Honouring the Queen

Ove the past 72 hours I have been in London visiting a school friend. It has been very surreal being in the city during the mourning of late Queen Elizabeth II. I have been honoured to visit the memorials in Green Park watching citizen laying flowers to honour her and remembering the good she has provided for our country.

On the Wednesday, I was fortunate to watch the procession from Buckingham palace towards Westminster as they moved the Queens coffin. Whilst waiting for 14:22 to appear, I got talking to some of those around me. One lady, had stood in the position many years ago for the VE day celebration “hanging from a branch in the tree”, another had travelled from Dorset to be here. We shared some lovely memories over the years waiting to catch a glimpse of the King.

I followed the Scouting motto, being prepared, by bringing many snacks, my chair and even my full waterproofs (on a very sunny day). Even with height not to my advantage, I was still able to see the road to view the Royals and the parade. How powerful it was just to be stood in the crowd waiting.

At 14:22 the procession began and we were first greeted with police horses who were followed by the marching band. Shortly, we saw the Queens coffin followed with the Royal Family walking behind. We all paid our respects towards the longest raining monarch in British history and for me as the Patron Saint of Scouting.

I then returned back home fortunate to have witnessed history.

On the 19th of September, I watched her funeral with the rest of the nation and was very moved. I look forward to the King’s coronation for the UK to celebrate together again.

Blue and the Brownies

Howdy Blue here and what an adventure I’ve had.

When 84 told me that we would soon be enjoying some Brownies I thought wow, Beavers and Scouts weren’t enough each week and that she was volunteering to do Brownies as well. Well that couldn’t have been further from the truth when I realised that she wasn’t taking about the ones who wear yellow and brown uniforms but the gooey yummy delicious ones baked by Sam at The Sugar Rose Kitchen.

Valentine Brownie Selection

My taste buds are now on high alert, I’ve had them before and they are the best brownies north of Brownsea Island.

The Christmas selection was divine with a true mixture of flavours – Mince Pie, Mint Chocolate and Cranberry and Orange Tiffin, my bear senses are now in overload at the thought of trying the valentine selection.

First up from 84 was the hot stuff chilli chocolate brownie, oh my that tangled my taste buds, a brownie that tasted of chilli con carne!

Next up was triple chocolate, a smooth tasting gooey delight which calmed my senses after the hot stuff one.

Following on from the first two 84 gave me the raspberry ripple blondie. Sweet sticky raspberry goodness in a light golden brownie.

After a brief break to enjoy a cuppa I settled down to try the rest, sweetheart rocky road – a rocky road with mini marshmallows and gummy hearts ❤️

Eating a Brownie (look how big it is!!)

Turkish delight came next a gooey brownie containing Turkish delight pieces and topped with edible flower petals.

Lastly was the Oreo brownie, two of my favourite things Oreos and brownies. Large pieces of crushed Oreos in gooey rich chocolate brownie, what’s not to like. This one sent my taste buds out of this world and I ended up sneaking most of the slice much to the disappointment of 84.

In conclusion (pulling out the big words now, go me) brownies from The Sugar Rose Kitchen are divine. I can’t wait to taste the next one’s or I might switch it up a bit and have cupcakes or cookie sandwiches.

Bonfire weekend

On Friday the 5th of November, it was bonfire night. Last year I wrote a blog about the history of Guy Fawkes which you can find here. As I am now at university, my weekend has been very different compared to if I was at home.

Friday 5th November:

Tori, George and I went firework hunting around the posh, upper class area around my university. We saw a few fireworks in the sky but we were more exploring the local area before stopping at Morrisons to buy Parkin cake to have with custard. On our way back to my accommodation, we saw a dinosaur outside the Botanical Gardens. Later that evening, we watched Paul the movie (about an alien who wants to return home) and played with George’s NES gaming system.

Saturday 6th November:

Tori and I were going to go find some sparklers however, xe did not wake up in time – so we did not buy any. In the evening, we headed towards Edgbaston Cricket Ground to watch the fireworks. We stood in a nearby field, with torches I bought with me. The fireworks were very beautiful and after the display, we headed back to my flat. We played Solitaire, Blackjack, ate food (inc. churros) and watched a horror movie (called Hereditary – a psychological horror) on a projector.

Sunday 7th November:

I caught up on some work and completed some assignments. I also did some meal preparation as well as cleaning the flat. In the late afternoon, I went on a short walk (but saw no fireworks).

