I was made in Alresford, Hampshire England sometime during the 1970’s by Alresford Crafts, a company that ceased trading sometime during the 1990’s. I can’t remember much of my earlier life, but in 2011 found myself sat on the shelf in a Bristol charity shop for sale in the ‘vintage’ section.
Karen wrote about buying me in her blog: https://karenborek.wordpress.com/2011/08/14/the-charity-shop-bear/
I was very fortunate to be bought by Karen as now I have a life full of adventures. One such adventure was visiting Alresford and finding the place where I was made. See more about it here: https://horacethealresfordbear.com/2015/06/28/going-back-to-my-roots/
Karen has written a book about me which can be borrowed at Alresford Library, Hampshire or Bristol Central Library and a Counting Book that features me plus ten of my Alresford relations, and of course dear old Growler. Unfortunately the books are now out of print.
Thanks for reading about me!
Horace the Alresford Bear
The Town Mill, Alresford, Hampshire
Horace the Alresford Bear 
I worked for a pile fabric manufacturing company in the seventies and eighties who supplied fur fabric to Alresford Crafts. When I had my first son in 1979 Alresford Crafts sent him his first soft toy.
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What a wonderful blogg! Thank you Horace and Karen. From the Speke Hall team 🙂
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I have an alresford bear (label lost some years ago) bought in Hamleys in the early 1970s in anticipation of my first baby. He is known as Boozy and he has had lots of adventures including a love affair with a bear called Florence!! Thank you Horace and Karen
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Glad you enjoy our website. Thank you 🙂
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I am looking for an Arlesford Elephant. If anyone knows where one can be had, Please let me know. Thank you
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