OpenBenches

So many years and you still leave a hole in my heart…

This is my wonderful Grandpa and I didn't know it was there, next time I'm in Rothbury I'll be able to visit it and think of him.

A lovely artist

Lovely bench outside the Visitors Centre. Eileen loved to work at the Centre and she will always be remembered. ❤️

Thank you for adding my Mum's bench, she would have been very proud of her beautiful view.

I was so happy to discover Miss Jenkins (as I knew her) had a bench dedicated to her in Holland Park. I was a pupil at Allendale School between 1982 and 1985 and that period was full of happy memories. We would often go for lunch in Holland Park. The school has long since closed but it is lovely to see Miss Jenkins and Allendale School remembered this way. Lovely to see the photos too.

I miss you very much Nanny

For the longest time now ive been walking past this bench when ever im feeling well enough as ive got ppms and struggle with the left hand side of my body and my memory is being effected. One sunny day i sat down on this bench resting. And listening to the birds singing and noticed susan,s name on the bench,so i said hello and asked in my mind if she,d mind helping me with my memory by every time i walk that route id tty and remember her name by the time i got to the bench. This has helped and is helping me still to this day x i often sit there resting for the next part of the walk and say hello to her :) x

Christmas Day 2025: bench is decorated with Christmas ornaments! 🌲🎄

Unfortunately this bench has collapsed and the only part found is the backrest and plaque, being used to bridge a puddle. These parts have been placed on an adjacent bench, the rest of the bench maybe found in the area

My Dad’s bench! Been there since about 2006, needs some TLC to get it looking back to its best.

On the 7th of July 1956 at the Woolton fete in Liverpool Ivan Vaughan introduced his friend John Lennon to another acquaintance, the 15 year old Paul McCartney. He later taught psychology at Homerton College in Cambridge.

A confortable bench that catches the afternoon sun beautifully

Sounds like she was an inspirational woman. Clearly gone to soon. Sat on her bench today whilst visiting from Devon.

This bench has the exact same inscription as the one next to it. This one is a little harder to read

Great to see they raised enough for a bench for him, I hope to come back and visit it one day. Take care, Sam

I walked my dog Grumpy and Kibbie by this bench many times throughout the years. After I lost Grumpy, I sat in the bench one day and read it quietly again and again. I cried and understood exactly what it was saying.

I know how much you were loved and missed, Jackie Silvay.

With love,

Doris

Rest well little man, saw this on Reddit, may the Father be at comfort in life and know that the love he gave for this little man was enough and eternal

This bench was removed after the river flooded and majorly eroded the bank earlier this year (spring 2025), and now two new benches are in approximately the same place but a little further back from the river.

Who were Michelle and Taylor, and what happened to them?

I really want to know the significance of these dates. I assume it links to the TV show 'Bones' but I couldn't find references to these dates. Seeing this bench on parkrun made me smile, thank you!

I sat and rested awhile this beautiful evening but am intrigued as to who was Kyoto-mo

I was friendly with Lady of the same name in London during the sixties, we lost touch when I came back to Ireland in the early seventies.

A peaceful spot on the banks of the river Orwell. Thanks for those that funded it.

There is another nearby bench logged on OpenBenches with the same inscription. However, they appear to be different benches with different typefaces.

I'm sat on the bench now i didn't know the lady but so sad to pass at such a young age by what i have found on the internet she was liked loved and respected my thoughts with all the family even though it's been almost 4 years since her I'm sure she will never be forgotten

Someone has placed a bunch of yellow flowers on the bench that is what first made me stop and look RIP Amy

A lovely place to sit by the river

Sheila’s bench 😍

This bench is located on the site of an older bench known as Sedd Fawr.

Wonderful bench for my late father.RIP Dave (dad)

Yet to sit on it but I will.

Gary

I love you. I miss you. I so long to see you.

Rest easy x

Bench Sign ‘George & Linda Wightman - Reunited 2022 - The Beauty of a Good Life is Forever’

Sign put on bench by Grandson.

Always Remembered XXXX

This is one of two benches memorialising this person. Another is situated a few years away on the other cricket pitch.

My Great Uncle and Aunt.

Two benches side by side at this roundabout.

This is the left of the two when looking at the bench from the roundabout.

Curiously, the lower gardens are teeming with benches, but this appears to be the only memorial amongst them.

Two wonderful teachers at Colne Valley High School. Fondly remembered for their passion, care and excellence

I hope you’re resting peacefully Bry dawg. Big up love from team bear caps.🧸🐻🐼

AnneMarie Derkow- my German teacher from Godalming

I saw Phil and Kirstie on that bench in their tv program helpin people to find a house!

Bench now removed!

Tony was the caretaker at the school for the entirety of both my kids attendance at the school, and passed away still in service.

I am the grandson of Janet Constance Hardie, who had a sister Ethel Hardie. Ethel Hardie married Harry Macinnes and then died in 1961. Ethel and Harry had a daughter named Ethel Elvery Macinnes. Is the Ethel Hardie, who is remembered on this bench related to the above Hardies of my family ?

