CHILDREN in one West Oxfordshire village are having their lockdown days brightened by the sight of ‘Bear and Monkey’.
That is because Freeland resident John Clark has been out in his garden with his grandson’s giant plush toys.
Since the lockdown began, Bear and Monkey have been appearing in the front garden of the Church View resident’s home, taking part in a different activity every day, much to the delight of local children and their parents who pass by on their daily walk.
Over the last month, the duo have been spotted doing the gardening, playing the guitar, sunbathing, enjoying a picnic, washing the car, fishing, and even dabbling in a bit of DIY by building a brick wall in the garden.
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It isn’t just in Freeland that people have been enjoying the daily adventures of Bear and Monkey either.
Pictures of the dynamic duo have been shared on social media with Mr Clark receiving messages of thanks from all over the world, as far as Mexico and Cambodia.
Mr Clark said: “It started with Bear and Monkey sitting in the cars to cheer the children up as they went by on their daily walk and has evolved from there.
“We didn’t imagine that it would be so popular with the adults too but it’s been wonderful to see how happy it’s making everybody and hearing stories of how it’s helping families connect with their loved ones during lockdown by sharing what Bear and Monkey have been getting up to each day.”
Whilst the pair have become popular during lockdown - even receiving fan mail in the post - Mr Clark has also been recognised for his efforts and last week received a Community Heroes Recognition Award on Facebook from Oxfordshire county councillor, Liam Walker.
The scheme was launched by the councillor as a way for local people to nominate a person or organisation in their local community who is making a difference during these difficult times.
Mr Walker said: “John has provided much light relief to the village during the lockdown.
“Bear and Monkey’s exploits have been a great source of enjoyment for the younger generation during their daily walks around the village and likewise, all generations have enjoyed seeing what Bear and Monkey are getting up to every day.”
Such is their popularity, and after suggestions from residents, Mr Clark is now planning to produce a calendar for next year featuring their exploits.
Proceeds from the calendar will go to Msizi Africa, which helps feed orphaned and vulnerable children in Lesotho.
Mr Clark, who is chairman of the charity, said: “Myself and my family have been asked on several occasions over the last few weeks about whether we are doing this for charity and if people can donate somewhere.
“The answer is that we started doing this to simply bring a little cheer to people in the village each day.
“However, like so many charities struggling to survive in the current pandemic, Msizi Africa desperately needs donations to help us continue feeding orphaned and vulnerable children in Lesotho and that’s why we’re planning to produce a calendar.
For calendars, please contact John.Clark@msiziafrica.org.uk
More information on Msizi Africa is avilable at msiziafrica.org.uk/about
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