There is no doubt when all is said and done, that everyone of us would prefer a happy ending to a story, and because so much of the news of late has been far from happy, here's an ending that at least begins to put the record straight.
We've received a heartfelt thank you letter from Dawn Jones and her Aunt Betty of Wednesbury, who a few weeks ago responded to our features on peg dolls. Here's a reminder of what Dawn said first time round...
"I would like to ask fellow Buglers if there is anyone who could make me a peg doll so I can give it to my Aunt Bett as a gift, something I’m sure she would treasure.
She means a lot to me and it would be terrific if this was possible."
Alerted by this request and also encouraged by the peg doll competition, Mrs C. V.
Barnbrook of West Wellow, Romsey in Hampshire, knowing full well she was out of the competition age range, still went ahead and made her pedlar-woman peg doll specifically for Dawn's aunt, Betty Sadler. The peg doll has been duly despatched to its new home in Wednesbury and Dawn was keen to register her thanks.
"Can you put my letter in your paper, thanking the lady who made the peg doll for my aunty.” she writes. “We both couldn't get over how much detail, time and effort was taken in making her, and my aunt has put it on her sideboard so she can look at her everyday. She's over the moon, but could you please let me know Mrs Barnbrook's first name, because it's this name that my aunt and I have decided to call the peg doll. I would also like to give all the children who entered the Bugle competition a big thank you and congratulations.
They were all fantastic and its great to see the young ones having a go. It's also wonderful to know that people still care. Thank you, Dawn and Betty."
Dawn, your request is our command, and Bugler Jan Oakey from the front office was soon on the case. Jan explained the situation to Mrs Barnbrook, who then revealed her name as Valerie.
So it has all ended happily ever after for Valerie the pedlar ‘ooman, who now resides in Wednesbury.
jworkman@ blackcountrybugle.co.uk
