The Followers of Rupert Bear
Official Rupert Bear Society
Members Noticeboard - full list
Below is is s list, newest first, of all relevant items that have appeared on the members' noticeboard.
John Harrold Signing Event in March
We are thrilled to announce that John Harrold will be signing copies ofthe new Followers-exclusive “Second Rupert Storybook” (available to buy on the day) which features his all-new story, “Rupert and Little Derek”. Following the highly popular “Rupert Storybook”, this new volume once again features newly restored and previously-unseen-in-colour stories from Mary Tourtel and Alfred Bestall, as well as the new story from John Harrold. “The Second Rupert Storybook” is published posthumously by, and dedicated to the memory of, John Beck. It is available exclusively to members of the Followers of Rupert. The event will be running alongside the Lewes…
Interview with Stuart Trotter in the Northern Echo
Current Rupert artist Stuart Trotter is almost celebrating 20 magical years of creating Rupert Bear annuals. Since 2008, Stuart has carried on Nutwood’s rich tradition with warmth, imagination, and charm, ensuring Rupert’s adventures continue to delight fans old and new. In light of this the Northern Echo published a interview with Trotter about his work on Rupert. CLICK HERE TO READ THE ARTICLE PUBLISHED ON THE WEBSITE OF THE NORTHERN ECHO My 20 magical years creating the Rupert Bear annuals 27th August 2025, By Peter Barron A County Durham artist is celebrating a milestone, conjuring up the adventures of a…
Notes about the Fun Day 2025
2025 Follower’s AGM and Annual Meeting – Organised by Charles Knape This year’s AGM and annual get together was an amazing and wonderful success. As per last three years we again met up at Warwick University at the Radcliffe Centre for a day of Rupert Fun. What happened Sales, Talks and demononstrations… Throughout the day: Dealers’ Bourse from 9 AM; Origami demonstrations from 10 AM; Stuart Trotter signing pre-ordered Rupert Annuals from 10 AM AGM at 12 Noon; Raffle: Draw at 4:30 PM Buffet: 6:30 PM Talks during the day: Howard Smith: How Rupert survived the Tourtels Mark Manley:…
Rupert mural at Surbiton Station
We were thrilled to hear that a mural of Rupert has been installed at Surbiton Station to celebrate Rupert and Alfred Bestall – who lived in Surbiton for 40 years. Stuart Trotter, who as you know, is the current Rupert Annual artist and new story writer, has created ten 5-foot by 5-foot panels depicting Rupert and his family on a seaside holiday (embarking through Surbiton Station of course). The project is part of the Surbiton Art Trail, organised by visual artist Norman Young, funded by Kingston Council and supported by the Friends of Surbiton Station. In fine Rupert tradition, rhyming…
Rupert and the Art Show
In the latest edition of of the Nutwood Newsletter there’s a flyer of items for sale, including this wonderful booklet version of “Rupert and the Art Show”; printed as an A4 booklet to match our previous story “Rupert and the Water Fairy” this is an ideal way to add this brand new John Harrold story to your collection. The story also appears in the “Rupert Storybook”, copies of which are also listed for sale. If you don’t have the leaflet but are interested in buying this limited edition collector’s item, please email beck3861@gmail.com for details. John Beck’s daughter Melanie will…
In Memoriam: John Beck
Sad News We are desperately sorry to have to tell you that John Beck, who has been a huge figure in The Followers and in Rupert’s world more broadly for decades, died on the 9th March 2025. John had been recovering well from a broken hip, sustained during a fall, but complications set in and overwhelmed him. Those of you who knew John will remember what an enormous personality he was. He was knowledgeable, witty, devoted to Rupert and to The Followers … hard-working, occasionally infuriating, but always a firm friend you could rely on. We’ll publish a longer appreciation…
Mark Manley talks about inspirtation & influence for Rupert Bear
Illustrator and artist Mark Manley talked at our last AGM on August 31, 2024 about his inspirations and influences on his work when illustrating Rupert Bear for the Followers of Rupert society. He took us behind the scenes of his work known from our Nutwood Newsletters and the Rupert Story book. If you weren’t able to attend, his talk is now available to watch back via the link below:
Matthew Heaton
It is with sadness that we have to record the passing of our first ever chairman, Matthew Heaton. It was the early days of the Followers as a Society, and the specific post of Chairman was created. He was very involved in how we now run the society’s affairs and he will be missed by all who knew him. Our current chairman, Roger Coombes, has written an appreciation in the summer edition of the Nutwood Newsletter. We thank Matthew for his work, support and friendship over the past many years and wish his family and relatives much strength with the…
Error in the NN118
Dear Followers, please note te following: In NN118 we have noted in the editorial the death of our fellow follower David Ball. However, this is incorrect! We are very pleased to say he is still alive and well. Our huge, sincere apologies to David for this unfortunate mistake.
20% off all orders made in December
Exclusively for members in the Followers webshop (or by form): Rupert and his chums want to offer all their amazing followers a great Christmas present: 20% off all orders made in December! Just enter code ‘Dec20’ at the checkout or take 20% off your order form. This discount is valid until December 31, 2023. This discount applies to all Followers’ Sales (not all sales). It doesn’t include the Rupert Index, Nutwood map or other items that are not in the main sales catalogue, as is detailed on rear of the catalogue and not included on the main websales page.
Members – Important note
Members – you will have received the Winter Newsletter, no 117. There is an error. Please note that the ‘Castles’ piece on page 32 has been produced by our member Ian White. We apologise to Ian for getting his name wrong. To contact Ian please substitute the surname white in the otherwise correct e.mall address. We have noted this on the Members’ website Newsletters page.
The Archive of Jenny Kisler
In 2020 Jenny Kisler sadly passed away at the age of 84. Her Rupert archive had been kindly handed over to The Followers of Rupert by her children in 2022. The Followers are very grateful for that. At the Followers Fun Day and AGM last september, 2023 her children, Kate and Matt, were present. Kate gave a talk to the Followers about her mother and her work. Not only Rupert related, but also who she was, how she worked as a illustrator and other work she has done beside Rupert. A big part of her archive was also available to…
The restoring and coloring of Rupert and the Weather man
Mark Manley: Restoring and Colouring a Rupert story from 1964 Although it seems unbelievable, it is however a sad fact that there are some Rupert stories in existence who have never appeared in book form. These stories by Alfred Bestall were originally published as strips in the Daily Express, and as such only appeared in the Express. Therefore most of them only have appeared once, in their original run. One of those stories is; ‘Rupert and the Weather Man’ from 1964. Artist and illustrator Mark Manley has spent the past year restoring this story digitally, only with the use of…
Member’s Article in Magazine
Member Roger Coombes penned this splendid article, which appeared in the December 2020 issue of the Magazine The Dust Jacket – the magazine of the London Old Boys’ Book Club. Obviously it is about Rupert, with information familiar to many Followers, but we thought you might like to read it. Download it here:
Radio Interview with John Harrold and Stuart Trotter
Radio Interview with John Harrold and Stuart Trotter
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