Ruth Sear NUTWOOD NEWSLETTER Number 82 Summer 2012 – Page 18 ! Rupert in the Daily and Sunday Express

In line with a revised editorial policy to feature this column on an annual basis rather than in every issue of NN it is twelve months at the time of writing since the last update was prepared, so there is much to cover. In May 2011 Rupert and the Old Hat (B172) was running in the Express papers. This was its second complete rerun, the previous one being in 2003, and it reached its final episode of 46 on 26th June. All the stories in the papers since then have been first reprints, and all except one have been complete, for which the Rupert editor at the Express is warmly thanked. Followers who have read this column over the last decade will know why I am pleased by this. I hope you agree with me.

On 27th June Rupert and Rusty (B174) began a rerun of all 52 of its episodes which first appeared in the daily paper in 1957. Its Annual appearance came in 1965. This time it ended on 17th August. Episode 24 is an example of Alfred’s adeptness at creating believable rooms and machinery inside caves and mountains.

It was followed by Rupert and the Lost Cuckoo (B146) which had first been told in the daily paper in 1953 and in the 1963 Annual. It was also reprinted in “Rupert: A Collection of Favourite Stories” in 2007. This complete retelling of 36 episodes ran from 18th August to 22nd September. Episode 16 shows Alfred’s eye for English (and Welsh) landscapes, which he represented so well throughout Rupert’s adventures.

Next along was Rupert and the Hazelnut (B139) from 1952 and the 1959 Annual. Curiously, this retelling omitted the first two episodes and the remaining 28 (renumbered of course) of its original 30 ran from 23rd September to 20th

October. It was also reprinted in full in “The World of Rupert” in 2008. Episode 1 is included now to show how the story began. It depicts the feel and colours of autumn.

Episode 22 (using the original numbering) is particularly colourful, combining Doris Campbell’s colouring with AEB’s drawing to give a dramatic rendition of Bingo’s fireworks in the sky at dusk. This was to be the first of two consecutive reprints focussed on the Guy Fawkes theme, albeit a period of 14 years separated their original telling.

NUTWOOD NEWSLETTER Number 82 Summer 2012 – Page 19 !

Rupert’s Bonfire (B35) was a good seasonal choice for a story to take us through the Guy Fawkes celebrations. As the code indicates this is an early Bestall tale from 1938 and the 1939 Annual. All 26 episodes ran between 21st October and 15th November. Episode 5 shows Rupert and the Rabbit twins preparing to celebrate Guy Fawkes night.

A leap forward in time for the next re-telling brought us Rupert and the Little Bells (B208) which was first told in the daily paper in the winter of 1962 – 63. Another long tale of 52 episodes, it featured in the 1974 Annual and later in Pippin and Rupert Weekly. Incidentally, this is one of just two of the stories retold in this annual crop to have been included in the children’s comics of the 1980s and 90s. This run began on 16th November and took us into 2012, concluding on 7th January. Episode 39 shows Rupert opening a present from Santa to reveal a toy Odmedod. I wonder why Steiff have never given us one of those?!

Perhaps in anticipation of a repetition of the heavy snows of the winters of 2009 – 10 and 2010 – 11 Rupert and the Snow Machine (B14) was selected to follow between 8th January and 2nd February. Back in time again, this was another early Bestall tale from 1937, comprising 26 episodes, it was also included in the Annual of that year.

NUTWOOD NEWSLETTER Number 82 Summer 2012 – Page 20 !

Into the fifties again for Rupert and the Rolling Ball (B171) which dates from 1957 with its Annual appearance in 1968. It began on 3rd February and concluded on 17th March. Episode 24 gives us a fine example of AEB’s imagination in unusual modes of transport.

Rupert and the Housemouse (B197) followed between 18th March and 4th May. This was a long tail (oops, that should be tale! Hee-hee! I must give up Comic Cuts!) from 1961 which subsequently appeared in the 1973 Annual. It has also appeared in Pippin and Rupert Weekly. There was another example of the inconsistencies which sometimes beset the daily and Sunday editions with the Sunday paper giving it the title “… Housemouse” as in the original and the daily dividing it into two words – “… House Mouse”.

Recently started, as this is written, is a retelling of Rupert’s Birthday (B57) which appeared in 36 episodes in the daily paper in 1941 and therefore the current reprint should conclude on 9th June. It was included in the 1943 Annual. Episode 8 shows what happens to Podgy Pig when he tries out one of the Professor’s new inventions, and is a good example of Alfred’s gift for humorous situations.

Other aspects of these reprints to note are that the Sunday Express continues to print the frames larger than those appearing in the daily, and that since the 18th March all episodes, in both papers, have been in colour.

