At Tambo Teddies, we often receive special requests from customers looking for a gift that is more than just a present. These requests are usually accompanied by beautiful stories of family, love, treasured memories and important milestones.

One such request came from the community of Bollon, who were searching for the perfect gift to celebrate a remarkable 100th birthday. We were commissioned to create a bear with an outfit to celebrate Violet May Taylor’s birthday. More than just a gift, the bear (appropriately named Violet May) is a living tapestry of a century lived with purpose, love, and an unbreakable connection to her family.

Along with the lovely image of Mrs Taylor we were sent the following tribute:

The Fabric of a Century: Merino Wool

Violet May is crafted from the finest Merino wool, a deliberate tribute to the industry that has defined the Taylor family for seven generations.

The wool represents a deep-rooted heritage. The Taylors have been true ambassadors of the land, mastering every craft within the wool industry:

• The Laborers: Shedhands, cooks, shearers, and pressers.
• The Experts: Woolclassers and contractors.
• The Stewards: Primary producers and land managers.

A Hat of Many Roles

Perched upon the bear’s head is a hat, symbolizing the countless “hats” Mrs. Taylor has worn throughout her extraordinary journey. She has been a daughter, sister, aunty, wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother.

Beyond her family, she is the Matriarch and Queen of her domain. She balanced the demanding roles of:

• The Boss Lady: Managing the chaos of the shearing sheds.
• The Professional: Acting as businesswoman and accountant.
• The Heart of the Home: Serving as cook and “Senior Manager of Home Affairs.”

 The Shirt of Many Memories

Perhaps the most precious part of Violet May is her Shirt of Many Colours (complete with matching pantaloons). Inspired by the sentiment of Dolly Parton’s famous coat, this garment is a patchwork of history.

The fabric was harvested from clothing worn by those she loves: Lila, Tupp, Sue, Bub, Dinah, Jenny, Thomas, Phil, and Owen. Every stitch holds a memory, and every pattern tells a story of the family she and Thomas built.

The Whip

To complete the ensemble, Violet May carries a whip. This serves as a cheeky nod to Mrs. Taylor’s strength and authority—the tool required to “keep the family in line” and ensure the Taylor legacy remains steadfast.

A Gift from Bollon

The Bollon community chose this Tambo Teddy because it perfectly bridges the past and the present. It carries the physical weight of history while standing as a joyful companion for the future.

To Violet: Thank you for giving our community the opportunity to celebrate such a joyous milestone. Your life is a thread that strengthens the fabric of our town. May this bear remind future generations of the woman who led with grace, worked with grit, and loved with all her heart.

Isn’t this the most fitting and beautiful gift? So thoughtful and meaningful.

We are sure many tears were shed!