What happened in history on the 23rd May

I am interested in seeing what happened in history on the 23rd May so here is my timeline.

In 1934, Bonnie and Clyde were killed by Texas Rangers.

In 1785, Benjamin Franklin announced his invention of bifocals which are used for people who struggle to focus on near and distant objects.

In 2008, the Union of South American Nations constitutive treaty was signed.

In 1618, the Thirty Year War started.

In 1915, Italy declared war on Austria-Hungary.

In 1701, the famous Scottish pirate Captain William Kid was executed.

Census 2021

Today’s in England and Wales the census was to be filled out. This was to be completed by all households in order to help future decisions being made being beneficial for the future community such as the organising, planning, funding for transport, education and healthcare. The last census was completed in 2011 and is completed every 10 years on the 21st of March – including this year during the coronavirus pandemic.

84 facts about 84 – 2nd edition

It has been 900 days since my previous 84 facts about 84 post so I thought I would update it. Some of the facts are new and others have been updated.

  1. My name is Hannah
  2. I’m taking my ALevels this year
  3. I am currently in online school
  4. I go to a small mixed Sixth Form
  5. I’m taking 3 ALevels in Chemistry, Mathematics and Physics
  6. I took an EPQ project (which is the extended project qualification and the step higher to the HPQ)
  7. My favourite subject is still Maths
  8. I dance frequently
  9. I started dancing at the age of 3
  10. I currently take Contemporary dance lessons and sometimes will take a Ballet class
  11. I started Scouting at the age of 6
  12. I was the only girl in my Beaver colony
  13. I’m now a Beaver young leader
  14. My Beaver young leader name is Snail
  15. I went to a different troop for Cubs and Scouts than I did for Beavers
  16. I was a Rainbow
  17. I was a Brownie
  18. My Mum is a Rainbow leader
  19. My Dad was a Cub
  20. My Nan was a Brown Owl
  21. My Great Grandma was an Akela with Cubs
  22. My Aunt was a Guide leader and a Ranger leader
  23. I’ve been to Brownsea Island
  24. I’ve been to Australia
  25. I’ve been to Singapore (if a flight change over counts)
  26. I’ve been to America
  27. I’ve been to France
  28. I’ve been to Wales
  29. I’ve been to Germany
  30. I’ve been to Belgium
  31. I’ve been to Canada *this is new*
  32. I’ve been to Poland *this is also new*
  33. I can understand 2 languages – Python (a coding language) and English
  34. I know a bit of German and French
  35. In binary 84 is 01010100
  36. My ‘new kitten’ is now 2 and is called Rufus
  37. I have two more cats which are Rufus’ sisters
  38. They are called Twiglet and Hallie
  39. Cats are still better than dogs
  40. I love hoodies, cardigans and slipper
  41. My favourite colours vary between blue, grey and purple
  42. My favourite TV show is The Flash
  43. I have still never seen all the Harry Potter movies
  44. I presume fence posts are hard to hammer in
  45. I’m left handed meaning that I am part of the 10% of the population which aren’t right handed or ambidextrous
  46. I spent the last Friday at home due to being in a national lockdown
  47. I love to read
  48. I’m on my 48th fact – backwards 84
  49. My favourite book series at the moment is the ‘Red Queen series’
  50. I have 16 cousins with three sets of twins
  51. I like to tell jokes
  52. My favourite dish is lasagne with garlic bread
  53. Wasps are the worse insect and so I despise them, they are evil
  54. I’ve been stung twice by wasps after staying calm
  55. I have my own domain name
  56. My favourite Nintendo Switch game is Animal Crossing New Horizons
  57. I use the following to often: : ) : D : P
  58. I’ve got the same size feet as both my Mum and my Sister
  59. The year 2087 is when I’ll turn 84
  60. My favourite superheroes are all DC
  61. I’ve started a thought journal in December 2020 and am still writing in it
  62. I’ve got my Bronze DofE
  63. My sister is annoying
  64. 64 zoo lane
  65. My go to outfit is usually a striped top with jeans
  66. I know the whole of the phonetic alphabet
  67. Pepsi Max is nicer than coke zero
  68. I own a Vaude tent
  69. Mint choc chip ice-cream is the best
  70. I’m learning my flags
  71. I have a west country accent (but I don’t come from there)
  72. My favourite kids’ TV programme was Charlie and Lola
  73. My music taste at the moment consists of Lemon Demon, Mother Mother and AJR
  74. I have green greyish eye which change colour depending on the clothing I am wearing or the lighting
  75. I enjoy embroidery
  76. I miss camping
  77. Stripy tops >> Spotty tops
  78. I love marmite and cheese on toast
  79. I love marmite and cheese with pasta
  80. I love marmite and cheese in a toasty
  81. Grilled cheese and cheese toasties are both amazing
  82. Dinosaurs and Space are awesome
  83. My favourite movie is the Karate Kid with Cobra Kai the series also being an awesome show
  84. This is my 84th fact : )

