So, I did it!  I gathered up all the 'new with tags' and 'never played with' teddies and packed them into bags ready to be sent off to charity, where they can bring smiles and laughter to small people, or hear the secrets of children and adults, or generally just be loved.

Over the years they have sat on my spare bed or on top of the wardrobe looking down on me, they have brought me lots of pleasure, but now it is time to say 'farewell' to them and send them off to new lives.

I've also contacted Tools With A Mission to collect my old sewing machine and some computer peripherals, and gone so far as to list my E-piano on Ebay (pointless it gathering dust on my living room when someone could enjoy playing it).

This clearing out exercise continues to be healthy and helpful - and if nothing else will free up space in my over-stuffed flat!!

So, bears (and other cuddlies):

Go ye into Charitable Purposes, bringing smiles and cuddles to children and, behold, their love will make you very real, even to the end of time. (with apologies to JC according to Matthew.)