How Ginger Bear came to be

The South Coast’s much loved Vanessa Howard-Tripp has recently become well-known for her “Adventures of Ginger Bear” stories.

Vanessa’s idea was a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, where she would use the time to tell stories to her grandchildren.

When she isn’t fulfilling her role as Stonecroft chairperson, Vanessa is typing away at her keyboard, preparing her next exciting read.

Ginger Bear covers an array of topics including the weather, school, trips to the beach and even the Holy Trinity.

During the pandemic and stricter lockdown conditions, there was a lot of initial fear surrounding this issue, especially for children.

Vanessa decided to relay information at their level as a means to teach them while diffusing the fear that was projected onto them at the time.

Thanks to her vivid imagination, Vanessa is able to create an entire story from just one picture of Ginger Bear, which she usually takes in different locations.

Vanessa publishes a story daily on her Facebook page, and has received plenty of positive feedback.

She added that the Adventures of Ginger Bear has been read in 13 different countries.

Having lived on the South Coast for 47 years, Vanessa is always keen to promote locals wherever she can.

As a result, she and Ginger Bear sometimes visit different restaurants or public spaces and then include a review in her story.

Vanessa also found that through her positive writing, she started to feel better and stronger, especially when Covid-19 was at its worst.

Ginger Bear along with Vanessa have gathered a respectable readership and are adored by many.

HAVE YOUR SAY

Like the South Coast Herald’s Facebook page follow us on Twitter and Instagram