A statement from the owner of Pooh Corner highlights the far-reaching impact of this beloved character: „It’s amazing to have people travel to our little village hidden in the English countryside from all over the world to celebrate Winnie-the-Pooh.“
Commemorating a Century
The 24th of December marks a significant milestone, as it is the 100th anniversary of the debut of one of the most cherished characters in children’s literature, Winnie-the-Pooh. This iconic bear first appeared in the short story titled The Wrong Sort of Bees, published in the London Evening News on December 24, 1925.
Following his initial introduction, Winnie-the-Pooh quickly captured the hearts of audiences around the globe, alongside companions such as Tigger, Christopher Robin, and the game of Pooh sticks. The fictional Hundred Acre Wood is, in fact, based on Ashdown Forest, located in East Sussex, where author A.A. Milne had a country residence.
Economic Impact and Local Celebrations
Pooh’s enduring popularity continues to contribute substantially to the local economy, with a public funding allocation of £450,000 being dedicated to a series of events commemorating this anniversary.
A.A. Milne penned the original Winnie-the-Pooh in 1926, followed by its sequel, The House at Pooh Corner, in 1928. These stories, set in the picturesque Ashdown Forest, have become cultural touchstones.
In 1925, Milne, originally from London, purchased a country home at Cotchford Farm, situated about a mile north of the forest.
Preserving History
One notable landmark is the original bridge where Milne and his son Christopher Robin invented the game of Pooh sticks. Although it deteriorated and was unsafe by the late 1990s, a replica now stands in Ashdown Forest, with the original selling for £131,000 at auction in 2021.
The acquisition of the rights to the stories by Disney in 1961 elevated Pooh’s status, introducing him to new generations of fans.
Tourism and Future Plans
Pooh Corner, established in 1978, serves as both a gift shop and tea room near Pooh Sticks Bridge in Hartfield, showcasing a variety of memorabilia. The founders of Pooh Trek Tours have organized guided walks through the forest since 2018, with about 90 percent of participants coming from outside the UK, particularly from North America.
According to founder Gerry Manser, „The 100th anniversary is an extremely important event for the forest. Without Pooh, one of the most remarkable landscapes in the UK wouldn’t be as well-known.”
Plans for the celebrations include an installation that will transform the forest’s visitor center into a life-sized pop-up book, as well as new walking trails designed to protect sensitive areas within the forest.
Bildquelle: Foto von JUNHYUNG PARK auf Unsplash
