Michael Bond memorial service

A memorial service for Paddington Bear creator Michael Bond CBE will be held at St Paul’s Cathedral on 14th November. The service, which will feature readings and music, will be attended by family, friends and colleagues from his 60-year career.

Bond, whose first book, A Bear Called Paddington, was published in 1958, died at home in June aged 91. His last book, Paddington’s Finest Hour, was published in April. Bond wrote more than 200 books featuring characters including Olga da Polga and A Mouse Called Thursday along with a series of adult novels featuring the detective Monsieur Pamplemousse.

His Paddington stories have gone on to inspire toys, TV programmes and, most recently, the movie “Paddington”, produced by David Heyman for Studiocanal, with the sequel to be released on 10th November. The service will be open to others inspired by his work, and fellow authors, illustrators, teachers, librarians and schoolchildren have been invited. Space at the service has also been set aside for fans and other well-wishers on application. Public places at the memorial service are free of charge but limited, and are available to reserve from Eventbrite.

The family have asked for no floral tributes, but for donations to be made to Paddington Bear’s favourite charity, Action Medical Research, instead.