In November's edition:
 Image Description: Penrith Townn Council Armed Forces Covenant Signing.
On Tuesday 11 November 2025, Penrith Town Council officially signed the Armed Forces Covenant, marking its formal commitment to supporting members of the Armed Forces community, both past and present.
The Covenant represents a pledge by the Council to uphold the principles of fairness, respect, and support for those who serve or have served in the Armed Forces, as well as their families. By signing, Penrith Town Council joins thousands of organisations across the UK in recognising the unique contribution that Service personnel, reservists, veterans, and military families make to both the community and the country.
At the signing ceremony, Val Bowen, Penrith Mayor said:
“Thank you all for attending. Since its inception in 2015, the Town Council has worked closely with the Royal British Legion to deliver Remembrance Day and has also organised specific Remembrance events such as marking Victory in Europe 80.
“When approached in 2017, the Town Council also assisted the Penrith Branch of the Armed Forces Breakfast Club and provided a flag which they could proudly display when meeting – something the then organiser felt would help advertise the club.
“We aim to be a caring and inclusive authority, and this is a simple but meaningful action that shows respect and support for the Armed Forces community. It promotes fairness and helps to build stronger community ties between civilians and the Armed Forces. We are proud to have made this public declaration of our support.”
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Colonel Chris Sanderson, Deputy Lord Lieutenant added:
“It’s gratifying to see a Town Council formally adopt the Armed Forces Covenant, demonstrating its commitment to supporting serving personnel, veterans, and their families. Many residents in our towns have military connections, and this pledge ensures they are treated fairly and supported within the community.
“I hope Penrith’s example inspires other councils, schools, and local businesses to make their own commitments to the Armed Forces family.”
By signing the Armed Forces Covenant, Penrith Town Council has pledged to:
- Ensure members of the Armed Forces community are not disadvantaged in accessing Council services.
- Support and promote Armed Forces events such as Armed Forces Day, the Poppy Appeal, and Remembrance activities.
- Invite veterans, reservists, cadets, and their families to civic and
commemorative events.
- Support reservists and cadet force volunteers through paid leave for training and duties.
- Offer guaranteed interviews to eligible veterans applying for Council roles.
These commitments demonstrate the Council’s dedication to inclusion,
recognition, and community partnership with the Armed Forces family.
For more information on the Armed Forces Covenant, visit their website.
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 Image Description: The Dedication of the Garden of Remembrance 2025. Click on the image to open up a Facebook video.
On Sunday 9 November 2025, the Council organised the town's Remembrance Day Parade with ex and current forces personnel and invited dignitaries and organisations marching to St Andrew’s Church for Penrith’s Service of Remembrance.
This was followed by the National 2 Minutes Silence and Dedication of the Garden of Remembrance at St Andrews Church on Tuesday 11 November 2025.
 Image Description: Cllr Scott Jackson holding a Penrith Town Council Signature Grants Award Sign.
Penrith Town Council has awarded a £5,000 grant to Penrith Business Improvement District (BID) through its Signature Grants Scheme to support the delivery of Penrith Sparkle, the town’s annual Christmas Light Switch-On event, which took place on Saturday 22 November 2025.
Penrith Sparkle is a much-loved, free community celebration that marks the start of the festive season in Penrith. The Council is pleased to continue its support for this signature town-centre event, which brings together residents, visitors, local businesses, and community groups for a day filled with festive cheer.
Cllr Scott Jackson, Acting Chair of Penrith Town Council's Communities Committee, said:
“Penrith Sparkle is a long-standing tradition in our town and a wonderful way to mark the beginning of the festive season. It’s an event that brings excitement and joy to families, especially our youngest residents and we are delighted to support Penrith BID in delivering another fantastic celebration for 2025.
"Events like Penrith Sparkle bring people together and showcase Penrith as a vibrant, welcoming place to live, work and visit.
"The Council is proud to support one of the town’s key annual celebrations, and we hope everyone who attended enjoyed a memorable day.”
Penrith Town Council remains committed to supporting community-centred events that strengthen local pride, enhance the visitor experience, and contribute to the vitality of Penrith’s town centre.
 Image Description: Cllr Vivo Dippita at the Penrith Rotary Garden
Penrith Town Council can confirm that Vivo Dippita has been elected unopposed as the new Councillor for the Penrith West Ward.
Cllr Dippita brings a wealth of experience and community insight to the Council. Working in the care sector in Penrith, he has a deep understanding of the issues that affect residents of all ages. His day-to-day work of supporting others gives him a unique perspective on what matters most to local people. Penrith has been a 'home away from home' for over 20 years as his grandparents lived in Eamont Bridge and he has lived, worked and has been part of Penrith Since 2023 on a full-time basis.
On his appointment, Cllr Vivo Dippita said:
“I am really excited to have been elected Councillor for Penrith West. This is a community I care deeply about, and I’m committed to listening to residents, representing their voices, and working hard to make positive change happen for the town through the Town Council.
"I’m looking forward to getting started and working with my fellow councillors to deliver for the people of Penrith West.”
Welcoming the new councillor, Cllr Val Bowen, Chair of Penrith Town Council and Penrith Mayor, said:
“Welcome, Vivo. We look forward to working with our new councillor to continue delivering for the people of Penrith and especially for residents of Penrith West.
“Vivo’s experience and dedication to community care will be a real asset to the Council.”
