The Event Story

Arriving at the West Midlands Safari Park, Bewdley at 09:00 on the 19th August 2006, finding some 50 odd vehicles already queuing at the main entrance. Maggi and myself did not have to wait long for 09:30 and gates to open. The previous days worry about what the weather would throw at us soon lifted as the sky brightened and after parking the car it was through the park to Spring Grove House the location for the main BTB Summer Event. A queue was starting to form at the entrance but the smiling friendly Piranha staff soon had us moving through the doors to collect our Event Bear and Goodie Bag containing the event print, certificate and special whiteware figure. From there it was through the house to rear garden area for the BTB Shop tent passing the bear painting and sculpting tents on the way. Maggi and myself had previously decided what our main purchases would be so it was out with the cash, a few minutes later we had purchased 3 sets of 5 whiteware figures, 3 Tanya figures (bear No. 125) 1 book of 6 special Peter Underhill Sketches (more of this item at Christmas) and another event bear. Some of these items are to be sent out to the Netherlands for my good friend Lesley. We did to return to the BTB shop later to purchase some other items but for now it was liquid refreshment and then food. Now it was time to meet old and new friends from The Bears Nuts community the friendliest lot you could wish to meet.

THE AUDIENCE WITH MR PETER UNDERHILL

Not knowing quite what to expect, well one never does with Pete, the audience of around 60 settled down to await words of wisdom from the creator of BTB and we were not to be disappointed. Pete explained that what he wanted to try was to design a BTB sketch by committee (us the audience) that the idea would be solely from those present and Pete would neither suggest or lead us towards an idea. To help us achieve our goal Pete handed out a list of some 22 questions to consider, such as would the sketch be one bear or two, action or static, naked or clothed, is the bear holding anything etc etc, the ideas flowed and believe me some were right out there for bad taste and wacky. As Pete started to put together the ideas while sketching he took questions from the audience on many aspects of BTB. It was amazing to watch the genius that Pete is, form a picture which met with everyone's approval. The audience with Pete lasted a good 90 minutes, much longer than I expected but sadly it was over too soon, however on completions of the sketch Pete invited those present to sign their names around the outside of the sketch and this was followed by having a group photo taken with Pete and said sketch. (see below)