tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-44737279421797785622024-03-13T16:17:40.949+00:00The Puffin Club ArchiveA nostalgic trot through all things Puffin Club and Puffin Post from an old and sentimental Puffineer.Thin Puffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05466641087245489524noreply@blogger.comBlogger86125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4473727942179778562.post-82970000176508862152016-12-05T14:57:00.002+00:002016-12-05T14:59:14.075+00:00Calling all ex Puffineers!<div style="font-family: "Source Sans Pro", Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin-bottom: 24px;">
<strong><span style="color: magenta;">I am looking for your stories and, if you have them, pictures about your time as members of the Puffin Club from it's launch in 1967 through to its end in the early 1980's.</span></strong></div>
<div style="font-family: "source sans pro", helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin-bottom: 24px;">
<span style="background-color: black; color: #fff2cc;">I'm currently pulling everything together for a book to celebrate the Puffin Club in all its glory while us old birds can still remember it all. This is my thank you to the club as 2017 will see its fiftieth anniversary!</span></div>
<div style="font-family: "source sans pro", helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin-bottom: 24px;">
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">I am keeping this blog running, but the website has transferred to a new domain: </span><a href="http://puffinclub.co.uk/"><span style="color: magenta;">puffinclub.co.uk</span></a><span style="color: #fff2cc;">, where more material and information will be posted as it warms up.</span></span></div>
Thin Puffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05466641087245489524noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4473727942179778562.post-33662972654025646962012-12-06T12:57:00.000+00:002012-12-06T12:57:18.448+00:00Puffin Post - Vol 6 No.1<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvdkGHXALl717VZgPAhYsv3P5ndpYJG2zELjqe1virPlGzthuocXsfmKVF3qVQA46M3U215JluGdAnqHYqjxjt-ssfdhT5lqc8P-9ekBprdwSi8zRrcAAMDa0_wFpTLp9rHCdoZwLv0HM/s1600/PPv6no1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvdkGHXALl717VZgPAhYsv3P5ndpYJG2zELjqe1virPlGzthuocXsfmKVF3qVQA46M3U215JluGdAnqHYqjxjt-ssfdhT5lqc8P-9ekBprdwSi8zRrcAAMDa0_wFpTLp9rHCdoZwLv0HM/s400/PPv6no1.png" width="288" /></a></div>
Despite the lack of a fifth (let alone a fourth) birthday celebration for the new Puffin Post, this is the photo-montage for the celebratory issue of Puffin Post by Jill McDonald. Something of a return to her previous use of photos and other material in conjunction with her unique and idiosyncratic artwork.Thin Puffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05466641087245489524noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4473727942179778562.post-43676288997588884542012-11-30T14:27:00.002+00:002012-11-30T14:29:50.226+00:00It's been a long time....<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr_LBRG0pikmzd9KlC28FM4lUXggL0dswe9mQu8rymrUsrukm9o5L0vIv9TBWieKlrEFYEiZVnAFkEvJlvvvhXC-S7w6Kamo2min5LwMtSD-SoNt-8N386Ob_wuMG3uAuSTNHAic-Pob0/s1600/Golden+Fleas+ep1.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr_LBRG0pikmzd9KlC28FM4lUXggL0dswe9mQu8rymrUsrukm9o5L0vIv9TBWieKlrEFYEiZVnAFkEvJlvvvhXC-S7w6Kamo2min5LwMtSD-SoNt-8N386Ob_wuMG3uAuSTNHAic-Pob0/s400/Golden+Fleas+ep1.png" width="286" /></a></div>
I have been away doing lots of other things, feeling safe in the knowledge that a Puffin Post/Puffin Club thing was out there for those that wanted it.<br />
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Sadly, I have just received the early Christmas card from the fab team at The Book People, who have been running and publishing the Puffin Post Club, and the news is that they will no longer be running it after Christmas.<br />
<br />
Whether this means that it is going to disappear completely, or that Pearson (who own the Puffin brand) will take it on in-house, is not clear.<br />
<br />
Despite the challenges of a book club for children in an age when they are increasingly print illiterate, I hope that it can still survive.<br />
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In the meantime, here is the first episode of the wonderful Odway strip by Jill McDonald.<br />
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More later........Thin Puffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05466641087245489524noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4473727942179778562.post-66386502204596913702011-04-17T16:37:00.000+01:002011-04-17T16:37:39.125+01:00Working to a Timetable...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8IYioWTt7p5qJxROLDi3bxzbqid6cBuxGEqLcJ6d-P70VQhNg27_KIUxsBv2Er30GOxJeKkUvrz8168g9G5kx1urbo3X2-dA3V6aECsosnc8bdKKj4bx6Mku1T4ZYt8HcXNmtGaXLUq8/s1600/Puffin_Timetable.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="204" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8IYioWTt7p5qJxROLDi3bxzbqid6cBuxGEqLcJ6d-P70VQhNg27_KIUxsBv2Er30GOxJeKkUvrz8168g9G5kx1urbo3X2-dA3V6aECsosnc8bdKKj4bx6Mku1T4ZYt8HcXNmtGaXLUq8/s320/Puffin_Timetable.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