Best Regards, Neil Rowlandson

So nice to see this bench in memory of my old friend Howard (we first met in 1984.) I was in Aber in July 2023 and wish I’d known about it then.

Excellent! I searched google for a particularly touching inscription on a bench, thinking it was from one of our poets but instead I found this site.

Thank you for a peaceful afternoon escape from the city. It was great to relax and take in the beautiful view.

hi we are currently sitting on your bench

Great view from the bench!

This is my father’s memorial bench on half penny pier thank you to the person who took the photos x

Miss you so much Joy..xxx

Spotted this one as well. How bizarre!

I was very lucky to work for / with Robin when on a yts scheme at sleeping partners

bench missing June 2025

We searched the surrounding area for this bench. We found many memorial benches, but not this bench. Any information as to where it might be or what happened to it would be most helpful!

Mary was my best friend, from primary school until she died. I have not visited her bench but hope those who sit there in that beautiful place will also have experienced wonderful friendships as I did.

Great Guy!

Such a wonderful bench!

I didn’t know Andrew but love to sit and reflect on his bench. Just a beautiful spot.

Is that Bill of Magpie hall Lane?

I am from Germany and took a seat on this bench while taking a walk around Manly.

It touched me, to see that this was obvoiusly a young guy.

Good to have such kind of memory and I liked " Lets go Surfing" - most likely thats what he used to say to his buddies.

My mum and her girlfriends sat on the bench today and told your father stories about how they were visiting this place many decades ago. They hope your father was listening.

All the best to you

I still miss our 'Important Conversations About the Issues of the Day'.

Lovely sentiment. Beautiful location

Sitting on this bench right now. Thanks Nige

My wonderful brother 🥰 So proud ❤️❤️❤️

Sat here and had a lovely lunch from a nearby Japanese patisserie. Thanks to those who remember Evelyn.

A thought for Ben whilst waiting for a train tonight, I wondered what happened to him and hoped that this spot was a good place to remember him

Remembering my school friend, Alison on what would have been her 59th Birthday.

Thank you sarah, for being my first childhood innocent girlfriend.You were special and brought Joy to those who had the pleasure of knowing you. I remember you showing me your great collection of Enid Blyton books and was amazed you had read them all.I still think of you often and pray for your family for strength and fortitude. Your light shone bright and I believe is shining brighter still in the prescence of our Lord and saviour

Sat on Andrew’s Bench today as I liked the area. Nice position. Sad to see he died early I was born in 1958 so we were born a year apart.

Smiths Showrooms formerly occupied the building that's now Bookends bookshop

Lieve Joyce Rust in Vrede 🙏🙏🙏.

We maken even gebruik van je bankje om te picknicken. Het is hier Rustig en Vredig.

"It is solved by walking"

Ron was my grandfather that sadly I never had the chance to meet

This bench is in memory of my grandparents, but someone has removed it. Where is it now?

Sitting on Greg's bench now. Such peace... May he continue to rest in peace 🙏🏾.

I didn't know him, but my heart goes out to his family and friends 💓 ❤️

nice bench geoff

God bless you Graham. A true community spirit.

John Peck will always be remembered, for the beautiful way he turned out his Immingham based B1’s and latterly 7MT’s, for the Grimsby and Cleethorpes to Kings Cross expresses. All embellished with their smoke box door hinges and straps painted silver, and smokebox door white edged and red backed number plates.

Bench has been moved - it was on the west side of the park, now by the model railway

Thinking about you every year Alyson. Every year. Missing you always.

MP

Our Loving Daughter Danielle loved to enjoy the walks around reigate park, we miss her so much xxxx

21 years gone and not forgotten my friend

I’m going to miss my lovely Carer Trevor Milner MBE very badly I had coffee at bench every Wednesday

Sitting on it now - outside the registry office -would love to know their story

I must visit, one day.

Surprised to find this bench on my South Downs walk today as I knew both the lads in my youth in Steyning. What a tragic loss for their lovely parents.

My dearest auntie Norma. So proud of all the work you did in Whitby and following your dreams to start the Salvation Army back up in Whitby xx

THIS IS ONE OF THE MOST CARING AND LOVING HONOURS, FULL OF SPECIAL MEMORIES THAT WE HAVE EVER SEEN

Who is this in memory of ? Joyce of course, but who was she ?

Jan25. Sat here today reflecting on the beautiful view. No wonder Gordon must have loved it.

Susan was a light, forever missed.

Hi Rowena. You never knew me but I’m sitting on your bench. Im a 24 year old women too.

It’s Christmas Day, so I want to wish you and your loved ones a Merry Christmas

I hope your boat is beautiful.

Rip. I think of you guys everyday.

Leon. X

Me and James come when we can, gonna be ten years soon but you're always on our minds <3 miss you

Old freind, formally of Leicester. Living on the Sunshine Coast, Queensland Australia. Sorry to hear of your passing. Sleep tightly.

I love this bench

My dear friend, missed greatly 💕

This bench is on St Helen’s Green in Harwich, Essex. Tendring is about 10 miles away.

