PRESIDENT Vicky Turner introduced Cynthia Ives and her Teddy Bears to West Tilbury WI this month.

Cynthia who is a craft teacher has been making Teddy Bears for some years; an entertaining speaker she told the story of how she became interested in this hobby that became a national world wide best seller.

She bought her first Teddy Bear pattern in 1990 after being made redundant she then went on a business course.

She had to learn all the aspects of making a soft toy, what the best fabrics to use were also how the joints and eyes were put safely into the toy. She was able to sell to Teddy Bear Museums and got orders from as far away as Singapore. She took on restoration work and now ‘Cynamon Traditional Bears’ is a thriving concern.

Bears have been revered in several cultures for their strength ie: North American Indians and also in Russia and President Theodore Roosevelt made the Teddy Bear popular when it was named after him.

An outing has been arranged to meet Kent’s Cuxton WI ladies on November 11.

Several members are to attend the Christmas Concert at the Marconi Centre on December 5.

Volunteers were asked to help at the West Tilbury Village Hall Christmas Sale on November 22.

The competition A Teddy Bear, was won by Jane Woodman. Visitors Hazel Green and Marion Harding won raffle prizes.

Next meeting the AGM will be on November 4, 7pm to 9.30pm. Speaker will be Brian D’Arcy, on ‘Crown Jewels & Royal Regalia.’ WI is held on the first Tuesday of each month. Ladies that would like to come along for an interesting evening are more than welcome.