Don’t get tied down – with the troubles of the world

Written by Peter Perkins

The original sea lion tie modelled by Peter at Royal Cornwall Museum

Being an old-fashioned person, I decided to investigate buying a tie with a seal design or motif on it, to wear at more formal occasions, and promote The Seal Research Trust (SRT). Unfortunately, the usual online site-search, named after a river, couldn’t oblige. After searching more research I found the perfect tie, made by a company that created novelty ties. I was delighted and have proudly worn the tie at several seal events. 
People commented how nice it was and asked where I had I got it from. Then disaster - at the recent 25th anniversary event for The SRT, a prominent and respected marine biologist said “lovely tie, but you do know that that is a sea lion on your tie, not a seal?” Horror!

After a few days and several computer searches for a true seal tie, I gave up. I did, however, decide to kindly point out to the company I got the tie from (Ties Planet), that the design was a sea lion, not a seal. 48 hours later I got a very apologetic reply from Andrew. He had immediately changed the tie details description and name on their website, but what is more astounding, he offered to produce a seal tie, if we could provide him with a design.

Step in the great Sue Sayer MBE, who sent off a selection of designs, and offered some commercial connection. The outcome is that this small bespoke company, Ties Planet,  offered to manufacture a limited number of SEAL ties, and are generously donating one to me and some to SRT and may make more in the future if needed.

So, when you think that the world is against you, bear this story in mind. There are wonderful, generous people and companies out there, and… 

THERE IS HOPE FOR HUMANITY ( and SEALS) !

If you would like to purchase a seal tie please click here