I have decided that a good way to hold a collection as extensive as the one I have at present is to photograph most of it, then select out at least half and send it off to be enjoyed elsewhere. I keep the photos... That is why you can see the heap of teddy bears in the second picture. they are all little folk that have resided in my teddy cupboard up to now, but are now going on a journey to be loved by someone else. In their case, it will hopefully be children who are resident in the Naomi House Children's Hospice, just a half hour journey from me.

The teddies who stay behind with me will be housed in a galss cabinet - to save all the dusting that has been necessary when they are perched along to the tops of cabinets and other surfaces. They look lovely - but they do get grubby. Under glass - or on their way is my toy-motto from now on!

Three precious items that will never leave here - my Rosebud doll, Sandy the terrier, and my Polar bear - the only three toys that I have left from my own childhood. I've had the bear (never had a teddy bear, only a polar bear) and Sandy ever since I was born, and the doll since I was about 10 years old. Very precious to me, and definitely the place of honour amongst all my other acquisitions.