Here are the photographs taken by Cecil Maces of all the families resident in and around Primrose Glade (along with some of Cecil's observations!)
Please note: names in "quotes" have been made up by me, all others are official characters.
"Hello, my name is Cecil Maces. I have been travelling around Sylvania photographing weddings big and small, but I am currently on an extended visit to my parents in Primrose Glade.
Actually, I am nursing a broken heart following a brief romance with a very beautiful mouse, but that is another story....
Whilst I am here Eleanor Bramble has commissioned me to take family portraits of all the residents of Primrose Glade, and it is proving to be a unique opportunity to get to know everyone."
Maces mouse family
First up, a picture of myself with my parents Laura and Ashley Maces (taken using my camera's very clever timer function, in a studio set up in the attic of their cottage). They used to run a department store in the City, but my brother Spencer has taken over now and they have retired to Primrose Glade where they have converted the old family Field View Windmill into an orphanage.
l-r: Laura, Cecil, Ashley
Bramble hedgehog family
Next, of course, I had to take a picture of our unofficial Mayoress Eleanor Bramble. As well as taking care of so many of Primrose Glade's important matters, she also runs a busy tailor and dressmaker's business, along with her husband Mortimer.
Eleanor is busier than ever these days... this is actually an updated family photograph of the Brambles, which now includes their newest addition, little Bilberry. Luckily, along with his older siblings, Abigail and Maxwell, Bilberry loves being in the sewing room, especially curling up in the scraps of fabric!
Eleanor is busier than ever these days... this is actually an updated family photograph of the Brambles, which now includes their newest addition, little Bilberry. Luckily, along with his older siblings, Abigail and Maxwell, Bilberry loves being in the sewing room, especially curling up in the scraps of fabric!
l-r: Abigail, Mortimer, Maxwell, Bilberry, Eleanor
Mortimer's younger brother Maurice recently joined his family in Primrose Glade, where he and his new wife Lillian are running a much-appreciated pizza delivery service. They are also busy with new arrivals - twins Hazel and Honey.
l-r: "Maurice", Hazel, Honey, "Lillian"
Hazelnut dormouse family
Along with the Brambles and the McBurrows, the Hazelnuts are one of the founding families of Primrose Glade. Sidney Hazelnut makes beautiful handcrafted beds, and his wife Mona complements them with intricate quilts and bedding. Their children Otto and Odette love to help by testing what they have made!
l-r: Mona, Otto, Odette, Sidney
McBurrows mole family
Such a happy little family! Digger grows all their own fruit and veg, with help from son Muddy, while little Molly is in charge of the flower beds. Mother Heidi keeps their little cottage spotless, and also helps at the orphanage.
l-r: Digger, Molly, Muddy, Heidi
Buckley red deer family
Agatha Buckley is an old University friend of Eleanor Bramble's and runs the village school along with her husband Rupert. Their daughters are both very sporty, Maria is a champion swimmer and Millie is a keen cyclist. Son Freddie is a budding artist.
l-r: Rupert, Agatha, Freddie, Maria, Millie
Dappledawn fawn rabbit family
Poppy was the first member of her family to move to Primrose Glade, lodging with the McBurrows so that she could attend the village school. Mother Theodora and father Herbage soon followed, setting up an outward-bound holiday business in Primrose Woods. Tilly and Radish are both nearly old enough to attend school too. Now Grandma Hazel and cousin Rhianna have joined them as well.
l-r: Herbage, Theodora, Tilly, Radish, Poppy, Rhianna, Hazel
Reynard fox family
Roxy, a teaching assistant at the school, loves the peacefulness of Primrose Glade and the surrounding countryside, especially sharing quiet picnics with her son Baden. Her daughter Mikaela also enjoys the great outdoors but is much more loud and lively! Her best friend and cheerleading partner, Ruby Sparkle, has no family of her own and so lives with the Reynards too.
