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Original poster

Are Wombles real??

256 replies

fucketynamechanged · 13/05/2018 00:52

Just had an argument with a friend... is there an actual species called Wombles or were they made up creatures?

Thank you

OP posts:
Thread gallery
16
TheNoodlesIncident · 13/05/2018 22:07

I have a copy of The Wombles by Elisabeth Beresford. They looked like little teddy bears. Clearly just not quirky enough as they stood. I liked the way their snouts looked like velvet.

I did not have a single item of decor featuring a Womble and feel cheated, to be honest.

Are Wombles real??
TyneTeas · 13/05/2018 22:07

I miss my lampshade!

Shockers · 13/05/2018 22:08

I had the bag with the printed womble (seen here in red- mine was blue). It cost 75p, and was displayed in a shop window in Thornton- Cleveleys. I coveted it for several weeks before I’d saved enough, but boy was I proud to carry it when it became mine!

Are Wombles real??
Shockers · 13/05/2018 22:09

Mine was the photograph print.

Shockers · 13/05/2018 22:11

I had that copy too, Noodles 😊.

Japanesejazz · 13/05/2018 22:25

I left Uncle Bulgaria on a train and never saw him again. I blame my parents though as I was only 6 at the time. They purchased a soft toy replacement to try and console me. It wasn’t the same. I punish them by refusing to allow them to dispose of the soft toy. It lives on their spare bed, and has done for 30 years since I left home. I like to think it reminds them to always remember all of your luggage when departing the train.

Bagadverts · 13/05/2018 22:26

Don't know how to nominate for classics but support any applications.

OvergroundWomblingFree · 13/05/2018 22:31

@Japanesejazz  you can be reunited!!!!

@GreatUncleBulgariaWomble is a mumsnetter!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Hurrah 😁

Japanesejazz · 13/05/2018 22:39

😂

TattyFrench · 13/05/2018 22:55

The Wombles used to be in the Isle of Wight zoo until 1945 (where Elizabeth Beresford used to live). When the zoo closed for refurbishment the Wombles disappeared (its thought that Alan Greenington (big in animal conservation at the time, now dead) smuggled them in the Red Funnell ferry and took them to his home in Ravensbourne (v. near Wimbledon as the crow flies). They stayed there in captivity until Alan got eaten by Ethel (pet tiger) and, as legend has it, they had to survive as best they could until they realised they could actually walk out of the front door. So off they went, in 1948, they took the 48 bus (hoping to try and get to Southampton - and thus the Red Funnel to the IOW) but when it stopped at Wimbledon Common, Tobermory saw a bottle of Coca Cola and jumper off. The others were in two minds but they had (and still do have) an 'All for one and one for all!' philosophy so they all jumped ship (bus) and have been there ever since.

OvergroundWomblingFree · 13/05/2018 23:29

@Bagadverts you report the thread to nominate and request they move it

Japanesejazz · 13/05/2018 23:51

I bet whoever told the OP that wombles weren’t real feels pretty silly right now

TattyFrench · 13/05/2018 23:53

The only animal that isn't real is a Dodo, and that's not even an animal.
Oh, and hippopotamus', they're not real. I thought they were until last week!

TyneTeas · 13/05/2018 23:53

Wombles are as real as we believe them to be Smile

MiddleClassProblem · 13/05/2018 23:54

What happened to Ethel?

TattyFrench · 14/05/2018 00:02

MiddleClassProblem she disappeared and was last seen in the 1970's having tea at Lucy's house. I think the Wombles are sheltering her. Have you not heard of the Tiger of Wimbledon? I actually think it's a panther that's been reported but I think it's Ethel wearing a bin liner. Or a duffel coat.

TyneTeas · 14/05/2018 00:25

The Womble that came to tea?

MiddleClassProblem · 14/05/2018 00:33

Gosh, it’s lucky she didn’t venture to Richmond Park. Bambi meets Game of Thrones comes to mind.

TattyFrench · 14/05/2018 00:35

The Womble (who was really a Tiger) that came to tea. Wombles love tea, builders' tea though not dishwater tea.
Wombles are vegetarian though, so no ham sandwiches. They love Heinz Sandwich Spread.

TattyFrench · 14/05/2018 00:38

I believe Ethel was really quite domesticated, and had she entered into Richmond Park, she'd have been more likely to head for the cafe than the deer. The Wombles often holiday in Bushy Park and I've never heard of and fracas between them and the deer.

MiddleClassProblem · 14/05/2018 00:44

Quite domesticated or quite domesticated? She did eat Alan after all...

TattyFrench · 14/05/2018 00:53

My Great Aunt's Aunt, Madurese, who knew Alan closely (lots of hushed whispers behind closed doors) thinks there was another party involved in the eating of Alan. This has never been confirmed but Cecil the younger alludes to sautéing and garlic being used so I think it was a step up from gnawing in a leg. The Wombles were completely exonerated, although I think Tomermory did 'time' in Wandsworth prison but a High Injuction was ordered.

missnevermind · 14/05/2018 00:56

I met a womble once.
It was hiding behind a tree at the top of our road. I was about 10 I think Mum saw it too.

VerbenaBorensis · 14/05/2018 01:02

Brilliant question! I met them on Wimbledon Common-seriously! They were in their outfits and had a house/cave made of newspapers.I have a photo of me with them somewhere. Anyone else on here that went? Was a long time ago..
SERIOUSLY (I'm not mad! )

MrMagnoliasBoot · 14/05/2018 01:48

Well this is the reason I shouldn't read Mumsnet after a drink! Is it me? Is it the thread backsway slowly and will check if this shit is real in the morning