This month in ToyTalk: Golden Bear’s Chairman picks a winner at the National, magic man and Gunners fan Marvin Berglas is honoured at Arsenal and an Olympic hopeful helps Hornby promote its London 2012 range...
TOYTALK NATIONAL PRIDE
Congratulations to Golden Bear chairman John Hales and his family, who will no doubt still be celebrating victory for their horse Neptune Collonges at the Grand National in April. Hales – who is known in the industry for his passion for racing – had an anxious wait as the photo finish was judged, before Neptune Collonges and jockey, Daryl Jacob, were declared the winners. Hales commented: “We are naturally delighted to have won the
Grand National. After the race, my wife was in tears and my daughter was overcome with emotion, as we all know it is one of the most memorable successes we will ever experience on the racecourse. “But despite our own celebrations, our thoughts go out to the stables that have lost horses, as for them it is the saddest of occasions and we understand what they will be feeling at this time.”
TOY GUINNESS WORLD RECORD OF THE MONTH
LARGEST GATHERING OF PLUSH TOYS
The largest gathering of plush toys is 5,664 and was achieved by the Girl Scouts of Southeast Florida (USA) at Roger Dean Stadium in Jupiter, Florida, USA, on September 6th 2008. Corporate.guinnessworldrecords.com
RAISE A BERGLAS (PART 2)
Marvin Berglas has been honoured by Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium. This season marks the 19th consecutive term he has spent as the club’s resident magician. Berglas – owner of Marvin’s Magic – features on one of a number of banners surrounding the podium at the North London ground. Arsenal has chosen 60 past players, celebrity fans and loyal servants/employees to feature. The banners will remain in place all season.
MAY 2012
“As a massive Arsenal fan I was both thrilled and honoured to be recognised in this way,” Berglas said. “Arsenal is a big part of my life, having
supported them all my life, as well as playing in the Arsenal Ex Pro Celebrity XI for 16 seasons. In the past, I have had my face on the big screens at Times Square, featured on the sides of London taxis and even on cereal packs in the States, but as a lifelong Gooner, this is magic.”
While those of us in the UK have been experiencing some rather wet conditions, to say the least, the 50 toys currently on their round the world trip have been enjoying the warmer climes of LA. Here are some of them taking in the sights of Santa Monica, while others visited Hollywood to see the stars’ handprints on the Walk of Fame. The next stop on the trip – which is organised by third party logistics supplier Damco – is Shanghai.