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On Thursday 27 November 2025, the Penrith South by-election took place which voted to elect Alex Deacon to the position of Councillor for Penrith South Ward.
We look forward to working with our new councillor to continue delivering for the people of Penrith and for the people of Penrith South.
 Image Description: Members of Penrith Rotary Club, 4Eden and Cllr Val Bowen, Penrith Town Council Chair & Penrith Mayor (Centre Right).
Penrith Town Council has awarded a £485 community grant to the Rotary Club of Penrith to support the planting of 4,000 giant purple crocus bulbs at the Rotary Garden, located adjacent to St Andrew’s Churchyard.
The planting took place on Thursday 20 November, with the fallen leaves helping to protect the ground from frost and making conditions ideal for bulb planting. Cllr Val Bowen, Mayor of Penrith, visited the Rotary Garden during the planting to show her support.
The project was delivered with the assistance of 4Eden, who carried out the planting on behalf of the Rotary Club. The mass planting will create a vibrant and colourful spring display, enhancing the Rotary Garden and contributing to the visual appeal of this well-used and well-loved area of the town centre.
Cllr Val Bowen, Mayor of Penrith and Chair of Penrith Town Council, said:
“We are delighted to support the Rotary Club of Penrith with this worthwhile project through our Community Grants Scheme. St Andrew’s is a joy to visit in spring, and the addition of thousands of crocus bulbs will bring even more colour and vibrancy to the Rotary Garden part of the churchyard.
"It is especially lovely to see Penrith Rotary Club and 4Eden working together on this initiative. Our thanks go to both organisations for their hard work and dedication to enhancing our town’s shared spaces.”
Penrith Town Council is pleased to work with local organisations whose efforts help make Penrith an attractive and welcoming place to live, work and visit.
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 Image Description: (From Left to Right): Cllr Barbara Jayson (Deputy Chair of Penrith Town Council & Deputy Mayor), Two members of the Inner Wheel of Penrith, Cllr Val Bowen (Penrith Town Council Chair & Penrith Mayor)
Penrith Town Council was pleased to support the Inner Wheel Club of Penrith with it's promotion of the "Orange the World" campaign to end violence against women and girls.
The Council's Mayor and Deputy Mayor attended the launch event held at The George Hotel on Thursday 6 November organised by the Inner Wheel Club of Penrith to show their support for this important awareness-raising initiative.
Through its Community Grants Scheme, the Council awarded a £233.50 grant to the Inner Wheel Club to help fund printed materials and has also provided free use of the Penrith Bandstand to support campaign activities in the town.
Cllr Barbara Jayson said:
“The Inner Wheel Club has done a fantastic job bringing this vital campaign to Penrith. We are proud to support their work to raise awareness and encourage our community to stand together against violence towards women and girls."
 Image Description: Penrith Lions Club volunteers around the Penrith Christmas Tree, installing Christmas lights.
Penrith Town Council has helped add to the festive spirit in Penrith by supporting the Lions Club of Penrith with the installation of the annual Christmas Tree in the Cornmarket.
As in previous years, the Council worked closely with the Lions Club and FCC Environment to install the tree, which was bought by the Penrith Lions Club and provided by Rowley Estates. The tree was decorated with lights connected by Fieldview Electrical, ensuring it is bright and welcoming for residents and visitors alike throughout the festive season.
 Cllr Val Bowen, Penrith Mayor, was delighted to be invited as a special guest at this year’s Penrith Sparkle Christmas Light Switch-On.
Joining Santa and local favourite Roland, she helped count down to the big moment as the town centre lit up for the festive season.
Pictured above is the big moment.
 Image Description: Repaired Scotland Road Bus Shelter.
The damaged bus shelter on Scotland Road has now been replaced following an earlier incident, which was reported to the police.
Thank you for your patience and understanding while the replacement works was carried out.
 Image Description: (From Left to Right): Ian White, Cllr Val Bowen, Brian Williams
Earlier this month, Cllr Val Bowen, Chair of Penrith Town Council and Penrith Mayor, was invited by Club President Ian White to attend the Penrith AFC vs West Auckland match at Frenchfield Stadium.
The Council has a long-standing relationship with Penrith AFC, having awarded the club a £5,000 grant three years ago to support the installation of their astroturf pitch an important community asset that benefits players, volunteers and local sports development.
Cllr Bowen enjoyed a lively match, with Penrith taking an early lead in the opening minutes. Despite several near misses hitting the woodwork, the team were unable to find a second goal and were defeated 2–1 by West Auckland, who currently sit five places above them in the league. Penrith went on to secure a 3–3 draw away at Birtley Town the following Saturday, keeping them in 10th place in the table.
Cllr Bowen encouraged residents to continue supporting their local football team:
“Penrith AFC is a fantastic local club at the heart of our community. If you enjoy football, why not head down to Frenchfield Stadium and cheer on your local team?”
For more information about Penrith AFC, please visit their official website.
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: Unit 2 Church House, 19-24 Friargate
Planning Committee:
- Date: Monday 1 December 2025
- Time: 5.15pm - 7.15pm
- Venue: Unit 2, Church House, 19-24 Friargate
Finance Committee:
- Date: Monday 8 December 2025
- Time: 5.15pm - 7.15pm
- Venue: Board Room, Unit 1 Church House, 19-24 Friargate
Communities Committee:
- Date: Monday 9 February 2026
- Time: 5.15pm - 7.00pm
- Venue: Boardroom, Unit 1, Church House, 19-24 Friargate
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