In October's edition:
 Description: Top Left - Students from Stainton School with Paddington, Top Right - Paddington eating a sandwich, Bottom Left: Paddington with Whiskey the dog!, Bottom Right, Paddington with Chair of the Penrith BID Darren Broad (Left), Chair of Penrith Town Council & Penrith Mayor Doug Lawson (Middle), Westmorland & Furness Council Penrith South Cllr Virginia Taylor.
A bear-y special visitor has come to Penrith this month - 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!
An exciting unveiling took place earlier this month in Little Dockray - where pupils from Stainton School were delighted to take part in the official launch of the national Paddington Visits Bench Trail.
Watch a video of Paddington on the Discover Penrith Facebook page.
Back in June, the Council's Communities Committee agreed to partner with the Penrith Business Improvement District 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.
Cllr. Doug Lawson, Chair of Penrith Town Council and Mayor of Penrith said:
“I am excited to welcome Paddington Bear to Penrith!
"This delightful statue not only celebrates a beloved character but also embodies the spirit of kindness and adventure.
"I hope he continues inspiring joy in our community for years to come.”
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Darren Broad, Chair, Penrith BID, said:
“We are delighted that Penrith has been chosen to be one of only 23 locations across the UK for a Paddington Statue as part of the Paddington Visits trail ahead of the release of Paddington in Peru in cinemas later this year.
"We hope that visitors and residents alike will delight in finding him in Little Dockray and will enjoy taking a moment to sit beside him, perhaps even take a photograph or two.”
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 Description: From left to right: Morven Anson - Church Buildings Officer (DAC Secretary), Jane Boylan - Chair of the St Andrew's Fabric Committee, Philip Lund - St Andrews Churchwarden, Cllr Danny Smith - Deputy Chair of Penrith Town Council & Deputy Mayor of Penrith, Cllr Doug Lawson - Chair of Penrith Town Council & Mayor of Penrith, Veteran Brian Donaghy, Angela Jones - Westmorland & Furness Council Director of Thriving Places, Ian Askins of Askins & Little, Stephen McCauley, Yam Architects
Penrith Town Council is proud to announce the completion of works to the St Andrews War Memorial.
Works have taken place this month (October) – with the installation of a new Lazonby sandstone plinth being added to the base of the War Memorial.
The Council were initially approached by members of the Royal British Legion
and other armed forces personnel (namely Veteran Brian Donaghy) asking
whether the Council would consider works being undertaken to the base of the
war memorial to improve its attractiveness and to enable wreaths to be placed
onto a raised platform during Remembrance Sunday.
The Council agreed this request and would like to give particular thanks to the following for their contribution towards this project:
- The Diocese of Carlisle for meeting the costs of the application fee for the faculty consent process to enable the works to take place
- Stephen McCaulley of YAM Architects for carrying out a detailed survey and producing drawings and a heritage assessment for the faculty consent process
- Cumbria Stone for expediting the process for the ordering of the sandstone
- Askins & Little for completing the high-quality works to the War Memorial in just two days
- The Royal British Legion and other armed forces personnel for bringing
this scheme to the attention of the Council
On Thursday 31 October 2024, representatives from Penrith Town Council, Askins & Little, Carlisle Diocese, St Andrews Church, Royal British Legion and YAM Architects visited the completed plinth works.
Doug Lawson, Chair of Penrith Town Council & Penrith Mayor said:
“The work done to the St Andrews War Memorial has greatly improved the attractiveness of the Memorial - making it feel like a real community asset for the town.
“It is crucial that we safeguard and (where we can) improve assets which are important to the town’s heritage. So, it is fantastic that the Council has been able to facilitate this important project brought forward by the community through providing the necessary funding for completion of the improvement works.
“I would like to give special thanks to all the parties involved in making this project happen - particularly in time for the Remembrance activities this year – which I know will be fully appreciated by all sections of the community.”
A spokesperson from the Diocese of Carlisle said:
“It is pleasing to see the works being completed on the St Andrews War Memorial.
“The Diocese of Carlisle worked closely with Penrith Town Council to ensure the necessary permissions were in place in order for the work to be completed as soon as possible.
“We hope the Penrith community value the works undertaken to improve this valued asset for the town.”
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 Description: From left to right: Bary Turner: Chairman of Wetheriggs United FC, Cllr. Virginia Taylor: Westmorland and Furness Cllr. for Penrith South and Cabinet Member for Sustainable Communities and Localities, Richard Utting: Chair of Penrith Lottery, Cllr. Barbara Jayson: Penrith Town Council West Ward Cllr, Amy Frith Westmorland Furness Council Community Development Officer, Cllr. Hilary Snell: Penrith Town Council West Ward Cllr and Chair of Communities Committee.
