WITH a festival of celebration planned for 2022, a famous character illustrated by a famous son of Whitchurch took one last walk around town before hibernation.

The Great She Bear was drawn by Randolph Caldecott, who lived in the town between the age of 15 and 21, where he was working when he sold his first ever drawing to the Illustrated London news in 1861.

He has his own blue plaque outside 46 Great Russell Street in London and is considered a worldwide name, with the awarding of the Caldecott Medal in America.

The illustration, which shows the Bear walking down the High Street with the iconic St Alkmund's Church in the background, provided the inspiration for Thursday walk, when she took steps down Station Road, Green End and back up the High Street.

The Festival will be held on March 19, 2022 – after Covid-19 put paid to the event this year – and promises to be a family-friendly arts event.

Whitchurch Herald:

A spokesman added: "[It's] bringing drawing, music, cartooning, sculpture, performance, writing, illustration, storytelling, crafts, pottery, bell ringing, photography, films, and music, to the town of Whitchurch

"Built from the ground up, in our town, county, and beyond.

"Working with local businesses, clubs, and societies to promote the economy and wellbeing of the town with the vision of making Whitchurch the “go to town” for a family friendly arts festival.

"(We're) encouraging and inspiring young and old people to live their dreams as Caldecott did."

For more about the festival, head to https://www.facebook.com/caldecottfest/