The Caledonian Hilton welcomed 1000 Baxterbears this week.

The Caledonian Hilton welcomed 1000 Baxterbear’s this week in preparation for a month long Baxterbear’s tea party as part of the Edinburgh Festival. image 1000 Baxterbears arrived at the hotel for check-in to the delight of staff members and guests who had the chance to meet the bear and hear a selection of his tales first before his International Festival debut. Baxterbear will be holding readings for all ages of his famous bear memoirs from 2pm until 3pm daily at the Caledonian Hilton in August as part of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, Venue 325. Based on the real-life story of Baxterbear’s adventures since his beginnings in 1928 the series of short stories charts his narrow-escape as co-pilot of an RAF Hurricane, helping the army by flying photo reconnaissance missions during WWII, through to modern day tales including taking afternoon tea at the Caledonian Hilton. Readings will be from a selection of stories including ‘Whatsoever you may do. Do’, the story of Baxterbear’s injuries and his rescue from Burma by the Ghurkas. image_4 image_3 image_5 image_1 image_2

EDINBURGH INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL

The Edinburgh International Festival takes place every August for three weeks in Edinburgh in a number of venues throughout the city attracting visitors and performers from all over the world. www.eif.co.uk Edinburgh International Festival www.primarytimes.net

Baxterbear enjoys the view at the Edinburgh Tattoo!

06/08/2009 Baxterbear was TREEKLED to be invited to the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo. He was a VIP in the Royal Box and was honoured to be there so soon after Baxterbear’s first public appearance. It was the 60th anniversary of the Edinburgh Tattoo and Baxterbear was TREEKLED to be a part of it. bb2 Baxterbear was invited by Colonel (retired) Simon Vandeleur (Edinburgh Castle Garrison Commander) and Baxterbear was TREEKLED to see many old friends including The Royal Highland Fusiliers, 2nd Battalion The Royal Regiment of Scotland (2 SCOTS), the Cape Town Highlanders and especially The Band and Pipes and Drums of the Royal Gurkha Regiment performing Accelerando. It was, of course, the Gurkhas who rescued Baxterbear and reconnaissance pilot, Pilot Baxter, when they were shot down during World War II. bb1 It was a very cold night, but Baxterbear was kept warm by his big, furry coat and was TREEKLED to watch the Tattoo in style! bb3

Baxterbear helps raise 135k at Prince’s Trust Scotland Clay Pigeon Shoot

The Prince’s Trust 01/08/2009 Baxterbear was delighted to lend his support to the Prince’s Trust. Organised and hosted by Gerard Eadie, Vice Chairman of The Prince’s Trust Scotland and Chairman of CR Smith, this was the ninth annual clay pigeon shoot and has raised over £1.4 million to date. Thirty six teams participated in the day’s shooting activities and also enjoyed a demonstration by the Nick Nairn cookery school, a performance by Tenors Incognito and fashion and hair shows. Prince of wales trust aug 2009 1 ok Prince of wales trust aug 2009 2 ok Prince of wales trust aug 2009 3 ok

Baxterbear debut at Edinburgh International Festival 2009

01/08/2009 to 31/08/2009 Baxterbear returns to Edinburgh’s famous Caledonian Hilton Hotel on Princes Street (known as the Caley to its friends) and makes quite an impression on the staff and guests! From eight to 80, an amazing four generations enjoyed The Baxterbear Tales debut – Storytelling for All Ages, where the origins of Baxterbear’s unique philosophy on life was revealed. Taken from PrimaryTimes.net:
Baxterbear will now join the likes of Marlon Brando, Judy Garland, Marlene Dietrich, Ginger Rogers, Joan Collins, Elton John, Sir Sean Connery and Rod Stewart by taking up residence at the hotel. Willy Blattner, General Manager of the Caledonian Hilton, said: “Baxterbear is set to secure a massive following at the hotel and beyond. We hosted a trial session at the hotel in the run up to Christmas and the demand for Baxterbear and his stories was phenomenal. Our doorman Billy features in some of the stories and is already starting to gather a small Baxterbear fan base.” Since the website launched on 24th December Baxterbear has been inundated with letters of thanks from parents, medical teams and children; Baxterbear has really grabbed their imagination. The Caledonian Hilton will also be offering a special Baxterbear Afternoon Tea in the Pompadour Restaurant after every reading. Fans will be treated to a mouth watering menu of sophisticated sandwiches such as Isle of Skye Smoked Salmon, Peeled Cucumber and Peppered Cream Cheese and sweet treats such as Pistachio Cream Cake and Scones with Clotted Cream and Jam.
IMG_1872 Debut P8
BB Coldstream GuardsmenWelcome to my new website! OK

Baxterbear’s first public appearance!

ABF Logo   all Baxterbear finally appeared in public at Armed Forces Day in Edinburgh. It was the first ever Armed Forces Day and it has been over 60 years since Baxterbear was the mascot of RAF Pilot Baxter – a reconnaissance pilot in World War II. His plane was shot down and Pilot Baxter, along with Baxterbear, was rescued by Gurkhas. Baxterbear is a happy bear, and he was especially TREEKLED that his first public photo was taken with two Gurkhas. Baxterbear with two Gurkhas and Mark Baxterbear was TREEKLED to be able to make a difference for both ABF The Soldier’s Charity and the RAFBF. ABF RAFBF
Colonel Simon Vandeleur, Commander of Edinburgh Castle, invited Baxterbear to Armed Forces Day and met his new friend in Princes Street Gardens. Colonel Simon Vandeleur with Baxterbear Baxterbear joined veterans and serving soldiers, walking from Edinburgh Castle to Princes Street Gardens. Baxterbear at Edinburgh Castle Baxterbear Armed Forces Day 2009 Baxterbear was TREEKLED and honoured to be a part of Armed Forces Day and is already looking forward to next year!