We all find it hard to work to a timetable - it restricts us and binds us, but this is a lovely one that was given away to Puffineers courtesy of the pen of Jill McDonald. Its only downside is that I would have hated to write on it and ruin its beautiful proportions and balance.<br />
<br />
Enjoy!Thin Puffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05466641087245489524noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4473727942179778562.post-21390552175901092082011-03-18T12:22:00.001+00:002011-07-18T19:46:27.734+01:00Joy unbounded.....<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPzQVXm7yimjMygr9Krwm85f-72hi9Se_Th2Vnq8tf8wgR03tlFtrOQjbrdwdKMSToHtB-9WX7at8qb3-EBn8poixidenTqIbsbx5R-yGVtxH4VZw3JhnRWKBn_iqsdjMDtWozYmzu1Xc/s1600/features-kayewebb-pc650.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="315" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPzQVXm7yimjMygr9Krwm85f-72hi9Se_Th2Vnq8tf8wgR03tlFtrOQjbrdwdKMSToHtB-9WX7at8qb3-EBn8poixidenTqIbsbx5R-yGVtxH4VZw3JhnRWKBn_iqsdjMDtWozYmzu1Xc/s320/features-kayewebb-pc650.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<br />
This picture was forwarded to me by Nick Campbell who used one of my restorations on a great article on <a href="http://leaf-pile.blogspot.com/2011/02/you-will-want-to-go-back-so-much-to.html">Kaye Webbs biography</a>. His blog is well worth visiting and is very well written.<br />
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This is one of the pictures that have been placed <a href="http://archiveshub.ac.uk/features/kayewebb/kayewebb-puffinclub.html">online</a> by the guys at Seven Stories.<br />
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This is a picture from the Kaye Webb Archive, and it is evidently a picture of a small part of the body of work that Jill MacDonald created in her time at Puffin.<br />
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I know that times are tough, but I would urge support of the work that is done at Seven Stories. The care of literature for children is so important.<br />
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<i style="color: orange;">Due to requests and comments - here is a link to <a href="http://www.sevenstories.org.uk/collection/highlights/view?id=256">Kaye's page at the Seven Stories website</a></i>Thin Puffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05466641087245489524noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4473727942179778562.post-46080182527664194542011-02-11T15:21:00.000+00:002011-02-11T15:21:56.042+00:00Four year member card<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQP714G__LyPemWfcp4SLjOLxKpNsmoGSPlA3vWPG_0YzkkwyQRZNqeh0Qq1wICr9mmMtSSoX-BsoMzwlNEaFkC8aC9NDRWc7bAnUY964dV2FNKgS4bm0L_PUfb7Lv6SMuATjD23NzuTY/s1600/4+years.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQP714G__LyPemWfcp4SLjOLxKpNsmoGSPlA3vWPG_0YzkkwyQRZNqeh0Qq1wICr9mmMtSSoX-BsoMzwlNEaFkC8aC9NDRWc7bAnUY964dV2FNKgS4bm0L_PUfb7Lv6SMuATjD23NzuTY/s320/4+years.jpg" width="220" /></a></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I received my Four year members badge attached to one of these, but it was so badly crumpled and torn by the badge that it eventually disintegrated. This is a nicely reconstructed one. Like the founders card, it's about A6 in size. The badge, as regular visitors to the site will know, is black! And yes, I still proudly wear mine....pinned to my battered bush hat.</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I love the treatment of the '4'! It's something that Jill seemed to do without any effort.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I don't know if the new club intends on doing the same thing. From what I've seen, it looks like the new badge changes colour each year. </span>Thin Puffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05466641087245489524noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4473727942179778562.post-21050133479075212472011-02-07T15:27:00.000+00:002011-02-07T15:27:05.481+00:00Founding Fathers (and Mothers) will remember this...<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhafATwNG19hphkxW0A90Tq50v-0KpKf8OUxGzKSRYel8Q7UF_LY-tpW19jIJoD1GRqtLwIuB7IIdVWJ0EdALGJi4FiVVrvRURASMACKE6bzL0jEnHxRO1l7I7R5i5_LyKnvF83t_X2Wr0/s1600/founders_card.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhafATwNG19hphkxW0A90Tq50v-0KpKf8OUxGzKSRYel8Q7UF_LY-tpW19jIJoD1GRqtLwIuB7IIdVWJ0EdALGJi4FiVVrvRURASMACKE6bzL0jEnHxRO1l7I7R5i5_LyKnvF83t_X2Wr0/s320/founders_card.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Founders card with badge attached</td></tr>
