On a bench in Newbury, England, the country’s most beloved bear sits once more, wearing his familiar red bucket hat and blue coat. Around his neck, a label reads, “Please look after this bear.”
Local officials unveiled a repaired statue of Paddington Bear on Wednesday, adding another element of joy to the already perfect — and oh-so-rare — springtime conditions in England. The return of the famous bear drew adults and children alike.
Last month, two members of the British Royal Air Force vandalized the statue of the storybook bear, leaving only Paddington’s shell. A judge sentenced the pair to 150 hours of community service and ordered them each to pay 2,725 British pounds, or about $3,500, to repair the statue. It was one of 23 installed last year across Britain and Ireland to promote the release of the movie “Paddington in Peru,” though it held special significance in Newbury, the birthplace of Michael Bond, the author of the children’s book series about the well-meaning bear.
Both men expressed remorse for the damage that they had done. And with the statue’s restoration, this chapter now seems closed. As Paddington’s aunt Lucy would say: “If we’re kind and polite, the world will be right.”
Paddington will again be looked after by the people of Newbury. He’ll be there, peacefully snacking on a marmalade sandwich.
