In September's edition:
 Image Description: Penrith Winter Droving Parade.
Penrith Town Council has once again committed £5,000 to Eden Arts through its Signature Grants Scheme to support the return of the annual Winter Droving.
Inspired by the historic tradition of livestock droving, the event has become one of Penrith’s most celebrated festivals, attracting thousands of visitors to the town.
This year’s Winter Droving will take place on Saturday 25 October 2025, filling the town centre with music, street entertainment, food, and masquerade before culminating in the torchlight procession that has become the hallmark of the event.
Cllr Barbara Jayson, Deputy Chair and Deputy Mayor of Penrith, said:
“The Winter Droving is a fantastic opportunity for all residents and visitors to come together and celebrate Penrith’s unique culture.
"I’m proud that the Council has once again been able to support this much-loved event through our Signature Grants Scheme. It’s a highlight of the year for the town, and I hope everyone enjoys the celebrations.”
For more information about the Winter Droving 2025, please visit the Winter Droving Facebook Page.
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 Image Description: Cllr Val Bowen (Penrith Town Council Chair & Penrith Mayor) (Left), Victoria Eames (Northumberland Netball Development Officer for England Netball) (Right), with members of Penrith's Netball Now session on Wednesday 1 October 2025. Click the image to open up a video of Penrith Grant Stories, detailing Penrith Town Council's grant award to England Netball.
Penrith Town Council has awarded a grant of £1,914 to England Netball to deliver 10 weeks of FREE Netball Now and Walking Netball sessions in Penrith.
Launched in September 2025, the sessions are helping to create accessible opportunities for people of all ages and abilities to get active, stay healthy, and enjoy the social and wellbeing benefits of netball. Thanks to the Council’s funding, the programme is completely free for participants, ensuring barrier-free access to the sport.
Val Bowen, Penrith Town Council Chair and Mayor of Penrith, said:
“It is a real pleasure to support England Netball in bringing both Netball Now and Walking Netball sessions to Penrith which are a fantastic way to promote health, fitness, and social connection in our community.
“We’re especially pleased to be able to support activities for everyone – whether you’re looking for a fast-paced game through Netball Now or a gentler introduction with Walking Netball.”
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Victoria Eames, Northumberland Netball Development Officer for England Netball, said:
“We are incredibly grateful to Penrith Town Council for their support. This grant allows us to run 10 free sessions locally, opening up opportunities for people of all ages and fitness levels to get involved.
“Walking Netball in particular has proven to be a brilliant way for people to reconnect with sport in a fun, friendly, and accessible way.”
The free sessions are running until Wednesday 5 November 2025 at Penrith Leisure Centre, with two weekly options available:
- Walking Netball: Mondays | 1:30pm – 3:00pm Perfect for anyone wanting to keep fit at a slower pace and enjoy a friendly, social game.
- Netball Now: Wednesdays | 6:30pm – 7:30pm A full-paced, fun, and inclusive game – just turn up and play!
For more information about England Netball and local sessions, please the Netball in Cumbria Facebook page.
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 Penrith Town Council and Westmorland & Furness Council are continuing to explore the possibility of building a permanent pump track in Penrith and would welcome your input and ideas.
Westmorland & Furness Council has installed a temporary Pump Track on the field adjacent to Wetheriggs Lane between Saturday 27 September to 3 October 2025.
Penrith Town Council is using this opportunity to gather your feedback to help us to agree a suitable location and help us and Westmorland & Furness Council to design a facility that caters to riders of all ages and skill levels, with the right features, layout and amenities.
Have your say today by completing our short survey.
Closing Date for Submissions: Monday 6 October 2025 at 12pm.
 Image Decription: Angel Lane Hanging Baskets
Penrith Town Council has awarded a grant of £3,598 to the Penrith Business Improvement District (BID) to enhance the town centre through its greening programme, helping to add vibrant colour and life to the town centre over the summer months.
Thanks to the Council’s support, the BID installed decorative planting across the town centre, including square planters, railing baskets, and hanging baskets, creating a welcoming environment for residents and visitors alike.
Val Bowen, Chair of Penrith Town Council & Mayor of Penrith said:
"The floral displays in the town centre have made a real difference, bringing colour and vibrancy that everyone has been able to enjoy.
“One of the Council’s key aims through the grants scheme is to support projects that residents and visitors truly value, and these displays are always warmly received.
"As we head into the Autumn, I am glad the Council has worked alongside the Penrith BID to ensure these displays continue to keep the town welcoming and attractive."
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 Image Description: (From Left to Right): Cllr Ron Kenyon (Penrith North) former Director of Penrith Partnership handing a cheque over to Cllr Val Bowen (Penrith Town Council Chair & Penrith Mayor)
Penrith Partnership was formed in 1996 as a partnership of local organisations with Eden District Council, Cumbria County Council, Penrith Chamber of Trade, Penrith Civic Society, Penrith Residents Association and Penrith Business Forum.
Since its formation, Penrith Partnership has played a key role in supporting projects that have shaped and brightened Penrith. Working with local organisations, the Partnership became a Company Limited by Guarantee in 2003 as part of the Market Town Initiative and has since contributed to many improvements across Penrith and neighbouring communities.
Some of its achievements include:
- Creating millennium trails and town information signage
- Developing the Penrith Town Masterplan (2013)
- Supporting lighting and artwork projects in town centre alleyways
- Introducing planters and flower baskets around Penrith
- Creating the Woodland Walk in St Andrew’s Churchyard (2017)
- Contributing to consultation on Castle Park improvements
With the creation of the Penrith Town Council and Penrith Business Improvement District as well as the Penrith Chamber of Trade over the last few years the organisation has been dormant and it has been decided to wide up the company and the organisation.
