What's New - The World of Beatrix Potter

Bring back Beatrix Potter's mice - join the appeal!

A campaign is being launched to bring back the mice to the Tailor of Gloucester�s shop in College Court. The model and motorised mice, dressed in 18th century costume - just as Beatrix Potter illustrated them in her famous children�s book, were a feature of the shop from 1979 until 2005 when the shop closed.

The shop has since been reopened by a specially created charity and is trading successfully following a public appeal and share issue taken up enthusiastically by many local people.

Shop manager, Colin Nyland, said: �Beatrix Potter fans, especially the tourist and visitors are always asking where the mice have gone, so now the shop is on its feet and trading well, we would like to bring them back�.

To recreate the eight animated mouse characters will cost nearly �10,000. �We have already saved �3,000 toward the cost and an appropriate backdrop has been created in the museum on the first floor. We invite sponsors or anyone who would like to help raise the rest of the money to get in touch. People can sponsor anything from a whisker to a whole mouse, which we think would make an ideal Christmas present!�

To support the campaign you can sponsor a whole mouse for �250, or just part of one, right down to a whisker. They plan to erect a plaque in the museum listing the names of everyone who helped recreate this wonderful set. Cheques should be made payable to �The Tailor Appeal� and sent to;The House of the Tailor of Gloucester, 9 College Court, Gloucester GL1 2NJ

For more information please contact Colin Nyland on 07816 407881 or colin@gloucestercivictrust.org

News on flooding in The Lake District

The severe weather and flooding has had a big impact on areas of The Lake District, the setting for Beatrix Potter's stories and the home of Hill Top Farm. John Moffat, The National Trust's General Manager for the Beatrix Potter Properties, says 'Overall, we have been very lucky given what has happened in the north of Cumbria. The Beatrix Potter Gallery and shop had some flooding but we have now dealt with that and the shop is back open again; Hill Top house and shop unaffected by the floods and remain open as usual. However, we have damage to a number of our houses and holiday cottages in the areas and lots of damage across the countryside, particularly footpaths and tracks and debris on roads and fields. Thanks to everyone who has offered us their support at this difficult time.'

For latest updates on the floods in The Lake District, please go toThe National Trust Website

Click here to access the National Trust's press release on the flood damage and restoration work.

Tales of Beatrix Potter
The Royal Opera House, London
December 14 2009 - January 13 2010

The Royal Ballet lights up the festive season with an enchanting double bill of works by Frederick Ashton. Mrs Tiggy-winkle, Squirrel Nutkin, Mr. Jeremy Fisher and a host of other characters come to life in wonderful woodland scenes in Tales of Beatrix Potter. With costumes which perfectly convey the essence of the famous animal characters, this is one of The Royal Ballet's most captivating ballets.

It is joined by Les Patineurs, which evokes an Edwardian skating party, and is one of Ashton's happiest and most charming pieces. Tickets go on sale to the general public from 20th October, so be quick to secure your tickets. It is sure to sell out quickly!

Watch the trailer and buy tickets

Peter Rabbit� A Winter's Tale

With a beautiful pop-up tree and sparkly decorations to discover throughout - this brand new wintry story based on Beatrix Potter's characters and illustrations makes a perfect Christmas gift for all Peter Rabbit fans.