Thank goodness no more silly hats

[max Headroom]

Changing of the guard: bearskins to go
September 2, 2008

Queen's guards set for change of headgear
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LONDON: They are an iconic London sight, as familiar to the tourist as Big Ben and Tower Bridge. But the days of the shiny black bearskin helmets worn by the Queen's ceremonial guards at Buckingham Palace might be numbered.

It appears that the anti-fur activists, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, have scored a win with a proposal to enlist some of Britain's best-known designers to create a synthetic helmet gaining the ear of the Government. Baroness Taylor, the Minister for Defence Procurement, has agreed to meet PETA representatives to phase out the bearskin helmets.

The designers Stella McCartney and Vivienne Westwood are said to be part of the push.

A Minister of Defence spokesman told the Telegraph that a meeting with PETA would occur but refused to confirm negotiations.

"The MoD is not opposed to the use of synthetic materials as an alternative to bearskins, provided such materials meet the requirement for a high-quality product that performs adequately in all weather conditions. Regrettably, a suitable alternative continues to prove elusive," he said.

The helmets, which are made with the fur of Canadian black bears, have been a target of environmental campaigners for years.

They are worn by regiments of the Grenadier, Welsh, Scots, Irish and Coldstream Guards, members of the Foot Guards guarding the Queen.

They have been worn since the Battle of Waterloo, taken as a badge of honour by the Grenadier Guards after defeating Napoleon's bearskin-wearing Imperial Guard.

[anna]

I didnt relise that them hats were made with the fur of Canadian black bears, ..
=D> =D> respect to those who made a stand to change it ..

[cushy butterfield]

I dont undertstand why they dont use the skins of the black bears that we hunt over here. Every year around this time hunters can get a license to hunt and can nab a deer (buck) and a bear if they get it. Its not a hunt for sport, whatever is killed is butchered and used. Deer meat, moose meat and bear are all delicious and very good for you, hardly any fat. Its a way of life over here. The black bear too is mainly on the east coast of Canada. The bears are not killed just for their fur to be used in making hats..............

[Globalmyths]

Why not Davy Crockett used to hunt and kill bear.

[anna]

The helmets, which are made with the fur of Canadian black bears, have been a target of environmental campaigners for years.
.
well i dont know much about the subject ,,but it obviously a strong campaign for some reason ..?

[Jarrow Pete]

Why not Davy Crockett used to hunt and kill bear.

When he was only three.

[cushy butterfield]

All anti fur activists target anyone wearing fur. I dont agree with killing an animal just for their skin, or just for sport. But when you hunt and use the animal for food etc there is no reason why you cannot then use the skin!

[anna]

If its a case of survival, that goes without saying ,,but to kill a Beast purely for its Fur to be used to make Hats ,Coats,whatever is wrong ...there are lots of man made materials now ,there is no need to Kill just for that purpose alone .....
Max ,ive had a look at the work these people do ,,and they have discovered some shocking storys of animals suffering ,,its so sad