Penrith Town Council, Westmorland & Furness Council and Penrith Lottery have all helped fund Clubhouse improvements at the home of Wetheriggs United Football Club, Castletown Community Centre.
Penrith Town Council has awarded £2,000 of grant funding to Wetheriggs United Football Club, whilst Penrith Lottery has awarded £1,000 and Westmorland & Furness Council has awarded £6,250 from the Council's Strong and Connected Communities Programme grant fund.
This funding has enabled much-needed renovations to take place, with clubhouse improvements including the insulation of the walls and ceilings, shower upgrades, new furniture, acoustic ceiling panels, and the upgrade of lighting and electrics - transforming the Castletown Community Centre into a more comfortable and inclusive environment for players, spectators, and local residents alike.
Cllr. Hilary Snell, Chair of Penrith Town Council’s Communities Committee said:
"I am so pleased that Penrith Town Council has supported the development of this key community resource in the ward that I represent, Penrith West. It was great to be invited to see the Wetheriggs FC clubhouse completed.
“This facility plays a vital role in bringing our community together, a sentiment which will be shared by many residents. It is also in line with the Council's aspiration to improve resources, opportunities, places and spaces in Penrith. Wetheriggs United clubhouse improvements will also help to decrease the longer-term costs of running the centre for the club and enable the whole community to have access to this great resource.”
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Virginia Taylor, Westmorland & Furness Cllr. for Penrith South and Cabinet Member for Sustainable Communities and Localities said:
“Westmorland and Furness Council were pleased to add £6250 partnership funding to the generous funding of £24,000 from the Football Foundation to improve facilities at the Castletown Community Centre. The ‘Rec’ is a really important resource for everyone in Castletown. Supporting our communities to lead active, happy and healthy lives is a Council priority and I’d like to thank Wetheriggs United Football Club for making these works happen, and The Town Council and Penrith Lottery for their generous support too.”
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Barry Turner, Chairman of Wetheriggs United Football Club said:
“The community centre had seen better days & our committee came up with a list of priorities – if money was available. Spurred on initially by an offer of funding from the Football Foundation, we asked the local Councils & Penrith Lottery if they could help too.
"Everyone attached to the club feels the improvements have revitalised the clubroom & it’s a much more pleasant place to entertain our visiting teams, supporters & for the other organisations who use the centre. We are delighted & very grateful for the financial assistance provided!"
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Richard Utting, Chair of Penrith Lottery said:
"The Penrith Lottery Community Fund is pleased to support the Wetheriggs Football Club in their efforts to refurbish the Castletown Community Centre.
"For over 14 years the Penrith Lottery has supported local charities and not for profit organisations in and around Penrith with grant funding.
"We continue to do so, and with the added opportunity for other good causes in Penrith and Eden to have their own lottery page under the Penrith Lottery banner, this has allowed local people to support their good cause of choice.
"To see more, please go to www.penrithlottery.com."
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£5,000 grant to help Penrith Sparkle for Christmas!
 Description: Darren Broad, Chair of the Penrith Business Improvement District (Left), Danny Smith, Deputy Chair of Penrith Town Council & Deputy Mayor of Penrith (Right)
Penrith Town Council has provided a grant of £5,000 to the Penrith Business Improvement District (BID) to support the annual Penrith Sparkle event (Christmas Light Switch-On).
The Council is pleased to support the BID to deliver Penrith Sparkle, a free and inclusive event which celebrates the switching on of Penrith’s Christmas Lights, covering most of the town centre.
Penrith Sparkle will take place on Saturday 16 November from 2pm - 7pm and include family friendly entertainment with local live music acts, hot food & drink stalls, roaming performers, small rides, Santa and a festive tractor parade! The event then culminates with the switching on of the Christmas lights in Penrith.
Cllr. Danny Smith, Penrith Town Council Deputy Chair & Deputy Mayor of Penrith said:
"The switch on event is a long-held tradition in Penrith and has heralded the beginning of the Christmas festive period for many generations.
"The BID has worked really hard to make this year's event bigger and better than the last – so I’m hopeful to see as many people come into Penrith town centre to celebrate a day of festive activities, musical entertainment and traditional festive fun!
“The Council grant helps enable this important event takes for the people of Penrith – so I hope everyone who attends the event really enjoys the day - and hopefully the weather is kinder to us than it was last year too!"
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Darren Broad, Chair of the Penrith Business Improvement District said:
"Funded by Penrith businesses and our partners, the switch on event marks the start of the Christmas period and is a great day for the community to come together and enjoy the festive activities, music, parade and Christmas lights.
"The BID team work all year to put on a great show and we hope that people come and support our local businesses on the day.
"Shopping local this Christmas supports future years of the lights so come into town, spend a little, have fun and enjoy the Switch On event!"
