A WOMAN has raised over £900 for Cornwall Hospice Care through a teddy bears’ picnic event — and those who didn’t go down to the woods that day, were really missing a treat.

The Trebartha Estate, at North Hill, Launceston, opened its gates on Sunday, May 7, for a teddy bears’ picnic, raising funds for Cornwall Hospice Care’s Mount Edgecombe Hospice and a local lady’s ‘Mount to Mont’ cycle challenge.

Sharon Moses, event organiser and a local gardener, was seen sporting a pair of Rupert Bear trousers and red jumper, and was keen to make it a memorable afternoon for all. The day was blessed with the finest Cornish sunshine, and, as a consequence, children, adults and bears were in good numbers and fine spirits.

She opened the event with a brief explanation of how the death of a dear friend two years ago had spawned the fundraising idea to boost funds for Cornwall Hospice Care.

She said: “Mark Scott was an extraordinary person, full of life and fun, who left an indelible impression on everyone he met. He did so much work for Cornwall Hospice and it was ironic he should spend the last ten days of his life there [Mount Edgecombe].”

Sharon is also embarking on a cycle challenge from St Michael’s Mount, Cornwall, to St Mont Michel, France, in October for the same cause.

A guided woodland walk and bear count then took place, with Sharon explaining that the indigenous ‘teds’ at Trebartha had a bit of a jamboree once a year, and it was an opportunity to see them behaving a little differently than normal. There was laughter aplenty and it was a delight to see families enjoying the fresh air and simple pleasures.

The walk was halted temporarily, as two larger-than-life bears — Caroline Latham and friend Georgina — appeared in the woods to give a robust rendition of ‘the teddy bears’ picnic’, with guitar accompaniment by Georgina’s husband.

The ramble resumed, whereupon children and adults were advised to keep their eyes peeled for an ‘undisclosed number’ of bears hiding in and around the grounds.

Sharon said: “I was highly amused when several adults failed to spot the 30 I knew were gadding about, and in fact I caught at least three couples retracing their steps later, in order to do a recount.”

The bear fishing from a boat, whilst Harry Hall’s recording of the teddy bears’ picnic emanated from the wicker hamper on board, caused much laughter. Bears with snorkels, bows and arrows, snakes, some on swings, hammocks, dozing in trees — all got up to plenty of mischief.

For those families who made it back unscathed, it was time, after playing Pooh sticks, to tuck into their picnics, whilst overlooking Hawkstor and the Swanpool.

Cream teas, cakes and goodies were also available in the tearooms, which had a decidedly ‘vintage feel’. The original Second World War bunting and naval flags, kindly loaned by St Luke’s Hospice shop in Launceston, gave everything real authenticity, whilst the music of Glenn Miller got people’s feet tapping.

Local apiarist, Nick Bentham Green, kindly gave up his afternoon to bring his beekeeping equipment with him and to talk about the importance of the native Cornish black bee. His knowledge and expertise was very welcome and enjoyed by many. The selection of bee-friendly plants, donated by the Duchy Nursery, Lostwithiel, were quickly snapped up and made a substantial contribution to the total raise at close of play.

The ‘most dapper bear’ judge, Jenny Kerwyn, perused a fine selection of bears who had been turned out to perfection. There were a few individuals who stretched the brief of ‘bring a bear’ and amongst the array of teds were a dinosaur, unicorn and rabbit. Ayla McGinnes Ellacott went away with the accolade; her bear was sporting a most fetching homemade top hat.

The raffle, which made £121, was overseen by ‘Goth Panda’ — aka Helena Luxton.

The draw concluded the day and prizes included a beautiful 90th anniversary hard-backed edition of A A Milnes’ Winnie the Pooh and other stories, a framed print of Ross Poldark, a knitted teddy bears’ picnic and a small Tregothnan gift basket.

The top prize of the day was the gorgeous ‘Bardot’ — a handmade, traditional teddy, generously donated by Charlie Bears in Launceston.

Samuel and William, who were sharing their seventh birthdays on the day, came first and won Bardot; second prize went to Mr and Mrs J Barker, who were presented with the Winnie the Pooh collection; Samuel and William won the knitted teddy bears’ picnic for third prize; and fourth prize went to Miss C Latham with the Ross Poldark print.

The event had come to its conclusion before 6pm in accordance with the lyrics of the teddy bears’ picnic, but everyone who attended thoroughly enjoyed the day.

Sharon was delighted by the positive comments and final total raised of £901.79.

Speaking about the amount raised, she told the Post: “I had to help count all the money, and I thought to myself — ‘oh goodness, this can’t be right; oh god, I’ll have to have a cream cake to celebrate!’”

She added: “It’s the first event of this scale I’ve ever organised and although I thoroughly enjoyed it, I’m going back to the gardening for a rest! Thank you to each and every one of you who helped to make it a success.”