Ben the Beckermet Bear is back on the street for the Queen’s platinum jubilee – much to the delight of villagers.
During the COVID lockdowns Ben did much to brighten up the lives of neighbours and passers-by at the home of Claire and Nick Murray and their young family.
Evie and her brother Alfie used to discuss with their parents how to dress Ben, and what theme to adopt as they made daily changes.
During lockdown, Ben played a variety of sports, did a number of jobs and generally kept the locals and passing motorists amused. Ben’s photograph was sent all over the world and the Beckermet Bear became quite a celebrity.
He made a reapperarance over Easter, along with Millie a rabbit friend, and both have a few more pals with them for the jubilee celebrations.
Claire said: “He is back with Millie by popular demand. The village is having a best decorated house competition and my children, plus several village residents were keen for Ben to be back.”
In 2020 Evie, then 11, won a national competition when she had to design a pin badge in support of Volunteering Matters and NHS Charities Together.
Her design featured four arms reaching across the world towards a heart, and came top from hundreds of other entries across the country.
She appeared on TV as a guest on The One Show when actor Hugh Bonneville announced her as the competition winner.