</tbody></table><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Here's the Founder card, purchased at great expense! Most of these were crumpled up, lost or just thrown away!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">As regular visitors to the blog will know, I was pipped to the post by the author of 'Puffin by Design' for one of these a while ago, and it took a fair bit of searching, waiting, and just plain luck to get hold of this. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">This one needed a fair bit of restoring to its current minty fresh look.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">It's a great example of Jill's lovely calligraphy and a great way to see both styles of her graphic design work. </span>Thin Puffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05466641087245489524noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4473727942179778562.post-82602199006496672042011-01-17T12:33:00.000+00:002011-01-17T12:33:39.237+00:00Where did that year go?!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrzst-DdqJdu9XKjkU2dE0NI7vz63Ri2k93iwQLSeDlbgc6PlagvcBrVMG9MfaX4pUVoLHvFbD31wr5R83BV7XauX36kaJFF1pGmDoDkpAE7fYByxL6IJy2jHV3JXYetkXPt25I82L0UA/s1600/Fat+puffin+puffed+up+with+pride.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="88" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrzst-DdqJdu9XKjkU2dE0NI7vz63Ri2k93iwQLSeDlbgc6PlagvcBrVMG9MfaX4pUVoLHvFbD31wr5R83BV7XauX36kaJFF1pGmDoDkpAE7fYByxL6IJy2jHV3JXYetkXPt25I82L0UA/s320/Fat+puffin+puffed+up+with+pride.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Dear visitor,<br />
<br />
Sorry I haven't been up to the mark for a long while - it's been......well, you know how it is.<br />
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This lovely image was one of Jill's 'banner' illustrations that appeared on the opening pages of Puffin Post.<br />
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The mysterious letter was one from Prince Philip (D of E) congratulating Puffineers for raising money to buy the length of coast that is still a Puffin Sanctuary.Thin Puffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05466641087245489524noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4473727942179778562.post-60882322621261552552010-06-04T21:06:00.003+01:002010-06-04T21:14:42.635+01:00Puffin Publications...For those of you with an enquiring mind into the history of Puffinalia, there are two new publications available which may be of interest. The first is the biography of Kaye Webb - '<span style="font-style: italic;">So Much To Tell</span>' by Valerie Grove. The second is the previously mentioned '<span style="font-style: italic;">Puffin by Design: 70 Years of Imagination 1940 - 2010</span>' by Phil Baines. I have, as yet, not read these books, so I am not in a position to recommend or criticise either of them.Thin Puffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05466641087245489524noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4473727942179778562.post-88037453334128227812010-06-04T20:48:00.003+01:002010-06-04T21:03:01.174+01:00Puffin PoetryI was very touched to be contacted by Thomas Thurman who had his poem published in Puffin Post all those years ago. Thomas has continued with poetry and he has kindly allowed me to publish an excerpt from a more recent poem. I know that my interest in poetry was sparked by Kaye Webb and her championing poetry for children. For some of us it has become something more:<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 204, 102);">Thank you so much for your Puffin Club blog. It was a joy to relive some of the best memories of my childhood through its pages. I'm glad that they've started it up again so that the happiness will continue for another generation.I don't usually explain these things, but in my sonnet "<a href="http://www.poetfreak.com/text/35660/two-poems.html">Two poems</a>", the sestet is about a poem of mine that Puffin Post published when I was eleven or so:</span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center; font-style: italic;"><span style="color: rgb(255, 204, 102);">...I wrote another poem, as a kid</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 204, 102);">another paper bought it for a prize.</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 204, 102);">Ten thousand pairs of eyes saw what I did.</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 204, 102);">I wonder if, from all those pairs of eyes,</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 204, 102);">still, somewhere on this planet, I might find</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 204, 102);">some reader with my poem in their mind.</span><br /></div><br />A big thank you to Thomas for allowing me to share his thoughts and his poetry with you.Thin Puffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05466641087245489524noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4473727942179778562.post-57704772656400407332010-05-26T09:15:00.007+01:002010-05-26T11:47:25.369+01:00The Ultimate in Puffin chic! The Puffin Scarf!