Before closing, the Partnership distributed its remaining funds to local projects, including:
£500 to Penrith BID for a new planter near Penrith Golf Club
£500 to Friends of Castle Park for their improvement work
£2,953.68 to Penrith Town Council, supporting:
- A new viewing plaque at Fairhill Recreation Ground,
- A planned information plaque in St Andrew’s Churchyard
- Future town projects
Penrith Town Council would like to thank everyone involved in Penrith Partnership over the years for their hard work, vision, and commitment to the town. The Partnership may now be closing, but its positive legacy will be seen and enjoyed in Penrith for many years to come.
 Image Description: Penrith Paddington enjoying lunch on his bench in Penrith.
Penrith Town Council is delighted to share that the much-loved Paddington Bear statue will remain in Penrith for another 12 months. Penrith Town Council, through its 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.
The statue, the only one in Cumbria, was originally installed as part of a national campaign ahead of the new Paddington in Peru film. Since arriving, Paddington has proven a hit with visitors and residents alike, many stopping to take photos with the famous bear.
Val Bowen, Penrith Town Council Chair & Penrith Mayor said:
“It’s wonderful to see how much joy Paddington has brought to Penrith, both for residents and visitors. The council is proud to have supported this project, which not only celebrates a much-loved character but also provides a smile to so many of our residents every single day.”
Former Penrith South Ward Councillor, Danny Smith has resigned following moving out of the area.
The Council would like to thank former Councillor Smith for his voluntary service on the Council since his election in May 2023. Town Councillors are unpaid, and the Council appreciates former Councillor Smith for his service as Deputy Mayor and as Councillor for Penrith South for the past two years.
A short event to mark the national 2 minutes silence and dedication of the Garden of Remembrance will take place at St Andrews at 11am on 11 November 2025.
This will be followed by an event in the George Hotel when Penrith Town Council will formally sign the Armed Forces Covenant. Penrith Town Council invites members of the Armed Forces Community to join it for both events following which a light lunch will be served.
If you are an existing or past member of the Armed Forces family and are interested in attending, please contact the Deputy Town Clerk, Rosalyn Richardson on 01768 899773 or by email to deputytownclerk@penrithtowncouncil.gov.uk in order to reserve a place for lunch.
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 Image Description: Nicholson Lane Bench.
A bench on Nicholson Lane has been replaced following a resident request outlining that the previous seat was bent and out of shape which made it difficult getting up from the seat.
April 2025's meeting of Finance Committee resolved to support the replacement seat which will allow those travelling along the New Streets to take a rest along the way.
The old bench which has been replaced will now be used on the Salkeld Road Allotments.
Penrith Town Council is pleased to announce the successful recruitment of two new members of staff to the Events Officer and Solicitor roles.
Annabel Candler has joined as the Council’s Events Officer. With a strong background in event co-ordination and delivering events in Penrith, in particular the much loved Penrith Sparkle (Christmas Light Switch-On), Annabel will be responsible for delivering Penrith May Day 2026 and supporting other community focussed celebrations.
Lucy Guthrie has also joined the team as the Council’s Solicitor. A former Parish Clerk and qualified lawyer, Lucy brings a wealth of knowledge and experience in local government and legal matters to the Council’s work.
These appointments strengthen the Council’s ability to deliver high-quality events for residents and ensure strong governance for the Council.
The independent External Auditor has conducted a review of Penrith Town Council’s Annual Governance and Accountability Return for the 2024/25 financial year and has confirmed that the Council's Annual Return is in accordance with proper practices and in line with all legal and regulatory requirements.
The Council is pleased to receive a positive External Auditor report.
 Image Description: Penrith's Mayoral Chain
Penrith's Mayoral Chain has recently undergone careful refurbishment ensuring it can be worn with pride at civic events for years to come!
Originally created for Penrith Urban District Council in 1895, it has been worn by generations of civic leaders as a mark of service to the people of Penrith and has featured at countless important occasions – from formal ceremonies and community celebrations to moments of remembrance.
As with all historic items, time had begun to leave its mark, with the Council commissioning specialist restoration work to ensure it remains both a functional piece of regalia and a treasured link to the town’s civic heritage!
Penrith Town Council has agreed to take responsibility for up to five new benches being installed at the Gilwilly Industrial Estate by Penrith Industrial BID.
At its meeting of Finance Committee on Monday 17 September 2025, the Council resolved to be responsible for keeping the benches in good condition and ensuring they remain safe and accessible for public use.
The benches, funded by PIB and installed with support from a local company, are made from durable recycled materials and will complement new walking routes in the area.
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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 15 December 2025
- Time: 6pm - 8pm
- Venue: Board Room, Unit 1 Church House, 19-24 Friargate
Planning Committee:
- Date: Monday 6 October 2025
- Time: 5.15pm - 7.15pm
- Venue: Unit 2, Church House, 19-24 Friargate
Finance Committee:
- Date: Monday 10 November 2025
- Time: 5.15pm - 7.15pm
- Venue: Board Room, Unit 1 Church House, 19-24 Friargate
Communities Committee:
- Date: Monday 20 October 2025
- Time: 6.30pm - 8.30pm
- Venue: Boardroom, Unit 1, Church House, 19-24 Friargate
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