Cherished by children for generations (even Jeremy Clarkson), Paddington Bear  celebrates his 50th birthday with a brand new book Paddington Here and Now Louise Ellis-Barrett, tells us why the marmalade loving bear bear found at Paddington Station and adopted by Jonathan and Judy Brown is as popular today ashe was in the 1950s.

Paddington is known for his duffle coat, hat, wellingtons, fondness for Marmalade and being from deepest, darkest Peru. He was sent to England by his Aunt Lucy and found on Paddington station by Mr & Mrs Brown. Because they had no idea how old Paddington was they decided to start at 1 and as a special treat Paddington, just like the Queen, has two birthdays a year, June 25th and December 25th!

The very first Paddington story, A Bear Called Paddington was published in 1958. Paddington first came into existence, in the mind of Michael Bond, his creator, during the Christmas of 1956. He describes his inspiration for the world’s most famous bear:

"I bought a small toy bear on Christmas Eve 1956. I saw it left on a shelf in a London store and felt sorry for it. I took it home as a present for my wife Brenda and named it Paddington as we were living near Paddington Station at the time. I wrote some stories about the bear, more for fun than with the idea of having them published. After ten days I found that I had a book on my hands. It wasn’t written specifically for children, but I think I put into it the kind things I liked reading about when I was young."

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The number  of Paddington stories today has grown to over 150! From longer novels to picture books, activity books and board books, Paddington Bear is now accessible to children of all ages.

It was not a quick success story - which of the greats ever are? - the original book went to a number of publishers before being finally accepted. Michael continued to write whilst still working as a cameraman for the BBC. It was only in 1965 that he decided to dedicate his time to writing full time. The beauty of the Paddington Bear stories lies in the fact that the central character is a bear imbued with a child’s innocence and an adult’s sophistication. His adventures revolve around everyday situations, many of them very amusing and all very innocent. The biggest adventure he has faced recently has been the quandary over replacing his world famous marmalade sandwiches with marmite!

 It was, Michael Bond says, a surprise that Paddington was even asked. Rest assured however that he is not about to give up his marmalade, he is just helping out by testing something new. And speaking of new adventures there are rumours afoot that he is even considering a foray onto the big screen! Before he gets too carried away however Paddington is making an appearance in his first novel for 30 years! ‘Paddington Here and Now’ has been published to coincide with his 50th anniversary year.

Paddington Here and Now  retains all the usual elements of mishap and humour but the arrival of a mysterious stranger makes Paddington think about where ‘home’ really is.

Downsend School Paddington Bear Celebrations

At Downsend School we have a wonderful Paddington Bear display which is soon to include the results of a vote... which do the children prefer in their sandwiches... Marmite or Marmalade? Will the results of the vote match the popularity of the marmite and marmalade sandwiches offered to the children during their lunch break? How many will bring them to their annual Teddy Bear’s picnic? Results will be posted as soon as they are known, watch this space!