<span style="font-size:100%;">This isn't just a wonderful piece of Puffinalia and history. It also gives another insight into the character of Kaye Webb. I was recently contacted by a former member of the Puffin staff with a plea for other colleagues to get in touch.</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPuilSBw-FMYBt31NvXPD0RPD6VdBQBXBKrA-K5knzwBrCBb60BdxeI75-euEdJiSn0_pVpSCkgBHM2JxIbF6bQUUxYqoQ5sCxlXbVhA-TVcFE4AKdZ5Om67XBxfP_o26-hJJsJcnpE_c/s1600/Puffin_scarf.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPuilSBw-FMYBt31NvXPD0RPD6VdBQBXBKrA-K5knzwBrCBb60BdxeI75-euEdJiSn0_pVpSCkgBHM2JxIbF6bQUUxYqoQ5sCxlXbVhA-TVcFE4AKdZ5Om67XBxfP_o26-hJJsJcnpE_c/s320/Puffin_scarf.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5475491381515600482" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(255, 153, 0);font-family:Palatino;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-size:12px;">Hello,<br /><br />I've just come across your website and thought you might be interested in the photo I'm attaching! I used to work for Kaye Webb and one year (around 1975) she had these scarves made and given to everyone who worked in Puffins. (As far as I remember, there were around 11 scarves!) I've managed to keep - and wear on occasion - mine for all these years and I'd love to know if anyone else still has theirs! Would be grateful for any ideas about how to get in touch with them.<br /><br />All the best,<br /><br />Marilyn Foufouti (nee Taylor)<br /><br /></span></span>If any of you are out there reading the blog, I will be happy to put you all in touch. <!--EndFragment-->Thin Puffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05466641087245489524noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4473727942179778562.post-12789250326773892732010-04-17T17:25:00.007+01:002010-05-26T11:44:02.185+01:00Surprise News from the Royal Academy of Music...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghlHeBCsu7wIvvrgkvy9CeTFfoD3nTi2hVejYsTGedWV-oesmhCXfufDndA71kwpqgRYcJnbhleobKsHrYrzd0z7tCGW_O-A7zmi0Zr-Krs6igawZ3n1n1fp61TKs89YCZuetgeKwkS3Q/s1600/puffin1.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 175px; height: 175px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghlHeBCsu7wIvvrgkvy9CeTFfoD3nTi2hVejYsTGedWV-oesmhCXfufDndA71kwpqgRYcJnbhleobKsHrYrzd0z7tCGW_O-A7zmi0Zr-Krs6igawZ3n1n1fp61TKs89YCZuetgeKwkS3Q/s400/puffin1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5475527375017665746" border="0" /></a>A real opportunity for puffinophiles has cropped up! The Royal Academy of Music has put Yehudi Menuhin's puffin badges on display for object of the month - they were chosen as the April (fools) object(s) of the month. This is the only opportunity that you will have to see the Presidents special 'Gold' badge.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhZwuFwVb9Nv97Oxt0lGev9v5cHGjR2MeckTN47KrtFkNQIqZPHGrp6HJ41qTBMVkINu0cXoIyoS34wdnuZ-IOpfM4qlTdPEblr4oyET9648A5R_KFAM0fiuH8Y8hj3vxoQSzfLw8ij6k/s1600/puffin4.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 175px; height: 175px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhZwuFwVb9Nv97Oxt0lGev9v5cHGjR2MeckTN47KrtFkNQIqZPHGrp6HJ41qTBMVkINu0cXoIyoS34wdnuZ-IOpfM4qlTdPEblr4oyET9648A5R_KFAM0fiuH8Y8hj3vxoQSzfLw8ij6k/s400/puffin4.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5475527539628690898" border="0" /></a>It looks a deep orange/red version of the founders badge. As I mentioned in a previous posting, this was given by Kaye Webb to Menuhin on his acceptance of the role of President of the Puffin Club after the death of the previous President, Sir Allen Lane.<br /><br />I would like to thank the Royal Academy of Music for contacting me regarding these rare items - it has given me the excuse to express my admiration for an extraordinary man whose world view was so enlightened. I will be posting a more expansive post on Menuhin and his involvement with the club shortly.Thin Puffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05466641087245489524noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4473727942179778562.post-17058149782745321632010-03-03T14:27:00.006+00:002010-03-03T14:42:12.823+00:00The BIG 70th Anniversary!!As I have blathered on many occasions, the 70th anniversary of Puffin books is rapidly looming!<br /><br />As part of the up-coming attractions <a href="http://www.puffinpost.co.uk">Puffin Post</a> is planning a Jill McDonald cover and <a href="http://www.puffin.co.uk/">Puffin Books</a> are having <span><strong>NATIONAL PUFFIN SHARE-A-STORY DAY</strong> on 8 May - You can download the party pack from <a href="http://www.puffin.co.uk/static/grownups/">here</a>. There is also a lovely little music video of the <a href="http://www.puffin.co.uk/static/aboutpuffin/puffin_player.html">old Puffin song</a> (how many of you remember it?)</span><span>.