"Going on a bear hunt" and look what we found
For our Resident bear maker, Carole Long, what had become an international phenomenon triggered by Facebook during Covid 19 proved to be right up her alley. Inspired by the classic children’s book “We’re Going on a Bear Hunt”, teddy bears began appearing in windows and on porches all over the world so families who may otherwise be confined to their homes, had reason to explore their neighbourhoods and discover something magic during these unusual times. The simple display of these bears was a small symbol that we are all in this together.
With a little encouragement from Carole, the residents of Wivenhoe Village embraced this trend with open arms. “I saw it on social media and thought, let’s do that here”. Carole shared her daily bear pictures on the national page for 21 days straight and received some lovely feedback. In no time at all there wasn’t a street in the Village without at least one bear on display in a window. It was the perfect excuse for residents to venture out of their homes to walk around the village for exercise - what better way to break up the walk than to hunt for the bears and have a social distance chat along the way?
For Carole, the hobby of bear making started decades ago at a Stitches and Craft show where she sat in on a fur bear class. From attending regular classes to working groups and ultimately participating in many bear shows and competitions around Sydney, Carole has been the recipient of many trophies and ribbons awarded along the way. The last 10 years have seen the transition from larger bears to the more specialised and more expensive miniatures. “I make bears as gifts and have given away about 130 or more over time. I’ve made bears to order that people want to pay me for, which is a lovely compliment”
From our sneak peek of the 200 bears on display in her home they are truly exquisite, each with a dedicated name and pride of place. Every bear has a story and it’s clear in talking with Carole and her family that a lot of love has been given and received in making these bears. Carole has had the pleasure of teaching her granddaughter how to create the bears which was very special. “I’m very much a perfectionist and insist on getting everything right”.
From Dead Ted, to Sleepy Ted, there’s a Johnathan Thurston Ted, and there’s Postman Pat, along with seasonal bears that come out at Christmas – you name it and it’s likely been done. Ask Carole which is her favourite and she will tell you they all hold a special place and memory, although the award-winning bears are the ones she is most proud of. “Taking out Best Bear of the Show for Mushroom was quite an honour!”
Since moving to Wivenhoe Village 6 years ago her bears have been on display at the annual Camden Show. “Unfortunately, many of the bear shows have fizzled out, which is a bit of a shame. That’s why I try to keep the bears going down here at the Camden Show and encourage my friends to do the same.”
Building of bears has proven a real social exercise for Carole. You will often find her working away on a bear at the monthly sit and sew group of residents in the Lodge. “I’m hoping with everyone having more time at home recently doing more craft that they will also be creating more bears”.