Remembering the Holocaust

Content Warning: this article discusses the Holocaust and Auschwitz

A year ago, I was given the opportunity to visit Auschwitz with the Holocaust Educational Trust with the aim of rehumanising the Jews and the people who helped to collaborate the act of the Holocaust – whether they were the perpetrators or bystanders. In today’s blog I will discuss the importance of remembering the Holocaust in our daily lives.

the holocaust was the murder of approximately six million Jewish men, women and children by Nazi Germany and its collaborators during the Second World War

definition of the Holocaust

Orientation:

Before flying to Poland, we had an orientation seminar where we discussed the Jewish community and listened to a Witness testimony.

We were reminded that everyone was human, and the Jewish community were all integrated within society where they were proud to show their faith. However they were still slightly segregated in their religion throughout specific youth groups to celebrate their faith. Overall, the Jewish community was respected for their help within the First World War as well as them being across Eastern Europe.

We then listened to a witness testimony and ours was told from Hannah. At the time of the Holocaust, she was just a young girl. During this time, she never really understood what was happening until many years after where she was able to create modern links with her experiences. A memory she vividly remembers from this time was when she saw her mother die to protect her. Her family has a ‘pact’ which made sure that her grandfather was properly buried in his hometown to allow her family to keep their beliefs and values strong. Before her family left their town, they buried a box hidden with photographs which she was able to retrieve and show us. Hannah has regrets from not being able to pull her friend into the hay to save him from his death and is haunted by the vicious dogs which would threaten the villagers.

Yet whilst listening to Hannah, she was calm. Her experiences had not changed her faith in God. As she recalled her testimony, her memories flooded back in emotions which no one would be able to ever fully understand. To me it showed how surreal and recent the Holocaust still is. The Holocaust happened and if we cannot change the past, surely we can prevent it happening again within the future. However today we can still see antisemitism, for example some of the white supremacists who stormed Capitol Hill last month. The Holocaust was over 75 years ago and still people are uneducated on the history and horrors from this time.

Within the photo on the left, you can see Jewish children in a youth group making the star of David. Zagreb is in Yugoslavia and around 12,000 Jews lived here. In April 1941, Germany invaded Yugoslavia and Hitler allowed Croatia to become a separate country controlled by Croatian Fascists which passed a law to remove Jews’ rights. In June 1941, they started sending Jews to concentration camps in Croatia and most Jews were killed by the end of 1942. By May 1943, any Jews who were still left in Zagreb were handed over to the Nazis and taken to Auschwitz-Birkenau where the majority were killed in gas chambers when they arrived.

The town of Oswiecim:

Once we arrived in Poland, our first visit was to the town of Oswiecim. Here we looked at old photos of the town and compared them to the town today.

As shown in the black and white photograph, the town of Oswiecim had a large Jewish community of around 58% in 1939. The market square was very important for trade and business. After the outbreak of the war in September 1939, occupying forces burnt down the Great Synagogue in the town to show their authority which as a result removed all Jews from this town. It was soon renamed Auschwitz and was the closest town to the building of the Auschwitz concentration camps. The large church by the water remains however the synagogue which proudly stood next to it was burnt down. This shows how before the town of Oswiecim was well integrated, everyone was respected and proud of their identities. Today there are no Jews in this town.

Auschwitz I:

We then visited Auschwitz I and were giving a tour guide from one of the local workers. Before my visit I was expecting it to be solemn, reserved, quiet, monumental, historic and thought provoking. During my visit, I found it to be some of these characteristics. It was historical and monumental however it was bright with green grass, yet the buildings were plain and simple. In a way, the buildings were reserved, solemnly quiet – as if reflecting on their purpose within the Holocaust. It was neither silent nor loud instead more peaceful as we all took in the true history reminding ourselves that the Holocaust unfortunately was very real. It was so recent for such inhumane evil activity with the brain washing included. In a way I learnt how it was unintentional the mass murder, with the gas being used to prevent the outspread for diseases yet this is a worrying thought.