l-r: Baden, Roxy, Mikaela, Ruby Sparkle
Neptune sea otter family
Caspian and Narrisa Neptune live down at Neptune Cove, a short bike ride through Primrose Woods down to the coast. There, with their children Shelly and baby Sandy, they give wildlife-spotting tours of the coastline on their lovely boat Marita May.
l-r: Narissa, Sandy, Shelly, Caspian
Sainsbury bear family
John Sainsbury set up a small grocer shop in Primrose Glade, and after a whirlwind romance, married Mariana, his pen-pal from Sugarbush Valley. It is no secret that they long for a child to complete their happiness.
l-r: "Mariana", John
Harvey-Keats cat family
Joyes and Bert Harvey used to run a busy supermarket in the City but have retired to Primrose Glade and adopted little Abbie Keats, who is Poppy Dappledawn's best friend and Maypole dancing partner. The Harveys are good friends with the Sainsburys and are always happy to help out in the shop.
l-r: Joyes Harvey, Abbie Keats, Bert Harvey
Snow-Warren rabbit family
Clarence and Lettuce run a busy Bed & Breakfast located in the dunes at Neptune Cove. They always say they couldn't do it without the help of Grandfather Bernard, who is a DIY expert, and Grandmother Edith who keeps an eye on the children, Lucky, Sophie and baby Alice.
l-r: Clarence, Lettuce, Alice, Sophie, Lucky, Edith, Bernard
Mulberry raccoon family
Edward Mulberry was persuaded by his old friend Mortimer Bramble to move to Primrose Glade when he needed a quiet place for his toy-making workshop. There he produces beautiful toys, many of which are sold in the village toyshop, along with his wife Sophia's handmade ragdolls. At the time of this portrait, Edward's parents Mildred and George were visiting Primrose Glade to celebrate their grandson Jimi's birthday, but they will soon be off again, touring Sylvania in their motorbike and sidecar!
l-r: George, Mildred, Edward, "Jimi", "Sophia"
Tailbury dog family
It really is sweet to see this little family together. Tam and his Grandma Jacqueline are devoted to each other.
l-r: Jacqueline, Tam
The Orphans
Next in the studio was the amazing Karen Hazelwood and her current brood. I have got to know these little ones pretty well, as my parents gave our Field View Windmill to become the orphanage and they like to be involved in the running of the place. Ingrid and Yvette are such lovely young ladies, and a great help with the babies, their little brother Elliot and his playmate Jack. Andromeda and Hollie are inseparable, and love to play tea-parties, and twins Hannah and Micheal are always dressing up, even for this photo!
l-r: Micheal and Hannah Kennelworth, Andromeda Petite, Hollie Wildwood, Karen Hazelwood, "Elliot", Ingrid and Yvette Blackberry, "Jack" Appleblossom
Petite bear family
Pete, our village postman, rushed straight here after work, so that his niece Andromeda could join him for his portrait. Pete traveled to Primrose Glade when he heard his niece was in the Orphanage, determined to offer her a home with him, despite being unmarried with a busy job. However, little Andromeda refused to be parted from her best friend Hollie and after much discussion with Karen Hazelwood, it was decided that Andromeda would be better off staying at the Orphanage. Despite being a little relieved, Pete was devastated at the thought of leaving Andomeda, so he was thrilled when Eleanor Bramble suggested he become Primrose Glade's postman and clear all the mail from her kitchen table!
l-r: Pete, Andromeda
Butler bear family
Stan and Olive Butler also rushed here straight from work! Stan drives the Woodland Bus which connects Primrose Glade with the rest of Sylvania, and Olive is the conductor.
l-r Olive, Stan
Buttercup cow family
Angus and Bessie Buttercup are joint owners, along with the Dale sheep family, of Butterdale Farm on the outskirts of Primrose Glade. Now that they are retired (in theory anyway!) they love to explore the local footpaths, and have even set up the Primrose Glade Rambler's Club, which many of the village's senior critterzens belong to. Here they are pictured with their son Penleigh and his wife Elsie, who sells ice-cream made from milk produced on the farm, along with their baby, Cheddar.
