Frog fan hops into the record books

© Western Daily Press, 9 March 2002

Frogophile Sheila Crown has leapt into the record books on the eve of opening a West museum dedicated to her inanimate amphibians.

The Guinness Book of Records last night confirmed that Sheila has the world's largest collection of frog-related memorabilia.

She did not so much frog-march into the records as bound spectacularly into them after surpassing the previous record holder by more than 8,000 frogs.

It was the perfect lift for Sheila as she prepares to make a giant leap for frogkind by unveiling FrogsGalore, Britain's first museum of froggy collectibles.

She said: 'It's wonderful news - really great. I knew I had thousands more than the previous record holder but it's nice it's now been confirmed.'

A spokesman for the Guinness Book of Records said that Ingegard Samuelsson had held the record for owning the most frog-related items with 2,350.

But now Sheila has jumped in with a whopping 10,502 and is now in line for a mention in next year's Guinness Book of Records.

She registered her entry a few weeks ago but last night her green army had spawned even further to 10,535.

Sheila, who opens FrogsGalore at her home in Baydon near Marlborough on Sunday, said: 'It's growing all the time. There are new arrivals every day - I can't stop collecting them.'

But when it comes to real-life frogs, Sheila's feelings are the exact opposite.

The mother of three screams and runs a mile whever she is confronted by one of the slimy amphibians.

She has been collecting the ornaments and toys for more than 25 years and houses them in a special froggery - a converted 2,700 sq ft granary next to her detached house.

Her collection includes all manner of Kermits, Mr Jeremy Fishers and Toads of Toad Hall.

They are made from glass, china, porcelain, wood, pottery, plastic, copper, brass, leather and various fluffy materials. She owns themed slippers, ties, socks, jewellery, jigsaws, paintings, playing cards and even a lipstick.

They rabnge from a two millimetre silver one to a two metre sporty one playing netball.

Her froggy hobby began in 1976 when she bought an ornamental china frog to go in a green study.

Kermit will cut the tape at FrogsGalore at 11am on Sunday. Entry is free but after that visits will be by arrangement.