The Willows Depart

It was Friday morning and Betty decided it would be too wet for Brighton -  she had really wanted to take the Willows but the weather just wasn't right.  She was busy packing the box up to send the Willows on to the next stop on their long journey when she remembered the little house nearby with the teddies on the balcony - perhaps the Willows would like to see?

In the 18 years Betty had lived by the Woods this little house had always had teddies on the balcony, the house has changed hands and still the teddies are there - they wear different outfits depending on the weather.  People often stop at Lonesome Lane, Horley, to take a picture.  The bears have their own personalities and really enjoy visitors.

Just one more stop - to see the River Mole...




Betty held the box up over the river, thinking how pleased Mole would be to see a river named after him ..... and lost her balance.

The box landed on a piece of wood floating downstream fast and, although they were safe and dry, Betty knew she had lost them forever.......

The Willows could hear water and were being swished around on a fast current, Ratty bravely opened the lid of the box a fraction and realised their box was a floating boat and they were heading down the River Mole all by themselves.  'Where does the river go?' asked Mole.  'To the sea' said Ratty.  Remembering his earlier survival training he fished around in the box for his swimming shorts.

Everyone stayed in the box, frightened but excited and too scared to look until, after what seemed like hours, the box felt like it was no longer afloat.  Ratty peeped out and threw the lid back 'We've arrived and it looks like we have washed up on Brighton beach,  I can see the Pier, no sand - it's a pebble beach'.

Ratty leapt out for a paddle

Mole and Toad were not so confident - Toad was concerned about the effect of salt water on his skin and found dry rocks to hide under; Mole couldn't find anywhere to dig so hurried under a pile of rocks too - the characters looked out of place, but it was a wet and windy day and not many people around.

Ratty returned - he had enjoyed his paddle and slumped in the box, tired and ready for a sleep, Mole and Toad joined him - wondering how on earth they would get to Ange's house on their bloghop now.  Just then the box moved and they saw a little girl peep inside - 'These are somebodys toys, I think we should post them Mummy, they have the address and stamps on and clearly have got lost' ... the Mummy peeped inside too 'yes, lets go straight to the post office' she agreed ..... and so The Willows got their day at Brighton after all and thanks to the kindness of strangers are now on their way to Ange...  Betty is on a train to Brighton anxiously searching for The Willows, unaware of all this - so when they arrive - perhaps you could let her know they are safe? Thanks ... and here's the link for Ange - watch out for their arrival