In September's edition:
 A bear-y special statue is coming to Penrith this October - with Penrith taking part in the national Paddington Visits Bench Trail!
The Paddington Visits Bench Trail celebrates the forthcoming release of Paddington in Peru with Paddington Bear statues being dotted on benches in towns and cities across the UK and Ireland for residents and visitors to sit next to and take a picture with!
In June, the Council's Communities Committee agreed to partner with the Penrith BID and Westmorland & Furness Council to help fund bringing the bear to Penrith, whilst also offering one of the Council benches for the Paddington statue to sit on.
Each meticulously crafted and painted statue will sport the wise bear’s signature red hat, blue duffle coat, and, naturally, a marmalade sandwich in paw. Fans, friends, and family can step into Mr. Gruber’s shoes, sit with Paddington for a spot of tea, a sandwich or two, or even write a postcard to Aunt Lucy!
Hilary Snell, Chair of the Communities Committee said:
"I am so pleased that the Council has been able to get Penrith involved in this fun national initiative - giving residents and tourists alike another reason to visit the town centre to see Paddington himself!
"Given Penrith's close proximity to Dalemain, famous for its Marmalade festival, it seemed apt that we would support the idea of bringing Paddington to Penrith - and in doing so - making it the only place in Cumbria to get involved.
"So, make sure to keep a keen eye out whilst out and about in Penrith in October - as you may just find Paddington having a quick bite to eat on one of the Council benches in town!"
A video of the announcement by Actor Hugh Bonneville, who plays Mr. Brown in the film, can also be viewed on the Penrith Town Council website.
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 Penrith Town Council has committed £5,000 to Eden Arts through its Signature Grants Scheme to support the annual Winter Droving event in Penrith.
The Winter Droving draws inspiration from the historic droving tradition, which involved moving livestock from one location to another for trade or grazing purposes.
This year the Winter Droving is in its 13th year! On the 26th October 2024, a magical torchlight procession will round off a day of music, masquerade and magical carnivalesque goings on.
Penrith Town Council Deputy Chair & Deputy Mayor Cllr Danny Smith said:
"The Winter Droving provides an opportunity for residents and visitors to come together, embrace the local culture and enjoy a day of entertainment.
"I am proud that the Council has again, through its Signature Grants Scheme, been able to support this important event for the town - ensuring it has the necessary funding in place to go ahead.
“I hope everyone who attends the event enjoys the night!"
For more information about the Winter Droving 2024, please visit the Eden Arts website.
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The Council has received its external auditors report from Moore UK who has signed off the accounts ending 31 March 2024 with no qualifications stating that the information in Sections 1 and 2 of the Annual Governance and Accountability Return (AGAR) is in accordance with the proper practices and that no other matters have come to their attention giving cause for concern.
The Council has received feedback stating that the level of general reserves are higher than the generally accepted level for smaller authorities, and as such the Council are holding a Councillor Budget Workshop to consider schemes of work which may be funded from the General Reserve.
Penrith Town Council Chair & Penrith Mayor Cllr Doug Lawson said:
"We are pleased to have received a positive report from our independent external auditors confirming that the Council's AGAR is in accordance with proper practice.
"We now see the opportunity to commit a proportion of our reserves as part of a process to bring benefit to Penrith - as we hope to agree some projects across the town."
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Penrith Town Council is pleased to welcome an international conference on medieval castles!
The conference is organised by the 'Colloques Chateau Gaillard', a collective of archaeologists and historians which comes together every two years. Whilst the event is not open to the public, we welcome Penrith being used as their chosen location to explore the castles of Cumbria. Some days will be dedicated to the presentation of academic papers reporting recent research on castles in different parts of Europe whilst on others they will enjoy visiting the stunning castle sites in Cumbria including our own Penrith Castle and nearby Brougham Castle!
Councillor Val Bowen is standing in for the Penrith Mayor and Penrith Deputy Mayor in welcoming the delegates to the town.
At its meeting of Full Council on Monday 23 September 2024, the Council's Environment Task and Finish Group's Environment Plan was approved.
The Environment Task and Finish Group was established to investigate, discuss and consider options and measures to reduce and mitigate against environmental matters of concern.
The task and finish group has been meeting over a period of time and has focused its work on key themes including air pollution, air quality, light pollution, waste and recycling and rivers and watercourses.
Council considered a draft Environment Plan brought by the Task and Finish Group and agreed a period of one months consultation for Councillors and the wider community to submit their comments on the draft plan. The Council received a total of 100 responses to this consultation. The consultation responses were considered by the Task and Finish Group and informed the groups work, to produce a revised draft Environment Plan.
Read the actions from the approved Environment Plan using the link below:
The proposed actions included within this plan are to be incorporated into the Council's Climate Strategy action plan at its next annual review.
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 Picture courtesy of the Cumberland and Westmorland Herald
Penrith Town Council Chair & Penrith Mayor Cllr Doug Lawson recently attended the 1 year anniversary of Talkin' Tables Penrith at Cafe4Eden!
Talkin’ Tables Penrith is an initiative to try and tackle loneliness in the community by bringing people together one table at a time!
Since its launch in Penrith, it has been immensely popular - with lots of people in Penrith coming together for a brew and a chat!
Deputy Chair & Deputy Mayor of Penrith, Danny Smith also attended the recent launch of a new Talkin' Tables session at Penrith Leisure Centre! Councillor Roger Burgin can also be seen on the right of this photograph.
So, if you are looking for a friendly welcoming place to go for someone to chat to and to make new friends, pop along to a session at a time and venue convenient for you:
- Talkin' Tables (Booths Cafe): Every Monday, 10:30am - 11:30am.
- Talkin' Tables (Leisure Centre): Every Tuesday, 11:00am - 12:00pm.
- Talkin' Tables (Newton House): Every Wednesday, 10:30am - 11:30am.
- Talkin' Tables (Cafe4EDEN): Every Thursday, 10:30am - 11:30am.
For more information, please visit the Talkin' Tables website.
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 Are you pension age or do you know someone who is?
Pension Credit can provide extra money for individuals who are over State Pension age and on a low income, to help with the cost of living.
Pension Credit is separate to State Pension, individuals can receive Pension Credit even if they have other income, savings, or own their own home.
Individuals may get extra help if they are a carer, severely disabled or responsible for a child or young person.
People who are in receipt of Pension Credit may also be able to get; winter fuel payment, help with rent and Council Tax, and help with cost of NHS services. On average, Pension Credit is worth £3900 a year.
A Pension Credit calculator to check eligibility can be found on the following link: www.gov.uk/pension-credit-calculator.
For more information and how to apply, please see the links below:
Cornmarket Bandstand roof repairs
The Council are pleased to report that it has recently had a number of loose slates replaced on the Cornmarket Bandstand.
Any member of the public can attend Council meetings. The Council's upcoming meetings are detailed below with dates, times and venues.
Full Council Meeting
- Date: Monday 18 November 2024
- Time: 6.00pm - 8.00pm
- Venue: Unit 2, Church House, 19-24 Friargate
Planning Committee:
- Date: Monday 7 October 2024
- Time: 5.15pm - 7.15pm
- Venue: Unit 2, Church House, 19-24 Friargate
Finance Committee:
- Date: Monday 11 November 2024
- Time: 5.15pm - 7.15pm
- Venue: Board Room, Unit 1 Church House, 19-24 Friargate
Communities Committee:
- Date: Monday 14 October 2024
- Time: 5.15pm - 7.15pm
- Venue: Boardroom, Unit 1, Church House, 19-24 Friargate
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