The Hundred Acre Wood
Born 18th January, A. A. Milne was the author of the much loved Winnie the Pooh stories. This ‘silly old bear’ and his friends have captured the hearts of many through the years- including me. As a child, I loved Milne’s stories and poems, many of which I can recite to this day from having read them so often! I then shared the magic of Pooh with my own child and look forward to passing this to grandchildren one day (assuming I’m lucky enough to have some!)
I had always longed to visit the 100 Acre Wood, play Pooh Sticks on the bridge and perhaps spot a Woozle or two. When, at last, I found myself on holiday in Sussex, I made sure it was our number one day out!
The day started wet and dismal, but this played to our advantage as not another soul was exploring when we arrived at Ashdown Forest and we splashed in the puddles as we followed the path through the trees that led to the bridge. Even here, we were all alone and played game after game of Pooh Sticks.
As the weather picked up, other families came to enjoy the magical bridge so we moved on to Gills Lap (Galleons Lap, the Enchanted Place on the very top of the forest) where there is a plaque which commemorates Milne and illustrator, E. H. Shepard. Christopher Robin wrote that this is where his father used to sit- and I can see why. It is a wonderfully peaceful spot with lovely views- the perfect spot to think.
Sometimes I sits and thinks, and sometimes I just sits...
Continuing the tradition is ‘Once There Was a Bear: Tales of Before it all Began…’ by Jane Riordan. October 2021 marked 95 years since the publication of the first ever Winnie the Pooh stories and his arrival in the Hundred Acre Wood. Published by Farshore, this is the official 95th anniversary prequel and is a delightful tribute to everyone’s favourite bear. Ten new stories take the reader to a time before those written by A A Milne, whilst retaining the charm and appeal of the originals.
Once There Was a Bear Jane Riordan, illustrated by Mark Burgess
Farshore ISBN: 967-0755500734