Shirley's Gallery

RATS CAUSE TROUBLE IN FOREST AGAIN

Yet again the Three Wicked Rats, Blackie, Brownie and Spotto have been up to mischief. They carried out a daring raid on Mrs Emily Prickles corner shop (under the old Willow Tree at the end of Primrose Bank), and after holding the Prickles family at bay by threatening them with a knobbly cucumber, got away with a large box of mixed vegetables.
"We needed them for a hearty winter stew, your Honour" Blackie pleaded in Court today. "Rats have got to eat in winter same as other animals".
Other animals buy their vegetables or work hard in the garden to grow them", Judge Stripey Fairpaws' replied severely, and sentenced the three wicked rats to seven days in the Oak Tree Lock-up.
The judge commended Police Constable Tom for his swift arrest of the three hardened villains. Once again", he said, "thanks to our efficient Police Force the inhabitants of the forest can be sure that their vegetables are safe in both shop and kitchen".

ENGAGEMENT ANNOUNCEMENT

King Mulberry and Queen Mayblossom are pleased to announce the engagement of their daughter Princess Rose to Prince Erin, son of King Fern and Queen Iris.
The fairy couple will celebrate their engagement with a magnificent party in the forest clearing near the waterfall. All fairies and elves in the forest are invited and also all woodland birds and animals - even rats providing they behave themselves.

STOP PRESS

Those notorious criminals, the Three Wicked Rats escaped custody while being taken to serve their sentence in the Oak Tree lock-up. However, they turned up disguised as other animals and tried to claim a wooden chest labelled "Stolen Goods" only to find themselves promptly arrested. "I recognised them at once "said P.C. Tom. "Did they really think that wearing Pussy Cat masks and meowing a few times would fool me?"

NASTY ACCIDENT AT CROSSROADS

Yesterday a nasty accident occurred at the crossroads when Mrs. Daphne Duck was knocked down by a hit and run rabbit who was has not been identified. Luckily Mrs. Duck was not seriously hurt, but was very shaken and needed counseling. In a statement to Police Constable Tom, a shocked Mrs. Duck said: "He just came out of nowhere; he was riding a red tricycle. I don't know what model. I couldn't see his face because he had a yellow scarf over his nose, but I'd recognise those ears anywhere. He was well over the speed limit I'm sure, and if he isn't stopped he'll knock somebody else down". P.C. Tom said he had received several pieces of information regarding the speeding rabbit and was confident of an early arrest.

YOUNG RABBIT ALMOST DROWNS

Yesterday a tragedy was averted by the bold action of Timothy Turtle when he dived from the bank above a popular swimming hole and rescued Smokey, fifth child of Mr and Mrs Rabbit of Hawthorn Edge, Stoney Track whom he saw to be in difficulties. "Smokey was caught in some weed". Timothy told your reporter, "But I only did what anyone else would have done in the circumstances. No, I don't consider myself brave, I'm just a good diver and a strong swimmer," Well done Timothy!

LOST AND FOUND

Lost; last Thursday, bag containing 50 tiny pairs of red and white socks. Please return to Clement Centipede, No 2 Cabbage Row, (Mr Prickles Vegetable Patch).

Lost: small golden casket containing magic star dust. Reward of one wish to finder who returns the casket to fairy Princess Rose, C/o the Palace, Fairyland.

Found: very young elf; can't talk yet but is so naughty that the finder, Mrs Owl of "Top Branch"' Hollow Tree, Hill Side, would be relieved if his family would come and collect him as soon as possible.

Lost; Tuesday night about moonrise, a black cloak. It fell off while the owner was hanging upside down from a pine tree branch. Please return to Bertram Bat. No 10, Pine Grove, Deep Forest.

Lost: desperately seeking the sweetest baby elf in the forest. His parents can understand no one wanting to give up the precious sweetie but please, please return him to Mr. and Mrs. Elf, 18 Toadstool Mansions, Ferny Glade.

Found: wooden chest labelled "Stolen Goods" containing a variety of items recently reported as missing by their owners. If this is your chest, please claim it from P.C. Tom at the Forest Police Station.

Lovely warm blankets, winterweight; woven from finest thistledown. Apply Mrs. Lilian Lizard, Stone Cottage, Rocky Bank, Streamside.

DO YOUR CHILDREN SAY THEY'RE BORED?

A new playgroup has begun in the burrow of Mrs Marigold Hare. Already it is attended by two small hedgehogs, three little mice, two squirrels, four robins, and eight little rabbits. "Through play, baby animals learn" says Mrs Hare when interviewed by our reporter. "Parents are welcome to come to our sessions too and share playtime with the little ones". Yesterday, well known local entertainer Timothy Toad dressed in his clown costume, soon had the children laughing at his antics. He had brought his banjo with him and taught the little animals several new songs. "Let's all croak together" was a particular favourite.

BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION AT GUEST HOUSE

A surprise party was held in Mr Gnome's Guest House on Monday for Fairy Melinda on the occasion of her birthday. The well known Martha B. Rabbit was in charge of the party food which was laid out on a dozen toadstool tables, and ranged from nut canapes, chestnut rissoles with raspberry sauce to jellies, fruit creams and a superbly decorated birthday cake. Twenty beautiful fairies attended the party, their shimmering dresses in rainbow shades of colour, and music for their dancing was provided by the popular group "Green Grasshoppers"

THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK

Don't be discouraged; remember a great nut tree starts life by being a little nut - just like you.

Cobweb evening shawls. Price on enquiry. Very beautiful fine work. Apply Mrs. Spider, 4th clump of foxgloves near the bridge, Streamside.

PEN PALS

- I would like to have a pen-pal to write to. My interests are dandelion growing, jumping over things and running very fast. Please write to Pepperkin Rabbit, 3rd burrow under the Ferns, Primrose Bank, Green Lane.

- I want a pen-pal. I like eating nuts, finding lots of nuts, and hiding nuts in a hollow tree where no one else will find them. Please write to Septimus Squirrel. The Elm Tree, Forest Rise.

- I'm looking for a pen-pal. My hobbies are flying along moonbeams, dancing around toadstools, collecting good magic spells, sprinkling stardust. If you have similar hobbies, please write to Fairy Lisette, c/o the Palace, Fairyland.

- I would really like a pen-pal to write to when I'm not eating. My hobbies are eating lettuce, cabbage, apples, tomatoes and anything else that grows in a garden. If you have some free time please write to Creepy Caterpillar, 16th hole, Giant Green Watermelon, Mrs Prickles garden.