In the top right photo you can see the ‘gate’ reading Albeit Macht Frei. This translates to work sets you free.

‘They beat us between the cars and the gate. They gave us such a hard time. There was a young boy standing next to me, maybe he was sixteen, fifteen even, and he was crying, tears were falling. We were afraid, we didn’t know where we were. It seemed to me that we found ourselves in hell. You cannot describe it any other way. And it turned out that this was hell.’

This is an extract from Jerzy Bielecki whom was on the very first transport to Auschwitz of 728 Polish political prisoners at Tarnow on the 14th June 1940. Its tales Jerzy describing his arrival at Auschwitz prior to the construction of the current entrance building.

Excluding the top right photo, all the photos show the belongings the Jews and others brought with them to the concentration camps. As soon as they arrived, they would’ve been stripped of all their belongings and their identities. Their hair would be shaved to be sold to factories in order to be used for wool – though much was never sold and sent to factories.  The suitcases are all named with returning addresses and many prosthetic limbs from those who were disabled or needed them after them helping in the wars. There were many pots and pans as well as glasses frames, keys, shoe brushes and prayer mats. However, what surprised me most was the shoes. There were many different styles, shapes, sizes and colours, making you question what pair of shoes would you have worn and how a single pair of shoes can define and individualise every person who arrived there. Also, those who brought keys with them, would they have known it would be the last time they locked their home?

The top right photo shows empty canisters of the gas used within the gas chambers. These hadn’t been destroyed and the gas was originally used to try and kill those who had diseases and were ill. However someone soon told the ‘hierarchy’ who gave the order to be used within the gas chambers. No one knows who or why.

The top left photo shows the gas chamber at Auschwitz I. This was around 10-15m away from the camp owners house who lived with his family where their children played in the garden, they would be able to see all which was happening. This goes against the whole idea at Auschwitz – to dehumanise the Jews whilst the children were enjoying their lives. The bottom left photo shows the striped pyjamas the ‘prisoners’ would wear.

The middle photos show a book of names, of all those who died or suffered during the holocaust. The book is incomplete and merely shows a proportion of those who suffered as a result of the Nazis actions. Block 10 was used for experiments and block 11 was used as a prison where there was a mass shooting between both these blocks. Near these blocks lived the ‘bird watcher’ who would go around spotting birds at Auschwitz and would be paid for his findings. After the Holocaust ended, he was rewarded with a job as I believe to be a professor. Was he a bystander or a perpetrator?

Auschwitz II – Birkenau:

Auschwitz II – Birkenau was known to be the end. This was where the train track stopped and ended but in reality, this was the end of everything leading up to arriving here to face your death.

The top left photo shows a train, cart which would’ve arrived full of passengers to Auschwitz Birkenau. There were no windows and seemed like a cargo for livestock and goods. There would be a single bucket for a toilet on what might be a 9-day journey from Corfu. The drivers of these were they a perpetrator? Many bought a home return ticket as well expecting to return home.

Once you got off and had arrived you were greeted with a guard. A thumb left meant you would face death up at the gas chambers and a thumb right meant you’d be able to work. Many lied about their age and claimed skills in order to survive.

The photo on the right shows one of the two gas chambers. In the moment leading up to the defeat of the Nazis within the Second World War, they tried to destroy all evidence by collapsing the gas chambers and burning the wooden barracks in the area they called ‘Canada’ which held the belongings of the Jewish community to be searched through and sold on.

The middle photo shows the turning of the thumb left and right. The bottom right photo shows items in ‘Canada’ being sorted through by the prisoners as work. The bottom left photo shows the brick huts where many would’ve been squashed in to sleep and live. They were triple bunks and there was also holes as a toilets, more than 700 people would be living in here. One worker who worked in the toilets felt as if their job was royalty. They would be able to talk to the others in the toilets as no SS guards would come in from fear of typhus and catching any diseases. The worker was able to hear stories and find out about the camps gossip.

The top left photo shows the site of where a wooden barrack once would’ve situated and within this barrack would’ve held more than 200 Jewish children between the ages of 2 to 16 being kept as prisoners. Many of them were twins who were being used for criminal medical experiments.