Taking the past year overall this has been a good selection of Rupert’s past adventures, with examples taken from every decade from the thirties through to the sixties. My current suggestion to the Rupert editor is to focus on the 1970s and 1980s for a while, selecting early John Harrold stories which were never used in annuals. I feel that “new” Followers would welcome seeing these, perhaps for the first time. Does anyone agree?

Roger Coombes

We have illustrated in most cases with examples taken from the Rupert Annuals as the quality there is better than the newspaper printing, and they do not suffer from the image margin cropping deemed necessary to remove Alfred Bestall’s signature. Ed

NUTWOOD NEWSLETTER Number 82 Summer 2012 – Page 21 !

I initially intended to write after celebration of Rupert. As a child city with a wide-screen TV, reading NN80 as I wanted to let I loved going into Gwynedd craft computer games and an iPod – he you know that there are indeed shop and buying Rupert has adventures to go on that will some new young Rupert Bear stand the test of time! Like all the fans, my two sons, George (13) greats, Dickens to name but one, and Oliver Edward (1) (yes, his stories are still told and turned named after the young Trunk). to film and TV adaptations. The George has been receiving the fact that they are set in the olden Rupert Annual every year since days only increases the appeal! birth as I did before him and Oliver now has a shiny new Sian Davies annual. Before Oliver was born I had decided that he would have a

Rupert room and so along with his Oliver and George Rupert curtains, bean bag, bed As a new member of the covers and John Harrold prints, I Followers of Rupert, (March memorabilia, even at Portmeirion painted him a Nutwood wall with 2012, although I have always kept they had sweet tins and Rupert lots of characters on it which has Nutwood in my heart). I am stationery etc., but now it is as proved very popular with visitors writing first of all to say how though Rupert made no to the house as they remember the much I enjoyed the four Nutwood impression which, to my mind, is characters from their childhoods. Newsletters 78 – 81, (three back very sad. However, praise must issues came with my membership) be given to the Museum of and the story supplements, I have for their Rupert to date received. The latter stories Bear Museum – fantastic! which I am reading for the first Rupert has been a wonderful time; I was especially delighted influence on my family and with the letter and beautiful fingers crossed Rupert will artwork of Susan Maud, (NN 81). be part of our heritage for Coming from the same years to come. I certainly generation, I can associate with don't think Rupert should be that Christmassy feeling that the modernised. The fact that he Rupert Annual help to enhance. is a well-mannered bear with Wakening on Christmas morning, an interest in nature and The Rupert wall, painted for Oliver finding and opening the presents. adventure makes him stand A log fire burning in the living out from all the rest. room grate, the aroma of bacon I agree wholeheartedly with Children like to escape every day sausage and eggs coming from the Alan Murray's article in NN80; life in a book and like to dream kitchen – no one could even spell his description of who actually they too can have an adventure cholesterol back in those days. buys the annual accurately like the Nutwood chums or And wasn’t there that unique describes my family and friends – perhaps one of the Famous Five. ‘smell’ from the new book? (Go we enjoy caravan and cottage George often comments on how on, you’ve all had whiff – admit holidays and nice everything was in the old it!). Perhaps there already exists a mountain walks, are members of days, how there was no litter subgroup of Followers: The the National Trust like Rupert (I anywhere and everything wasn't Sniffers of Nutwood International have a NT pamphlet from years so concrete! We go on holiday to Followers Foundation (SNIFF)? ago which confirms this), English take a break from reality the same Mike Williams whimsically Heritage and HHA. I am always way as we 'escape' in to a book. suggested something of the like in disappointed when visiting Rupert doesn't want to live in the Beddgelert that there is no his article (NN 80 page 7) and it is NUTWOOD'NEWSLETTER'Number'81'Spring'2012'–'Page'22' ! not as farfetched as it might first Loved bread and jam in those In closing I think I will just stick appear. I have been a philatelist days also finger tasting the icing with the simple and cheap for many years and there are those on the Christmas cake….sit down souvenirs for the moment. That is who devote their study of the and have a nice cup of tea Ruth. until I buy a pair of those special subject on the different gums used gloves and convert one of my at various times. (live and let live rooms into a sterilized I say). environment. But I’m starting to digress, I’m But when all’s said and done, afraid I have a tendency to do that it’s good to be back. so please Bear with me. Unfortunately I do not have any John A Fingleton Endpaper horribly defaced by your souvenirs from my Rupert days, assistant editor – well the book was although I did have a fiberglass third-hand and the 'belongs to' page I read the article 'Rupert cards by figure that lived in three countries was already full! with me. He got rather tattered Royle' in the Nutwood Newsletter with the passing years and number 81 with interest as I decided as he had no great love I’m nearly finished – and there recognised the picture of Rupert for French cuisine he would rest is some good news: The Magic and Bill on the beach close to a for an extended holiday on the Paintings!! As far as I can lighthouse. When sorting out West Coast of Ireland to watch remember only two from the some drawers I came across it, the sun setting, before returning to whole collection completed. You rather sadly I think I must have Mummy and Daddy in Nutwood. can’t mistake them, both would used it as a bookmark and (Hello Stuart! Rupert and the put a Jackson Pollock in the shade wrapped it round with sellotape Leprechauns; Rupert and the (Oh! why didn’t I (before I discovered the joys of Crock of Gold; Cousins: Paddy continue….….see what you mean lamination!) Unfortunately it O’ Bear and Molly O’ Bear….… by the money now Ruth). means the inside of the card can‘t be seen but the print on the ok, ok, I’ll stop). This brings me on to the ‘storm back of the card shows in a teacup’ about THIS BOOK 'Rupert Bear Selection No BELONGS TO... I enjoyed 7© Beaverbrook Newspapers reading all the comments and Ltd 1976' and 'Royle although Ruth claims it was Publications Ltd Printed in written in a light-hearted fashion England'. I hope this little bit I can see why some of the more of information is of some softhearted Followers would take use. issue. (Quote: ‘wise children I also noted the possibility know that keeping the book ….in of receiving the Newsletter etc. via the internet which I original condition….makes it A not too untidily completed MP, but worth something…’ (Money). I the following page has the Pollock effect! can appreciate might be of suppose there are children like particular interest to overseas members and it is good that that out there - and good luck to Another slight diversion: If there them. I rather feel Geoffrey has a Rupert is keeping up with the is by any chance a Susan times in some ways but I must similar view towards the ethos of Gilbrook, from Wallingford Oxon Nutwood as I do in his letters (NN admit I look forward to receiving reading this (or you know her). I the Nutwood Newsletter in the 80/81). That’s after I looked up have your ’s, Five all the big words. post. Have A Wonderful Time, it still Now, if anyone has found my has the knitting thread marker that Valerie Stone old Annuals out there, you’re sure you made but I’m afraid the book to know - my name is on all of has had its own adventures. If As this card is No 7 then there them (not very good you want your book returned you must be others as I am only aware handwriting…sorry Ruth). The can have it without any exchange; of six. price? Unless Santa forgot his just contact The Followers and I Ed scissors I am also afraid.…...gone. will send it to you.