l-r: Angus, Bessie, Elsie, Cheddar, Penleigh
Dale sheep family
The Dales co-own Butterdale Farm along with the Buttercup family. Wesley and Dove planted the original orchard there when they were first married. Now it is their son Moss who is the fruit expert. When Penliegh Buttercup married Elsie, Moss fell for her best friend Dolly who also rides around on her bike, selling candyfloss. Together they have baby Emma, who is the apple of Grandma Dove's eye! Their daughter Wendy has just returned from agricultural college and is diversifying the farm into growing vegetables.
l-r: Wendy, Wesley, Dove, Dolly, Emma, "Moss"
Brighteyes rabbit family
Marion is an extremely busy lady, running the Blackcurrant Cafe (her blackcurrant cheesecake is delicious!). But she is totally devoted to her two daughters, Charlotte and Olivia, - who insisted on wearing their bridesmaid dresses from their cousin's wedding.
l-r: Charlotte, Marion, Olivia
Waters beaver family
This shy family live a quiet life near the river deep in Primrose Woods, harvesting timber for use as building materials. They visit the village once a week for Wade to make deliveries and Nancy to do her shopping. Roger and Misty told me they are nervous but excited about starting school next term.
l-r: Roger, Misty, Wade, Nancy
Walnut squirrel family
Cedric is Primrose Glade's village administrator, helping Eleanor Bramble keep everything in order. Although he is very conscientious about subjects such as roads and utilities, he freely admits it is organising events such as the May Day celebrations which really get him excited! Yardley works in the Beauty Salon, and is one of the most elegant ladies in Primrose Glade. When I took this picture, their younger children Saffron and Ralph were away on a school camping trip, but they confided that they were enjoying the time with just Tess, who will soon being going away to study Music.
l-r: Yardley, Tess, Cedric
Slydale fox family
The Slydales run the Hardware Store in Primrose Glade, selling tools, building materials, kitchen utensils and other household goods. Just as valuable as the items they sell is the advice they dispense. Slick is a very knowledgeable chap, both about his stock and how to use it, and all sorts of other general information. Velvette is extremely proud of her bargain-hunting abilities and only sells products which offer great value for money. You might have noticed the cast on Buster's ankle, apparently his latest adventure saw him fall out of a tree! Scarlet informed me that they spend a lot of time at the Country Clinic, but that she doesn't mind as she gets to read all the latest magazines in the waiting area!
l-r: Velvette, Scarlet, Buster, Slick
Porridge bear family
The Porridges are new to Primrose Glade, but everyone knows who they are, especially the children - they have opened a toy shop! Many of the toys sold there are made by the Mulberrys, but Cuthbert is also an expert toymaker and Jack loves to help with the painting of the wooden toys. Lauren is the business brain and ensures the shop runs smoothly and stays tidy. She also helps many of the other village businesses with their accounts. Chloe likes to help in the shop and is great at helping find just the right toy for each child.
l-r: Chloe, Cuthbert, Lauren, Jack
Huckleberry hound dog family
The Huckleberrys are a family of bookworms! Hatty has converted the old school building into a library and Hubert Alan publishes The Primrose Post, the village newspaper. Dennis writes his own section - Kids Corner - full of jokes and puzzles, and Esme reads at least a book a week, and tells me she is working on her own novel.
l-r: Dennis, Hatty, Esme, Hubert Alan
Fletcher Border Collie family
Stanley Fletcher and his wife Petunia lead most of the outdoor learning at Berry Grove School, where the children all love their boundless energy and imaginative activities. Scott is a keen cross country runner and little Jodie loves to play hide-and seek with her best friends Esme Huckleberry and Karen Doughty.
