Meet Montgomery…
Durban North resident, Sheila Kemp, has kept her teddy, Montgomery, at her side since the age of 13. The Northglen News caught up with Kemp to meet Montgomery, who recently celebrated his 50th birthday
FOR over a century, teddy bears have been loyal companions for children across the globe, easing the fear of thunder storms and fighting off the monsters in their closets. However, when we hit our teens and university life begins to beckon, we tend to forget about our fuzzy best friends.
But this is not the case for Durban North resident, Sheila Kemp, who has kept her teddy, Montgomery, at her side since the age of 13. The Northglen News caught up with Kemp to meet Montgomery, who recently celebrated his 50th birthday.
Montgomery, who remains in excellent condition despite needing some stitching along his paws and neck, was a gift from Kemp’s father, Robert Maule. “I saw Montgomery in a shop owned by family friends. I raved about him for days. Then one day, when I walked into my room after school, he was sitting on my bed,” she said.
“Montgomery has always been a big part in my life. I have cried with him and celebrated so many happy memories with him. When I got married in 1972, my dad wrote me a beautiful letter via Montgomery. Since then, I have also written letters to family and friends on behalf of Montgomery on special occasions. I talk to him and he talks to me. Everyone who knows Montgomery also talks to him. He has become an icon in the family,” she said.
Kemp said her grandsons have grown especially fond of the beloved bear. Montgomery has even been a mascot on their school’s sports day.
“My father had a lovely imagination and encouraged imagination within me. I have done the same with my children and grandchildren, so for Montgomery’s 50th birthday we had a teddy bear picnic. My grandsons brought all their teddies and other stuffed animals. We had cake and candles and had a great time,” she said.
The Kemp, who works as a receptionist, said she wished to share her story of Montgomery with the world as she thought there was so many negativity in the society. “My wish is to encourage wonder, innocence and imagination. Being 50, Montgomery is now old and I have to sew him up here and there, but he has brought me so much joy. I so wish my father had been here to see how he has always been such big part of my life,” she said.
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