On a sunny day in Newbury, England, Paddington Bear is back on his bench, donning his iconic red hat and blue coat. A fresh label around his neck reads, "Please look after this bear," signaling his return to the affection of the locals. The repaired statue was unveiled on Wednesday, coinciding perfectly with the delightful spring weather, which drew crowds of both children and adults eager to celebrate the beloved character.
This heartwarming moment in Newbury follows an unfortunate incident where two members of the British Royal Air Force vandalized Paddington’s statue, leaving it in a state of disrepair. The judge imposed 150 hours of community service on each of the vandals, along with a fine of 2,725 British pounds (about $3,500) for the statue's repair costs. The return of Paddington is especially meaningful, as it is located in the hometown of Michael Bond, the creator of the cherished bear series.
In the wake of the incident, the perpetrators have expressed their sincere remorse. As Paddington's aunt Lucy famously stated: "If we’re kind and polite, the world will be right." Now, as Paddington settles back on his bench, he is once again cared for by the loving community of Newbury, all while enjoying his beloved marmalade sandwiches.
Claire Moses, a reporter for The Times based in London, provided insight into this uplifting story.
This heartwarming moment in Newbury follows an unfortunate incident where two members of the British Royal Air Force vandalized Paddington’s statue, leaving it in a state of disrepair. The judge imposed 150 hours of community service on each of the vandals, along with a fine of 2,725 British pounds (about $3,500) for the statue's repair costs. The return of Paddington is especially meaningful, as it is located in the hometown of Michael Bond, the creator of the cherished bear series.
In the wake of the incident, the perpetrators have expressed their sincere remorse. As Paddington's aunt Lucy famously stated: "If we’re kind and polite, the world will be right." Now, as Paddington settles back on his bench, he is once again cared for by the loving community of Newbury, all while enjoying his beloved marmalade sandwiches.
Claire Moses, a reporter for The Times based in London, provided insight into this uplifting story.
