Author Profile - Sandra Gordon
Teddy, Bishopstone Station's Bear, by Sandra Gordon
Having taken a course in creative writing at The College of Richard Collyer in Horsham, I’ve enjoyed writing numerous short stories, and I’m also a member of the Horsham Writers Circle.
So why did I write this particular story!
I have a friend who lives in Bishopstone near Seaford on the south coast. She has been involved for a number of years in the renovation of the railway station. It’s a real labour of love of this wonderful Grade II listed building in the Art Deco style. She was the founding member of FOBs – Friends of Bishopstone Station and last year they were finally able to gain access to the old parcel office which had been locked and abandoned for many years. They intend to restore this room and turn it into a community hub.
They pulled up the wooden shutters to reveal ‘a hoard of vintage junk’ including 1970s car parts, a fishing rod, rowing oars, British Rail advertising posters, wooden water skis, a 1980s skateboard and last but not least, a slightly scruffy looking teddy bear. The photo of the bear appeared in the local newspaper and was shared with me by Barbara, my friend and founder of FOBS, that inspired me to write Teddy, Bishopstone Station’s Bear and the fictitious adventures he had with Ian – my fictitious name for the little boy who had owned him all those years ago. Ultimately I was determined to have the book published and to raise much-needed funds for the continued restoration of Bishopstone Station (this link will take you to the crowdfunder page for Bishopstone Station which successfully raised £5,190 towards its restoration fund in just twenty-eight days!)
After the parcel office was opened, a feature about the station was covered by BBC South East Today, news channel, and also The Argus, newspaper. The real owner of teddy – Guy Wright – read about what had been discovered at the parcel office inside the station and came forward to claim his teddy bear – nicknamed Fobsy by the FOBS – and some of the other items.
He and his family were delighted with the fictitious story I’d written about teddy. Although very sadly Guy – who had been diagnosed with cancer – died at the beginning of 2022. Guy’s family have seen and given their blessings to my story, which is essentially based around a boy and his bear being reunited after more than thirty to forty years apart. Nottingham Teddy Repairs played a big part in Guy’s true story and their involvement is included in my story – you’ll have to read it to find out about their generosity and kindness.
All monies raised from the sale of the book are to be shared between FOBS and Cancer research. I do hope you enjoy reading the fictitious adventures and escapades of Ian and his teddy.
How can your readers follow you?
Instagram (click on the embedded link to follow Teddy’s news)
Sandra’s first book, Teddy, Bishopstone Station’s Bear was published on 12th September 2022 by Author’s Pen. The book has an rrp of £6.99 and can be ordered from high street and online booksellers using the following ISBN numbers, or by following the link above:
print book: 978-1-8383436-4-4
e-book: 978-1-8383436-5-1