Anyone visiting the Friend in Need website recently would have seen a notice saying that no orders could be despatched until mid-September because of staff holidays.  Well, we’re back now, and ready to despatch more hospital gifts!

We spent three weeks touring round Germany and Austria.  We had a great time, though the weather in Austria was decidedly wet, and we even had a little snow – in early September!!  We tried out the new pet passport scheme for the first time and took our dog with us.  She thoroughly enjoyed herself too – especially being allowed into all the shops and restaurants!

One of the highlights was a trip to the Steiff factory and museum in Giengen, Germany.  Cuddly toys are one of our most popular lines at A Friend in Need, so it was particularly interesting to see their range, and their displays of cuddly toys are spellbinding.  It really is worth a visit if you’re ever in that part of Germany.