Barnwell Bear - Blimey!
Never one to shy away from showcasing our local Wivenhoe talent and characters: it’s only Barnwell Bear.
Blimey!
With a huge heads up to Moira to for very kindly supplying these photographs (which I believe have already been published in the brilliant Wivenhoe News?) - here we have everyone’s favourite local independent toyshop mascot in his many different disguises.
Watching Barnwell change his wardrobe as the autumnal weeks of my first arrival in Wivenhoe soon became a snowy winter, was one of the highlights each morning as I cycled down towards the foot of the town.
It was a blog post waiting to happen - not to mention a don’t forget yer camera moment each morning, something which I never quite got organised enough to put in place.
A casual tweet (oh yes) and my inbox became full of Barnwell Bears.
Brilliant.
I’ve no idea where the name comes from, but I suspect Barnwell has some hyerlocal historical significance. I personally think that he bears (geddin there) an uncanny resemblance to a certain Wivenhoe Town Councillor…
Everyone has to have his or her favourite Barnwell look - mine is the bird watching estuary gent. I’ve heard pub talk of Barnwell appearing in full S & M gear around Valentine’s Day. The special safety word is probably Goldilocks.
Now would be apt timing to remind folk of the Wivenhoe Teddy Bear’s Picnic, taking place on the afternoon of 31st July at the KGV. Dubbed Mini-May Fair, here’s hoping that as much excitement is evident for the ankle biters as was experienced by their big brothers and sisters last month.
Plus a quick plug for Barnwell’s new neighbour, the delightful Divine Intervintage, located just across the alley from Jack in the Box. Selling a line of classic, retro and vintage clothes, I wish the new Wivenhoe business venture well.
Maybe Barnwell could be kitted out in a costume from next door? Cross dressing cuddly toys is just *sooo* Wivenhoe, dahhhling…
