Easter Sunday and Monday this year saw the Bear Invasion at Quainton Road Station! Despite the unpromising weather and a certain absence of publicity, our visitor numbers were up this year on Easter '92, and despite giving free entry to each child bringing a Teddy Bear, our gate-income was also up! Judging by the number of little choc, teddies given, we had about 1,700 junior visitors in the 2 days.

Was it the attraction of a free chocolate teddy bear for each child? Or the best-dressed teddy competition? Certainly the majority of children did indeed bring their bears, most of which were dressed- from tiny bears bearly 2" tall, to some that were almost bigger than their owners! Costumes ranged from the standard Care Bear outfits, to some very smart, well-thought-out rigs! I particularly remember Biggles, Evening Bear, with DJ and bow tie, and Penelope Paddington Bear, in straw hat and pink dress (not forgetting the parcel label!), who in fact won the Best-Dressed Bear competition on the Monday. We even brought out the real Paddington to meet her, resulting in a crowded photocall!

Mummy Bear, Daddy Bear, Baby Bear and Goldilocks were extremely popular throughout the weekend! Many children rushed up to us for a cuddle - some of them again and again! - though some little ones found us rather overwhelming - they'd never seen "real-live teddy bears" before. I was surprised how many were well-versed in the Goldilocks story.

We found Sunday less fatiguing than Monday, partly because of slightly less visitors, but more because of the weather! It was OK under the main outfits, but the heads were very well-padded and quite heavy, making it rather hot. and difficult to breathe at times. Though Goldilocks frequently asked for a change of role, as she was rather cold! (Did you like the hair?? One rather personable young man did - and even offered to take her home!! Her Mum and Dad grumbled at the colour-correcting expense, but Goldilocks didn't mind!!)

There were many rumours flying as to who were the lucky ones (?) keeping the warmest on Site - should I tell, or keep you in suspense? (Well, okay, one of them was Paddington's "Dad"). Having twisted a few arms for "Bear" volunteers, those who did really enjoyed the fun and the response from the "Littlies" (and "not-so-littlies"!) had us all competing for the costumes Monday afternoon!

Mr Chris gave his usual very popular show both days; Brian's fairground organ provided atmosphere in the up-yard - and on Sunday we loved the surprise visit from Pam and Derek Manning with their superb fairground organ also - I'm sure they'll be back! Although the Turbo from Aylesbury wasn't publicized, it still brought quite a few extra visitors. (Lessons learnt!)

From the comments we heard throughout both days, I would say the public were yet again impressed with the standards throughout the site, particularly all that we provided for them once they came through the gate. Many said they couldn't wait for their next visit, and I am sure that this first event of 1993 was a very worth-while Season-Opener.

CHOCOLATE TEDDY BEARS

A message from Open Days:

Are you - or your Company - having a Children's Party??

Looking for the perfect little gift?

Look no further!!

We have approximately 150 small, solid chocolate Teddy Bears for sale

ONLY 25p EACH

(Normal retail price 60p)

Being solid milk chocolate they will keep for some time if your party isn't for a while - just keep in a cool, dry place.

Numbers are obviously limited, so for further details or to reserve yours, ring Sheila Lobley

on

xxxx-xxxxxx or xxxx-xxxxxx

as soon as possible

All monies received for sale of these teddies will be credited to Open Days, to provide even better Events during the rest of the 1993 Season!

We also have a small number of solid milk chocolate ducks and rabbits available at the same price.

(Normal retail price 85p)

All these chocolate products are individually wrapped and supplied in sturdy cardboard boxes.

Notes:
The text in this Quainton Railway Society publication was written in 1993 and so does not reflect events in the 20+ years since publication. The text and photographs are repeated verbatim from the original publication, with only a few minor grammar changes but some clarifying notes are added if deemed necessary. The photos from the original publication are provided as scans in this internet version of this long out of print publication.

Reference:
Surprises for Bears Down At The Station!? - Sheila Lobley - Quainton News No. 73 - September 1993