5:50am Thursday 9th September 2010
THIEVES failed to spoil an annual teddy bear competition in a village near Worcester after stealing two exhibits.
Joy Fulcher, secretary of the Hallow Village Community Group, said that whoever had taken the exhibits from the display were “sad” and the event had still been a great success for the village and for visitors.
She said: “The local policeman was one of the judges and he did say he would look into it. I didn’t want to put a huge dampener on things.
“The same thing happened last year when a couple of displays were vandalised. It’s a sad reflection on society that they have to go and spoil things. It’s sad that people can’t enjoy themselves. But we still want to say what a marvellous competition it was.
“It was a wonderful village event that brought the community together and kept the children and adults happy and busy throughout the summer holidays. Everyone had a wonderful time and we felt sad that the thief who stole a scout from the Bear-den Powell exhibit and a rabbit ornament from Bear-trix Potter couldn’t enjoy it too. If Panda cars were still around, no doubt they would be hot on their trail.”
Ann Jordan, who had an ornamental rabbit from her Bear-trix Potter exhibit stolen from Green Lane some time on Sunday afternoon while judging was believed to be taking place, said it was upsetting because the object, a resin model, had been loaned to her and would not be easy to replace. The item had also been a gift to the woman who owned it and therefore had sentimental value.
She said: “We have not reported it because, in the scale of things, it’s very minor. It was a very successful week. We had dozens of visitors down here with no problems whatsoever. They’re an open display for the public. We learn by mistakes. We will nail them down next year. There’s always an element that seems hell-bent on spoiling it for everyone else.”
The event, organised by Peter Roe with support from the Hallow Village Community Group, attracted 38 entries, including Teddyosaurus, Child Bear-ing, Ted Zepplin, Vegtedable, Teddy Potter in Deathly Hallow, Dare to Bear and Gradua-ted.
Hundreds of people from far and wide enjoyed following the teddy trail map and the event culminated yesterday in a bear-becue, a photographic display, games and an award ceremony conducted by the judge, community police office Andy Hood.
Black Pear Ted, by Maurice Whitehouse, won the small category.
Vegtedable, by the Clifford family, won the medium category.
Teddyosaurus, by Roger Jackson, won the large category.
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