l-r: Stanley, Petunia, Scott, Jodie
Doughty Chiffon dog family
Delia and Gordon are the most wonderful chefs, but they have given up their famous restaurant in the city so that their children Karen and David can grow up and go to school in the idyllic countryside of Primrose Glade. They are putting their skills to good use however - they are the new school cooks. The school children of Primrose Glade will be the best fed in Sylvania!
l-r: Gordon, David, Karen, Delia
Chocolate rabbit family
It seemed inevitable that some of the famous Chocolate rabbit family would eventually move to Primrose Glade! Rhys and Patricia have spent much of their lives travelling Sylvania, but they have settled in the village to take care of their three granddaughters - Peppermint, who is a fashion student, Freya, the friendliest little girl EVER, and the extreamly cute baby Creme
l-r: Peppermint, Rhys, Patricia, Creme, Freya
Timbertop bear family
Taylor Timbertop, one of the best builders in Sylvania, sadly lost his wife last year. With two small children to care for he had not worked since, but needing the money he was been persuaded to take on a very special project for Primrose Glade. Now Berry Grove School is complete we are all very happy that Taylor is going to stay in the village and help build much needed homes and shops. His children Daisy and Burl are shy but adorable.
l-r: Daisy, Taylor, Burl
Columbus seabreeze rabbit family
Lawrence and Doris have arrived in Neptune Cove near Primrose Glade to visit their friends the Neptunes and introduce their new baby Nessie. Tristan and Morgan are very excited as they will be attending Berry Grove School while they are here and have already made lots of friends. Actually the stay may be permanent as the Neptunes are thinking of giving up their boat Marita May and pursuing their dream of building a lighthouse at Neptune Cove. Doris thinks that a boat trip business would be the perfect way for her family to settle down yet still enjoy a life at sea.
l-r: Tristan, Doris, Lawrence, Nessie, Morgan
Underwood badger Family
The Underwoods are a family of travelers, they spend their days driving their horse-drawn caravans along the quiet lanes of Sylvania. These days though, they do call Primrose Glade home and set up camp there for weeks at a time. Benjamin and Beatrix are practical and capable badgers, both able to build or mend almost anything. They sometimes despair over their rather bohemian parents and the whimsical ideas they encourage in the children, but I could clearly see how the whole family is united in their adoration of baby April who is completely charming!
l-r: Beatrix, Mildred, April, Patrick, Benjamin, Bess, Byron
McWalkies West Highland White Terrier family
Dr Bertie McWalkies has been Primrose Glade's village doctor for a number of years now, and recently his nephew Angus and family joined him from the north of Sylvania. They have bought a smallholding and have begun producing breakfast cereals, jams and chutneys - all very delicious additions to our diet here.
l-r: Muriel, Hamish,Janet, Angus, "Bertie"
Nettlefield goat family
Ramsey and Caprina Nettlefield also have a smallholding and with it are almost entirely self-sufficient, having learn the necessary skills for their lifestyle at the commune where they met before moving to Primrose Glade. They and their children, known as Billy and Nanny, live a very quiet and simple life and are rarely seen in the village. Despite this they are known for their kindness and willingness to help their neighbours.
l-r: Ramsey, William, Nanette, Caprina
Sandy striped cat family
Simon and Amelia run a water sports business down at Neptune Cove, very popular with both residents and tourists. Shane and Sabrina are both very active and when they are not in the water they are riding their bikes or exploring the dunes and caves along the coast. The family live in a campervan parked right next to the beach.
l-r: Shane, Sabrina, Simon, Amelia
Moss reindeer family
The Moss family is one of the oldest aristocratic families in Sylvania, and Cameron and Rowena are currently writing a history of the founding families of Sylvania. They are very knowlegable historians and this will be their fourth book about the families, buildings and traditions of Sylvania. The children tell me that they also work together creating stories for children, with Buck writing the words and Juniper doing the illustrations. Maybe they will also be published one day!
l-r: Juniper, Cameron, Rowena, Buck
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