<br /><br />I will of course post any more news as I get it. I will also list any special reprints of Puffin classics that should be snaffled up for kids and grandkids.<br /><br />Ooh, I've gone all sentimental!<br /></span>Thin Puffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05466641087245489524noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4473727942179778562.post-13581670158648311122010-03-01T20:30:00.006+00:002010-03-01T21:32:54.130+00:00Long time - no blog!Dear Old Puffineers,<br /><br />It has been a fairly long time since I've had the time to put finger to keyboard and give any news, let alone any pretty pictures.<br /><br />So, from the top....<br /><br />I recently spotted a lovely example of a founders badge on ebay (I know I already have one!) but this was still mounted on its presentation card!! Suffice it to say that my budget outstripped my (only) fellow bidder. It is reassuring to know that it has gone to a safe and worthy home - Phil Baines, the author of the upcoming 'Art of Puffin' who has kindly allowed me to put a link in to his <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/phil_baines/4389086569/in/set-72157622683990151/">Flickr page</a>. Thanks Phil!<br /><br />I have also been contacted by the hard working people at <a href="http://www.sevenstories.org.uk/stepinside/">Seven Stories in Newcastle</a>. They are the custodians of the Kaye Webb collection which is due to get an overdue airing as part of the Puffin anniversary celebrations. If you are in the area, or have any love for children's literature, I would urge you to visit and support them as they are a vital and under celebrated resource for the nation.<br /><br />As I have said on previous posts, I have been fairly busy of late. I have not been idle though. I have a few choice items to share with you shortly. As you know I have a love of the 'throw-away' items, and I have landed a truly marvelous piece of graphic design. I also have a little project under my hat that may (or may not) see the light of this website.<br /><br />Finally....I was recently contacted by Jill McDonalds daughter who now lives in New Zealand. It was very touching to receive such a lovely email from her - again, it makes it all worth while. I now know who created the Puffin Club code - it was never noted down in sources that I read (unless I missed it):<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(255, 153, 0);">"I worked at Puffin Books for a couple of years not long after the establishment of the Puffin Club. My job was to answer children’s letters, judge competitions, sign up new members, go on Puffin Club trips and I also had a couple of pages where I published articles, jokes, recipes, etc. I think it was called Glen’s swap page. I also designed the Puffin Club secret code. I was 18 or 19 and new to London."</span><br /><br />Many thanks the Glen, Phil and the many ex puffineers who have contacted me over the past few months. I promise to answer as many of the questions and queries (particularly the one about the mysterious code that appeared to have no published key!) as I can over the next weeks and also give you all some new items to share and enjoy.<br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span style="font-size:13px;"></span></span></span><!--EndFragment-->Thin Puffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05466641087245489524noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4473727942179778562.post-36673822286265098342009-10-13T20:11:00.005+01:002009-10-13T20:22:01.932+01:00Just a bookmark!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihGo0wFkMr1YQ3IVeZjxLPnITCgHGlbX2uiI-4JODzsbA0yokgB3A8G7B0WVF5ScYGq8BH8WBYmitykU7l2iqYx8P-hIvh4snSv2YXNiGkgVI6pUOEBttkcpgRz5GeoGjYIE4d19LgDBI/s1600-h/puffin+bookmark+%28c%29+S+Hassan.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 66px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihGo0wFkMr1YQ3IVeZjxLPnITCgHGlbX2uiI-4JODzsbA0yokgB3A8G7B0WVF5ScYGq8BH8WBYmitykU7l2iqYx8P-hIvh4snSv2YXNiGkgVI6pUOEBttkcpgRz5GeoGjYIE4d19LgDBI/s320/puffin+bookmark+%28c%29+S+Hassan.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392164699358788898" border="0" /></a>A lovely little acquisition - from a very enthusiastic ex-puffineer clearing the decks on eBay. But a beautiful example of Jill McDonalds work. So many of the best pieces of her work are throw-away items like this. A real pleasure to restore.<br /><br />The back of the original has a list of reading favorites written on it. It's fascinating to see what someone else saw as vital reading before we had the interweb and cable telly.Thin Puffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05466641087245489524noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4473727942179778562.post-26475005649436571442009-09-14T13:00:00.003+01:002009-09-14T13:05:32.637+01:00News Flash!I know that these pages are mostly dedicated to the golden age Puffin Club, but for those of you who have been holding off giving your younger reader (6+) a membership of Puffin Post - hesitate no longer. January sees the launch of Puffin Post for 'Pufflings'.