Why Did The Squirrel Cross The Road?

Mrs. Clarkson soldiered on and continued to appeal for helpers in Spring 1969. A coffee morning had been held and the profits were being used to buy records and educational aids to continue helping with promoting child safety on the roads. The children had given a demonstration of their knowledge to their mums. Both Tufty merchandise and lingerie could be bought at the fundraiser!!   .

In September 1969 the club resumed its hourly class, still under the guidance of Audrey Clarkson. Its most longstanding members had now left for school and Tufty wished them “very happy school days.” Spaces were again available for 3-5 year olds     .

By the end of 1969 and following on from a Society Evening at the Public Hall, new members had been found. Audrey was clearly not happy at what she called “quite severe criticism in the Press concerning the methods of teaching road safety to children” through the Tufty Club method. She was keen to mention that there were now 4000 clubs across the country. She asked for parents' comments on whether the club was “out of date” and now needed a more “straight approach”. She was keen to debate the topic    .

Time moved on and by the Autumn of 1973, Mrs D Reilly of Westwood Road had taken over the running of the club. It was still at the Public Hall for an hour on the 2nd Thursday of the month. “A child’s safety on our busy roads is very much dependent on good training,” she said. ”Please make every effort, IT IS IMPORTANT”     .

In 1975 Mrs Reilly asked for a new leader to take over and to contact Mr Deacon, Public Road Safety Officer working at Abney Hall in Cheadle.  She described the roads as now having “heavy traffic”     .

After that I can find no other mention of the club in the Contact Magazines, so can only assume no other organiser could be found. Perhaps the idea of a talking squirrel was now seen as old fashioned and dated? RoSPA revamped their figurehead in 1979 and 1993 with more up-to-date graphics. However, all good things come to an end. Today, Tufty memorabilia is still highly sought after and collectible. Have a look in your loft!