The BID are still seeking volunteers to help make the event happen. The BID has three categories of volunteer required:
- All day (supervisor level)
- 1st shift 14:00-17:00
- 2nd shift 16:00-19:30
So, if you know of anyone that would love to be involved with this lovely community event, please get in touch with dan@angellanechippie.co.uk or admin@penrithbid.co.uk.
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 At its meeting of Planning Committee on Monday 8 April 2024, the Council agreed to fund the costs of the installation and ongoing maintenance of a new Speed Indicator Device on Oak Road.
The location was identified following reports of on-going speeding issues and close liaison with the Cumbria Road Safety Partnership (CRSP) who had verified data available to them and agreed that it was a suitable location.
On Thursday 31 October, Cllr. Scott Jackson, Chair of the Council's Planning Committee visited the recently installed Speed Indicator Device and said:
"The safety of our residents is paramount - and addressing speeding concerns on Oak Road has been identified as an issue for local residents.
"I am pleased that the Council's Planning Committee were able to agree on taking this proactive approach which I am sure is already being received gladly by residents."
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 Description: From Left to Right - Cllr. Doug Lawson, Chair of Penrith Town Council and Mayor of Penrith, Tony Pears Wombling for Eden, Stephen Macaulay President of the Penrith Chamber of Trade and Commerce.
The Penrith Chamber of Trade & Commerce celebrated their Stars of Business Awards on Friday 4 October 2024.
The awards recognised and rewarded the individual and company successes of those in businesses in and around Penrith.
The Council were delighted to sponsor the Volunteer of the Year award which was awarded to Tony Pears, Wombling for Eden for his volunteer litter picking in the town!
Others nominated for the award include Jan Gallagher - Save the Children, Ruth Lloyd - Purple Footprint and Pat Newsham - Penrith Soroptomists.
Our congratulations go to all those nominated for the fantastic work they do.
Cllr. Doug Lawson, Chair of Penrith Town Council & Mayor of Penrith, attended the Awards Dinner and is pictured above with Stephen Macaulay, President of Penrith Chamber of Trade & Commerce and unsung hero award winner Tony Pears. The Awards Dinner also raised £1,055 for BEEP Doctors.
This year, Remembrance Day falls on Sunday 10 November. A civic parade will form at 1.50pm, made up of invited organisations and individuals, and will march at 2.00pm from Portland Place, down Middlegate and Devonshire Street to St Andrew’s Church for Penrith town’s Service of Remembrance at 2.30pm. Seats will be reserved for those invited to attend.
On Monday 11th November at 11.00am, there will be a dedication of the Garden of Remembrance at the War Memorial in St Andrew’s Churchyard.
Members of the public are invited to attend both events.
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At its meeting of the Communities Committee on Monday 14 October 2024, the Council resolved to take part in a national VE Day Commemoration event.
The Council were invited by the Pageantmaster, Bruno Peek (along with other Town and Parish Councils as well as other organisations) to mark
the 80th anniversary by lighting a beacon on Thursday 8 May 2025.
Council officers will now be working hard to deliver an event for next year.
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Fairhill Noticeboard Repairs
Following being vandalised with offensive graffiti and scratches, the noticeboard at Fairhill Playing Field has been repaired.
The Council installed the new noticeboard to increase the community’s access to information and improve transparency of Council business.
Please could we ask that users of Fairhill Playing Field respect the noticeboard - and report any damage directly to the Council.
 Fairhill Playing Field Noticeboard
 Description: Folly Lane Allotments
Expression of Interest
- Location: home based
- Expected Hours: variable also attendance at committee meetings quarterly and the AGM once a year.
- Remuneration unpaid: expenses incurred in undertaking the role will be reimbursed.
Overview
Penrith Allotment Association is a non-profit making organisation which assists all members to promote allotment gardening as a leisure pursuit and promote the interest of plot holders.
We are seeking an enthusiastic and confident volunteer Chair who is currently a plot holder to join our committee.
For this role you would need to have good people skillls and be confident and responsible for leading meetings to ensure it runs smoothly.
Key Responsibilities
- Together with the Secretary, liaise with the Landlord
- Carry out regular inspections of plots with other committee members.
- Responsible for ensuring minor works and repairs are carried out.
- Liaison with the site’s committee members, ensuring they communicate with plot holder’s.
- Annual review of all accounts prior to AGM.
How to apply:
Expression of interest or questions about the role should be sent through to Michelle Jowett (Secretary) thesecretary.paa@gmail.com, alternatively you can contact Michelle by telephone 07419989996 for an informal chat.
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 4 November 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 9 December 2024
- Time: 5.15pm - 7.15pm
- Venue: Boardroom, Unit 1, Church House, 19-24 Friargate
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