<br /><br />I've only seen the launch info in the latest copy of Puffin Post, but this looks like the new incarnation of 'The Egg'.<br /><br />Incidentally, the latest issue of Puffin Post is the most art focused yet! Nice one Ptolemy!Thin Puffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05466641087245489524noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4473727942179778562.post-15454869651199140002009-09-14T11:07:00.004+01:002009-09-14T11:16:18.228+01:00Puffin Post Vol.2 No.3<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieeR667yWfCW-FqXl9dHh_rZXH71E4aam6YXcTU4HfkZAOOsFPuGMjWaY_OVSu-zRrLdugdYEFZl8xqSTsQTaQBbR5M3wj4pJTXgLRBkvDBnpWLmVEx8QAxcc-KBX6llYIB1k6d775DuY/s1600-h/Puffin+Post+Vol2+No3.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 231px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieeR667yWfCW-FqXl9dHh_rZXH71E4aam6YXcTU4HfkZAOOsFPuGMjWaY_OVSu-zRrLdugdYEFZl8xqSTsQTaQBbR5M3wj4pJTXgLRBkvDBnpWLmVEx8QAxcc-KBX6llYIB1k6d775DuY/s320/Puffin+Post+Vol2+No3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5381262997546613538" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:arial;">A seriously overdue restoration - and a blinder! For those of you who don't know the Happy Lion books (rather quirkily translated from the French), Jill's artwork is a very faithfull copy of the style.</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">By this point, I think she had really got into the swing of the covers. The first time I saw this cover I thought it was enchanting - my kids have said the same. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">A big apology for all of you who follow this blog - I have literally been working round the clock on other projects, and something had to give! I will do my best to bring you some new things soon.<br /></span>Thin Puffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05466641087245489524noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4473727942179778562.post-42087749088998810812009-06-23T12:15:00.001+01:002009-06-23T22:48:41.523+01:00Puffin Post Vol.13 No.3<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizRhWL-HbEZJuRnYNWfra6O0YFIwrE3U507JwO-X2D_0jW-ndemyTAft1CPGhTRwih2Q_olQNYyufG_yEeVn52ns_nuy7g6B_rH8xQ1CWxpjtgGNphdDDLSHxlP-4VonjEjcxESpvcmx4/s1600-h/Puffin+Post+vol13+no3.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 232px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizRhWL-HbEZJuRnYNWfra6O0YFIwrE3U507JwO-X2D_0jW-ndemyTAft1CPGhTRwih2Q_olQNYyufG_yEeVn52ns_nuy7g6B_rH8xQ1CWxpjtgGNphdDDLSHxlP-4VonjEjcxESpvcmx4/s320/Puffin+Post+vol13+no3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350264145246550386" border="0" /></a>Slightly out of season, but fun none-the-less.<br /><br />Featuring a short story by Leon Garfield, and in depth guide on how a book is published by Felicity Trotman, a centre spread on mask making, a profile of author Dorothy Crayder, a charming piece by Violet Bibby on finding Treasure (stories) from the past and photos from two forthcoming adaptations - Southern TV's 'The Ravelled Thread' and BBC TV's 'The Enchanted Castle'.<br /><br />Not a bad little collection!Thin Puffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05466641087245489524noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4473727942179778562.post-68157232913025423402009-06-16T12:45:00.001+01:002009-06-16T12:45:00.713+01:00Puffin Post Vol.8 no.4<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFgwMlX5f8mrHO6BadCTcbeov1yj1hRq_gaip3bxz44Esvw9DI4GQWh4AueUVP34V7xjpoSTVN9EFKTc64L7G8b9nQp4hqbhc04C9ydn_AIcLMteKiB-W3pcBhJVI0_DZ7kY_YNSRrKJg/s1600-h/PP+vol8+no4.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 230px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFgwMlX5f8mrHO6BadCTcbeov1yj1hRq_gaip3bxz44Esvw9DI4GQWh4AueUVP34V7xjpoSTVN9EFKTc64L7G8b9nQp4hqbhc04C9ydn_AIcLMteKiB-W3pcBhJVI0_DZ7kY_YNSRrKJg/s320/PP+vol8+no4.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5345292939183792354" border="0" /></a>Another amazing Quentin Blake cover - you will probably have seen this one as part of the publicity for the new club. It's certainly a vivid piece of work, and again, one of my favourites.<br /><br />Slightly drier content in this one! A historical story by Barbara Willard entitled 'Save England!', a story 'The Siege of Trapp's Mill' by Annabel Farjeon, A piece about the author John Masefield (<span style="font-style: italic;">The Midnight Folk etc.</span>), and a more adventurous tale by Peter Dickinson -'Up and Beyond'.