This one is outside the Windrush Leisure Centre. I can only assume the Early Birds Swimming Club meets (met?) to swim here.

This bench has appeared very recently, some time since the mid summer.

This is such a lovely idea. Thanks for taking the time to create this site and care for it. I care for someone of restricted mobility. For me, when we are together, benches are saviours! They mean we can just enjoy being outside. We always like to give thanks to those who are named on the bench's memorial plaque or carving. I hope we can keep their memories alive and send good energy their way.

Had to manually add the location, as none of the images for this bench were geotagged for some reason. It may therefore be a little off.

Just sitting on that bench now 03/09/24 17:00. Sun is shining and the park is busy. I didn’t know the word “Togidaere”. Lovely plaque! ❤️

Love and miss you, Moeks! ❤️💔

Walked past this bench today.

A beautiful bench with a fantastic view. My two friends and I had a picnic here whilst walking the Cotswold Way from Old Sodbury to Bath.

Thank you Asher. You made our journey a little bit lighter.

I was very touched by this inscription. Thinking of the family. A spirit just touched the earth shortly, but their lives forever.

I'm at this location today and such a beautiful tribute.

John’s bench has a beautiful view over a Lewes and the South Downs. It’s one of my favourite places. I would love to hear more about him and his love for nature & wildlife.

Uploaded twice, sorry. The correct location is the second upload. The bench is already in OSM next to Westminster Way bus stop (southbound) on the East side near the A34; I'm adding the memorial info.

This bench is no longer here

This bench is no longer here, it has been replaced by another bench with a different plaque

We love and miss you every day Dessie, from ya Big Sis, your niece Roxanne, and great nephew Rico-Jai 💙 xx

May Simon rest in peace. I stop on my walk along the Thames and sitting in his bench.

Thank you

I knew her from MPW college in 1995-96. What happened to her at such a young age? 😞

Lovely spot BUT THE VIEW IS BLOCKED BY A SYCAMORE THAT NEEDS CONSIDERABLE TRIMMING.

The inscription mentions watching the elephants but the zoo no longer has elephants so this bench actually looks out over the rhino enclosure.

I was Joyce’s neighbour on Abbey Mill Lane back in the early 2000s. I lived in what had been her Mum’s house and she loved to reminisce about when they had been neighbours back in the day. She always appeared to enjoy her retirement and kept busy including volunteering at Citizens Advice. A good neighbour and a good soul. The location of the bench is just right, overlooking a scene she must of walked past many times. I bet she would laugh at her house selling for nearly half a million pounds!

Favourite bench in Wellington by far

it’s not even there anymore destroyed by vandals

Thank-you so much for having this bench on the internet. Lauren was my daughter. In what can only be described as an Act of God, her sister was born 08.08.03 in the early morning at what would have been the same time her sister died. A year to the day, if not the hour. For many, many years, her death was unexplained and the guilt from the unknown was crushing. Then, one day a diagnosis came that changed everything. Life can be strange with its twists and turns & some people ride that roller coaster blindfolded - no matter if they bought a ticket for a merry-go-round.

I believe that the date of death is actually 13 Jun 2004 (not 2001 as stated in the title)

Sadly the old bench was so badly rotten that it was not possible to repair it. The Canal and River Trust volunteers at Hillmorton Locks have replaced the bench with a new low maintenance bench in March 2024

I remember Scott. Such a beautiful horse. He always came over to say hello. Sometimes I would take him a carrot or two. He liked my little dog. Happier times walking the dogs with my folks still alive. I was lucky enough to see Scott after along time not visiting Scots field and I cried that he was still around. Today I saw the bench and cried again. Tears for his owners. And my memories. What a beautiful tribute to a beautiful horse. Always called that field Scott's field.

She was my dear cousin, so loving, caring and had time for everyone. She passed away too young. Bless your heart and soul Mary, I visit you often - you won't ever be forgotten by any of us.

Only just found this,Just wondered if anyone remember’s Dawn and was wanting to know who got the bench? What was the connection of friends?a pleasant and peaceful idea.

Hello, Abel and Dorothy were my wife's grandparents. The bench became a little worse for wear, and has recently been renewed. I took a some photos of the new bench today, and will attach one here.

These benches are not for members of the public but strictly for school use

The old bench has gone, but the plaque has been attached to a new bench a short distance away

16years old, taken by cancer

I went to uni with Kris in Leicester. Also lived next door to me on Cambridge street for a while. Nice touch as to what seems to have been a short life lived.

I proposed to my wife on this bench in June 2023 but we hadn't noticed the name on the plaque at the time. We went back in August to have look and saw the plaque with Roger's Suter's name. We couldn't believe the coincidence! My name is Mark Suter

I really love sitting on this bench! The park it’s in has a fantastic atmosphere.

Beautiful. I passed it, read it and was moved enough upon my return to sit awhile and consider Chris and Coral Luther.

To them, whoever they may have been.

I sat on this bench for 3 hours one June afternoon and watched the willows dance to the beat of the summer breeze. A magical time that I'll never forget.