The top left photo shows the section of Auschwitz Birkenau which was called ‘Canada’. Lots of workers would want to work in ‘Canada’ to sort through clothes and items. The Nazis burnt down this section of the camp and so only the bottom bricks remain of what once were wooden barracks. If you were a worker, first your belongs would be stripped and men and women would be separated. Then you would burn or steam your clothes before having a shower to clean yourself. Everyone would gather into the same room (of each gender) before boiling hot or freezing cold water was tipped down. Your hair would then be shaved before getting your tattoo and then getting your clothing to wear (the striped pyjamas). The photo on the left shows more photos of items and belongings people brought with them.

The moon

Some may say the Jews were free and the guards were the prisoners ‘locked’ up being held captive. This is shown by the Jewish community using the moon as guidance to remind them of their heritage through their festivals. Even through the Nazis dehumanising the Jews, they were still able to fight back and hold onto the remnants of their self belief.

My Reflection:

After my visit I reflected on what I’ve learnt about human beings. I’ve reinforced the idea that everyone is equal no matter your beliefs however at Auschwitz, everyone was dehumanised and torn away from their own views for being so called ‘wrong’ yet they stood stronger together and became more resilient despite their lives completely being torn apart.

The key points I would like to share and hence take away from my experience is the harsh reality of the ‘production line’ at Auschwitz Birkenau, including the items each family brought with them to continue their ‘new life’ at the camps which were rapidly stripped from them. Another concept I would like to reinforce is where can we draw the line between a perpetrator and a bystander – in a way both their actions, however big or small, consequently it all added up and made the holocaust happen.

Nazi Germany tried to kill all the Jews through dehumanisation in the following ways; Concentration camps, Gas chambers, Murder camps (Auschwitz Birkenau), Shooting, Starvation, Beating/Strangling and Mass murder -when they realised that they were not sufficient in their methods.

The words perpetrator and bystander now mean two new things. A ‘perpetrator’ I see is someone involved within the act of the Holocaust. They were the Nazis, the guards, the bird watcher, the farmers who provided food to the camps, the photographer and the train drivers. Yet more importantly as such this act never would’ve been carried out if the ‘bystanders’ who knew what was happening but did not act against it would’ve done something. They include country leaders and governments, families of Nazi believers, the local community who watched their Jewish community be removed from their towns and villages. However, both terms link as the hierarchy cannot run without the bystanders.

Ranking TGTATBO

On the 15th of January, Why Don’t We released their new album called ‘The Good Times and The Bad Ones’. Here is my review of each song on their album.

1) Fallin’ – 7/10. This song would receive a higher ranking except I have been listening to it since it’s release in September non stop. It is an upbeat song with live percussion.

2) Slow Down – 10/10. I could listen to this song on repeat all day long. It is really addicting and the tune is inspired by samples from The Smashing Pumpkins January 1996 track ‘1979’ where in the music video, Why Don’t We have included Easter eggs.

3) Lotus Inn – 8/10. The whole concept of this song is about turning back time to ‘do it all over again’ due to them staying at the Lotus Inn. The Lotus Inn reminds me of the Lotus Hotel and Casino in the Percy Jackson series. Why Don’t We teased this song by creating a website for their song as promo.

4) Be Myself – 10000/10. This song speaks for itself by just listening to the lyrics. It discusses anxiety and the feelings you may get. I find this song really beautiful to listen to as mental health is important to speak about. Whilst I am now in a 3rd national lockdown, it is important to remember to speak out about our feelings and we are never alone.

5) Love Song – 9/10. Every good album needs a love song and this one fits perfectly with the whole albums aesthetic. It is very upbeat and the chorus is really simple but effective as a whole.

6) Grey – 8/10. When I say this song is simple but beautiful, it really is. I love how thought out the melody is with the lyrics. It fits perfectly together and is completely different to the other songs on their album. I can imagine a really nice, solemn lyrical dance being choreographed to this song.

7) For you – 7/10. It is another amazing song on the album with lots of layers throughout. The pre-chorus really reminds me of one song though I cannot pinpoint which song yet.

8) I’ll be okay – 11/10. Imagine the movie credits rolling and this song will fit perfectly. Within the song, the lyrics mostly represent the albums name. I have given this song a bonus point for the line “But once you light a fire, it’s gonna burn” as it reminds me of Scout camps.

9) Look at me – 6/10. The lyrics are not my cup of tea but the tune is really cool and gives off groovy vibes.