<br /><br />Jill McDonald has two nice scale pieces - Part 6 of Odways 'Tales of the Golden Fleas' and a short-lived character 'McDonald McDonald' - the arch detector of useless (but fascinating) information.Thin Puffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05466641087245489524noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4473727942179778562.post-11637272303861041182009-06-09T12:33:00.004+01:002009-06-09T12:44:53.971+01:00Puffin Post Vol.11 no.1<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgir9aplof2-1R-oKXKp15RWeKA_85MdAH0cya6voEB2ShDwtRZCaUxUu_ZSQ7GW2N7aJmUhuhFT5l5WY50xM5OKDFAU9kQej4BCUpouGTx3w67Ze9R_QACmL5tymhfDyU1MF_H0GaufhQ/s1600-h/PP_vol11_no1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 230px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgir9aplof2-1R-oKXKp15RWeKA_85MdAH0cya6voEB2ShDwtRZCaUxUu_ZSQ7GW2N7aJmUhuhFT5l5WY50xM5OKDFAU9kQej4BCUpouGTx3w67Ze9R_QACmL5tymhfDyU1MF_H0GaufhQ/s320/PP_vol11_no1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5345289795017513282" border="0" /></a>A great one for anniversary fever! This issue included a brief history of the club up till that point as well as Jill McDonalds memories of drawing Fat Puffin (previously posted). Also included was a short birthday story by Elisabeth Beresford, a piece about Ponies by <span style="font-style: italic;">Flambards</span> author Kathleen Peyton and an interview with Jan Pienkowski.<br /><br />Bundled in with the magazine was the 10th Birthday Exhibition announcement with a special board game called 'Swoop' designed by Merlin Southwell printed on the back - not many have survived!Thin Puffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05466641087245489524noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4473727942179778562.post-5366299058585205792009-05-26T19:36:00.001+01:002009-05-26T19:36:00.425+01:00Puffin Post Vol.3 No.4<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgycpV5-iaZD4o6P73ZUmeDAFZBV8pLdCH-sXvJP0SYXzJiiNVdY-0RcWLJ9YIWCEl0rJNJ-k4oMwyKWF0gH4xfXsYZi-yy9HIyK05eqyiddwIjytTe_DKRU1O7QbYbIgD-3Xv0uwsgLWU/s1600-h/Puffin+Post+Vol3+No4.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 231px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgycpV5-iaZD4o6P73ZUmeDAFZBV8pLdCH-sXvJP0SYXzJiiNVdY-0RcWLJ9YIWCEl0rJNJ-k4oMwyKWF0gH4xfXsYZi-yy9HIyK05eqyiddwIjytTe_DKRU1O7QbYbIgD-3Xv0uwsgLWU/s320/Puffin+Post+Vol3+No4.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5338379221230625538" border="0" /></a><br />Okay, this isn't a typical spring/summer image, but it's so full of wit and humour - I defy anyone who says this doesn't offer something for all ages.Thin Puffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05466641087245489524noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4473727942179778562.post-8737593357694785342009-05-21T14:55:00.004+01:002009-05-21T15:04:47.034+01:00Long time, no blog...<span style="font-family: arial;">Hello Puffin Bloggers - sorry to have been away for so long, I'm afraid my other work has been taking all of my attention lately. Goodness know what I'll do if it really takes off!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">Anywho, here is a little restoration that I've been working on: The Puffin Readers Diary 1979!</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9dut1KFe12bwfsf-gwTWayMVWErakJy4Yn4xJh7pEQQhMrav66hmCBynUho96dIDjE9Xf1uvuv6_BKDdCJDrDPXtHICRhz7-cY0S13YZDOv7L-kLA4h9k4JUAGpHOugkwZTJRZtv2fGI/s1600-h/PCDIARY1979(C)SHASSAN_MAY2009.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 206px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9dut1KFe12bwfsf-gwTWayMVWErakJy4Yn4xJh7pEQQhMrav66hmCBynUho96dIDjE9Xf1uvuv6_BKDdCJDrDPXtHICRhz7-cY0S13YZDOv7L-kLA4h9k4JUAGpHOugkwZTJRZtv2fGI/s320/PCDIARY1979(C)SHASSAN_MAY2009.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5338276290621135554" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">This delightful cover was not very good at keeping its Gold and Green foil intact - mine was very worn. I hope that other owners of this little work of art allow me the license of approximating the look of the complete foil image. This is one of my favourite Jill McDonald ephemeral images. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">I now have a cache of scans to work through, so I hope to resume normal service.</span>Thin Puffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05466641087245489524noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4473727942179778562.post-50529547208900073312009-04-06T10:05:00.005+01:002009-04-06T10:25:16.191+01:00Puffin Cake?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0PAbTpuTB87hlYygb1PBNSaPZYQK6zNGyjq3jjQr3jZDjo7DWpmzexwgiVcMNRb2AQiZiartE0Lm5BZnVjsjspw0RjUx4FsrailJOi7htzKRB_wnHC-txeh62ieE-aY9ki_XwWr8L6K0/s1600-h/PuffinCake_(C)S_Hassan.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 286px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0PAbTpuTB87hlYygb1PBNSaPZYQK6zNGyjq3jjQr3jZDjo7DWpmzexwgiVcMNRb2AQiZiartE0Lm5BZnVjsjspw0RjUx4FsrailJOi7htzKRB_wnHC-txeh62ieE-aY9ki_XwWr8L6K0/s320/PuffinCake_(C)S_Hassan.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321502129333670338" border="0" /></a><br />I admit this isn't an original Jill McDonald work - it's mine! My youngest daughter just turned six and requested a Puffin cake! (I don't know where she gets it from!) My freehand icing isn't the greatest, but here is my attempt based on the badge design by Jill.