Rupert -what happened!!!!

My son was talking to me about his favorite bear (s) and I spoke about mine. This was weeks ago. I mentioned that I had a Rupert and he was special 'cos he was a dancing Rupert. You put the elastic on his feet over yours and then you danced with him and when I was 2yrs old (a very very long time ago), he as as tall as me.

I said the bear was in the loft.

We went up in the loft last weekend to get the Christmas decorations down and as I was closing the loft hatch my son reminded me that I had Rupert up there and I should bring him down.

I did.

He was worse for wear, and was in desparate need of a wash and a needle and thread.

I risked the washing machione.

It tore him apart. His trousers were in more need that a needle and thread. If I had patched him before washing him the result would have been the same.

I spoke to a really nice guy today - in Scotland - who is going to help me identify this tartan as it is clearly NOT Nutwood the tartan of Rupert Bear. And once I have some of the same (similar) material I am going to repair my Rupert Bear so my son can dance with him too.