10) Stay – 8/10. It is a lovely song to finish the whole album together and wraps up the whole albums vibes perfectly.

Among Us 101

among us drawn game profile picture

Over the past few months there has been a game which has rapidly risen called Among Us. Compared to the release of the family friendly, calming Animal Crossing New Horizons game early this year, Among Us is the complete opposite relying on betrayal and sacrifice to win. Recently, I have been playing Among Us in some of my study periods doing a ‘live’ meeting whenever the button was called or a dead body reported yet first I will briefly explain the game.

What is the difference between a crewmate and an imposter?

A crewmate completes tasks and tries to figure out who the imposter is by gathering information like a detective. Crewmates can win if they vote out the imposter or complete all of their tasks. If someone spots a dead body (as the imposter has killed), they are able to report the body and discuss any suspicious activity they have seen during meetings where at the end of the meeting they can vote someone off or skip there vote. The crewmates work together in a team to find the imposter among them.

An imposters task is to fake tasks and avoid suspicion whilst trying to kill the other crewmates and sabotage different areas. The imposters are able to ‘vent’ around the map in order to move quickly around and are able to report dead bodies – this is called a self report. Mostly an imposter has to avoid suspicion to avoid being voted out and they win the game when there is only one crewmate left alive.

If anyone dies or is voted off, they become ghosts. Crewmate ghosts can finish their tasks whilst Imposter ghosts can still sabotage.

What are the three maps you can play on?

  1. SKELD
    • Looks like a spaceship which is one giant loop
    • 14 rooms
    • 5 visual tasks (which can be turned off)
    • Security system allows for 4 corridors to be viewed at the same time
    • contains 5 vents systems
    • reactor, electrical, communications and O2 can all be sabotaged by the imposters
    • imposters can also sabotage doors which have an automatic reopening countdown
  2. MIRA HQ
    • Looks like an office building with a triangular design
    • 12 rooms
    • 1 visual task
    • Security system is a ‘doorlog’ which allows three sensors to pick up the movement of the players
    • contains 11 vents which are all connected via one system
    • reactor, O2 an electrical can all be sabotaged by the imposters
    • imposters cannot sabotage doors
  3. POLUS
    • Looks like a snowy planet and has quite a large layout
    • 15 rooms
    • 2 visual tasks
    • Security system allows for six areas to be viewed individually
    • reactor, O2 and electrical can all be sabotaged by the imposter
    • imposters can sabotage doors which can be reopened using switches
    • contains vitals which allows you to see who is alive or dead

What is 84’s favourite map?

I am a big fan of the SKELD but it may be due to this map being the simplest to follow and play in online lobbies. However, the other maps are more fun to play ‘live’ talking to your friends during meetings as you are able to explain where you are and our story a lot more clearer compared to typing it during the meetings box.

If you have not played Among Us, I highly recommend playing it during the Christmas season as a virtual game. My overall rating is 9/10.

Competition time with Judge Blue

Howdy, Blue here,

I’ve been a bit quiet lately, I’ve taken to hiding in 84s room to avoid getting this nasty virus which is about. I don’t want to be remembered as the first bear to catch it.

This evening I came out of my hiding place to undertake a very important role – Mum84 needed an adjudicator for the Rainbows Cuddly Toy Show so I ventured out.

I was introduced to the Rainbows, there were lots of new faces this time. Each Rainbow took a turn to introduce their cuddly toy and tell us a little bit about it. The contest for the biggest was a closely fought race with entries from P with Sparkles the Unicorn and M with Peggy the Pegasus. I needed a bit of help from the Rainbows to decide and Peggy the Pegasus was declared the winner of the biggest cuddly toy.

Another close category was the cuddliest cuddly toy, entries from O with Bunny, I with Lion and P with Sparkles, being on zoom this was very hard to judge as I couldn’t personally snuggle up with them and had to rely on how much they were being cuddled by their owner, but I eventually decided on Bunny who has been cuddled by her owner since birth.

Other entries included Sequin, Penguin and Lily who won the sparkliest, smallest and prettiest eyes categories.

Each entrant will be awarded a certificate and a rosette.

Mum84 says that some of the parents came up with a few alternative categories – most chewed, most washed, most bald spots and the one where Mummy hasn’t sewn the arm back on yet!

Maybe it’s not just me who needs to get out more … Lockdown is getting to us all.