<span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 102);">*</span><br /><br />One nice consequence of doing this was discovering that the parent of one of her friends was also a member of the Puffin Club - now a teacher!<br /><br />I was also contacted by another founder member who had come across this site - sadly she only had one letter from another member on club stationary as a memento. She also has a polaroid of her as a child in her bedroom with one of the (now very) rare Puffin Bookcases. These were a short run item that could be bought at selected Puffin outlets around the country. As far as I have been able to find out, these are excessively difficult to find as they tended to get thrown out when the Puffin books were outgrown - or didn't survive moves.<br /><br />I'm sure there are some still out there in varying states of repair - hold on to them! They are going to increase in value.<br /><br />After careful consideration (despite asking permission), I have chosen not to post the picture, as I feel it would be inappropriate. I will locate one of the photos that were taken for Puffin Post as this shows it very clearly.<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 102);font-size:78%;" >*I have removed my daughters name electronically for her protection!</span>Thin Puffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05466641087245489524noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4473727942179778562.post-85275643183666266492009-04-02T14:39:00.006+01:002009-04-06T10:23:03.691+01:00Another successful restoration...Puffin Mugs!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLhjml8NYsRtDZmmnbagDmH8OckdrCjXdBHgnE-opWbnc88QGUp2Yujw_ppkziTlvIMgH4SNa7KLwHcJB5NN21XUszN47o3QfmS0o0iK5sL7BiVX1ywUFLHZgoQhC8_u_kH12ToL_oePU/s1600-h/Puffmugs_sh_copyright.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLhjml8NYsRtDZmmnbagDmH8OckdrCjXdBHgnE-opWbnc88QGUp2Yujw_ppkziTlvIMgH4SNa7KLwHcJB5NN21XUszN47o3QfmS0o0iK5sL7BiVX1ywUFLHZgoQhC8_u_kH12ToL_oePU/s320/Puffmugs_sh_copyright.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5320088540429368578" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family: arial;">This is something I have wanted to do for a while!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">My lovely puffin mug (the one on the right) that was accidentally smashed by my eldest when she was little (the </span><span style="font-family:arial;">restored graphic was one of my first postings!) and then stuck together with sellotape and modeling resin has been useless for anything other than storing bits and pieces - until now!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: arial;font-family:arial;" >My youngest is quite taken with the whole 'Puffin Thing' and loves Fat Puffin, asked if she could make a different coloured image - easy on most image manipulation software - and then asked for a mug for her birthday. I finally sent both image files to the nice people at </span><a style="font-family: arial;" href="http://www.tshirtstudio.com/">tshirtstudio.com</a> who did a sterling job, turning it around in 48 hours!!<br /><br /><span style="font-family: arial;font-family:arial;" >So I had the pleasure of drinking my tea from a treasured classic - as did my youngest!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Thanks Guys!</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);font-size:78%;" >Please don't ask me to make these up for any of you! The copyright issues are hideous!!</span><br /></span>Thin Puffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05466641087245489524noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4473727942179778562.post-24426549981085344672009-03-19T21:43:00.004+00:002009-03-19T21:51:30.850+00:00Sorry I've been away...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGXMT0coMtZEvp1Fkh0XpAih-kAP_nelafW6mrLn7qEk6YFI6Vya70OnCIehWUynaJoDny_3ZpifO7kc6qKAuyboa2_SmL4m2XaEnGivhi_tItIXymt7k4SQvTbDhTp3CZZi_50K4NYqc/s1600-h/I+love+fat+puffin+2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 250px; height: 256px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGXMT0coMtZEvp1Fkh0XpAih-kAP_nelafW6mrLn7qEk6YFI6Vya70OnCIehWUynaJoDny_3ZpifO7kc6qKAuyboa2_SmL4m2XaEnGivhi_tItIXymt7k4SQvTbDhTp3CZZi_50K4NYqc/s320/I+love+fat+puffin+2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5315017938223503506" border="0" /></a><br />It's been kind of hectic of late - non Puffin related. This was a sticker that was handed out to old Puffineers. This is another example from Ruths collection. If I can sort out the current stresses, normal service will be resumed shortly.<br /><br /><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 78%;">Image from the collection of Ruth - Founder member 1487 - Restored S. Hassan March 2009</span>Thin Puffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05466641087245489524noreply@blogger.com0