Top Stories

Vandalised Paddington statue to return

Alex Meakin
BBC News

A Paddington statue that was ripped from a bench by two RAF engineers is to be reinstalled.

The homage to the famous bear has been repaired and repainted and will be unveiled during a ceremony in Newbury, Berkshire, on Wednesday.

Part of the statue was removed and taken in the early hours of 2 March by Daniel Heath and William Lawrence.

The pair, both 22 and based at RAF Odiham in Hampshire, admitted criminal damage and were ordered to carry out unpaid work as well as pay £2,725 to cover the cost of repairs.

Christopher Gibbins The image shows the damage to the Paddington statue. It was split down the middle and the front half was removed, revealing the pale blue inside of the statue. Christopher Gibbins
Phil Cannings - Newburytoday Daniel Heath is seen on the right in a blue suit with his face uncovered - William Lawrence is seen on the left with a grey suit and blue tie.Phil Cannings - Newburytoday

The statue was originally unveiled in the hometown of Paddington creator Michael Bond in October 2024.

It was one of dozens put up across the UK as part of the Paddington Visits trail to celebrate the film, Paddington in Peru.

The repaired bear will be unveiled by Ian Batho and Ashley Morris from Newbury Business Improvement District (BID).

Ben Beardmore-Gray, marketing manager at Newbury BID, said: "We have received so many lovely messages from parents who wanted to share how much their children have been missing Paddington... we are delighted to announce that Paddington is finally ready for his much-anticipated return to Newbury.

"The reinstallation offers a unique opportunity for us to provide a special moment that parents can share with their children, so we'd like to invite any families along on the day to join us welcoming Paddington home."

As part of the unveiling, children are being encouraged to write a letter welcoming Paddington back to Newbury.

They can be delivered to a special postbox next to his bench between 10:00 and 14:00 BST on Wednesday.

The unveiling ceremony will begin on Northbrook Street at 11:30.

The image shows a green sign tied with rope to a wooden bench. On the sign is a picture of the Paddington statue with an image of a carboard luggage tag which reads: "Paddington has had to leave on a short adventure, but we hope to bring him back soon! Please look after this bench. Thank you."

You can follow BBC Berkshire on Facebook, X, or Instagram.


Source link

Leave A Comment


Last Visited Articles


Info Board

Visitor Counter
0
 

Todays visit

41 Articles 4818 RSS ARTS 13 Photos

Popular News

🚀 Welcome to our website! Stay updated with the latest news. 🎉

United States

18.188.171.44 :: Total visit:


Welcome 98.988.979.44 Click here to Register or login
Oslo time:2025-04-16 Whos is online (last 10 min): 
1 - United States - 38.388.373.44
2 - United States - 52.567.544.565
3 - United States - 66.249.74.164
4 - United States - 40.77.667.67
5 - United States - 88.898.208.85
6 - United States - 4.448.86.466
7 - United States - 52.467.444.494
8 - Hong Kong - 606.32.206.70
9 - United States - 66.249.74.565
10 - United States - 52.557.544.585
11 - United States - 11.191.66.109
12 - United States - 92.0.298.299
13 - United States - 23.23.704.707
14 - United States - 93.99.950.48
15 - United States - 44.295.989.955
16 - United States - 1.89.110.186
17 - United States - 98.83.80.883
18 - United States - 59.95.926.96
19 - United States - 99.223.996.980
20 - United States - 54.198.33.233
21 - United States - 21.21.179.27
22 - United States - 200.27.223.2
23 - United States - 607.22.208.36
24 - United States - 44.234.444.462
25 - United States - 05.070.08.202
26 - United States - 44.229.97.49
27 - United States - 62.667.644.660
28 - United States - 48.448.440.44
29 - United States - 52.267.244.280
30 - United States - 98.229.56.99


Farsi English Norsk RSS