General   (General discussion, talk about anything.)

I first met him in at Christmas in the days when Wolverhampton Wanderers were kings of England and Tommy Steele was making records that you actually went out and bought.

In those days you got free plastic figures in Kellogs Corn Flakes and you could buy the Victor for tuppence. A mixture cost 9d, and a bottle of Tizer a shilling.

But I discovered Rupert quite unexpectedly at my cousin's house on Christmas night. A cool guy in a red jumper, yellow and black scarf (clever lad) and similar trousers. He wore boots as well which I thought were cool. He had a profound effect on me because he had some colourful friends and explored the most wonderful places. He had a pretty Chinese girlfriend and was the coolest bear around.

I kept tabs on him over the intervening years and he kept me entertained with his exploits and adventures.

I still see him at Christmas time and he sends me a lovely book rather than a card.

He's a good mate and he's a cool as he was the day I first met him.

Anyone else ever come across him?