Eye was very pleased to hear that the Teddies for Tragedies piece (15 December) got an overwhelming response. Bernice Taylor, who shows not a trace of regret at the deluge she has had to field, stopped counting the phone calls after 50. Should we be overjoyed or concerned to imagine that may soon be more teddies than people? Friends are now being sent a pattern for hand puppets which can reach some of the countries which have custom issues about teddies.
Our first informant, Roger Sanderson, thinks that the answer to world peace may lie in these bears. He says: 'Of course it is a good release for people who want to do something and don't know what else (like many of us). I feel we should perhaps be concentrating on the politicians to increase aid and stop arms sales. You couldn't get Tony Blair to start knitting could you? It might bring the problems home to him. Or at least Cherie?' Eye thinks this is an excellent idea and that it should be taken further. Knitting in parliament! Eye is tingling with anticipation and is even inclined to offer a prize to the first reader to get their MP knitting in the chambers. Apart from keeping them occupied during long debates, it will keep them out of the bar. Temperance, peaceful activity and practical charity – it sounds to Eye like a well rounded Quaker campaign.