NUTWOOD'NEWSLETTER'Number'81'Spring'2012'–'Page'23' ! I was absolutely delighted when I episode and so the scrapbook received the Spring Nutwood came on holiday with us. Newsletter - one of the stories However, one day my father reprinted in the Supplement was went to the newsagent later than Rupert and the Spelling Bee. This usual only to discover that they story appeared in the Daily had sold out! I was distraught. An Express in the summer of 1978 entire day was then spent with me when I was aged 7 years. I went (rather red-eyed) and my whole with my family on holiday to a family trudging from shop to cottage in Swanage, Dorset, that shop in search of the elusive Rupert Sketch pad Jo used as a scrapbook summer. Prior to setting off on paper. Eventually, a telephone holiday, I had begun cutting out call later, my grandparents at We had a wonderful holiday but the episodes of this excellent story home in Cardiff were dispatched I was not truly happy until we and sticking them into a special off to the shops and they managed returned home and the missing "Rupert" scrapbook. I even to track down a copy of the episode was pasted into place in coloured in some of the pictures. I precious newspaper. my scrapbook. was anxious not to miss a single Seeing this story again transported me momentarily back in time 34 years (I still have that scrapbook). Thank you so much for reprinting the story and bringing a childhood memory alive again.

Jo Bickerton Jo's colouring of the story in the scrapbook

Something of interest to our nimble-fingered Followers

Ruth Sear writes: Said Rupert "Now, what's this I see? Some woolly jumpers showing me!" I recently purchased some 1940s knitting patterns from an excellent website www.thevintageknittinglady.co.uk which has a vast collection. Whilst browsing I found two items relating to Rupert Bear. One is a booklet from 1985 with instructions for knitting three jumpers with picture designs of Rupert, Bill and Edward. The other is a book from 1988 consisting of five Rupert picture knits. Details can be found under Picture Knits; scroll down the page.

Send your letters and pictures to The Editor, Nutwood Newsletter, 29 Mill Road, Lewes, BN7 2RU or e.mail to [email protected]

Original Rupert text and images ©2012 Classic Media Distribution Limited/Express Newspapers, whose permission to reproduce here is acknowledged gratefully. All Rights Reserved. Web page www.rupertbear.co.uk Permission to reproduce any part of this Nutwood Newsletter must be obtained from The Secretary, John Beck, 29 Mill Road, Lewes, East Sussex, BN7 2RU. (Tel. 01273 477555) email - [email protected].