A surfeit of memorial benches

There’s been a bench at the top of a chalk pit meadow where many locals walk, for the thirty-plus years I’ve lived here. It’s never had a plaque nor any suggestion that it’s a memorial, I the past few weeks it’s been decorated with hanging plant pots on the back and arms, and painted stones around the concrete base. I don’t feel able to sit there now to pause and enjoy the view. I don’t think public spaces should be used for personal memorials.

I thought about a bench but in the end went for a tree. Got in touch with the local council and they told us which trees they were planting and where so I bought one and have a plaque saying it’s in memory of DH. He loved trees and watching this one grow is a good feeling.

We have a bench with a plaque for my brother. It is harbourside looking out to sea - when he had cancer he and his wife often used to sit there, Summer or Winter, watching the boats. When he died his wife had a plaque put on. When we visit we often sit there and chat about him. I certainly never thought of it as some sort of shrine, to be decorated. It doesn't belong to us anyway.

I’m a great fan of benches, memorial or not!

But doesn't the city or town council have to approve these? I didn't read the whole article, but it seems like the town got a bit greedy for the fees without thinking of the practicality or long-term future of these benches.

Our town has put a hold on applications because there really is no need for more benches in public spaces.

In the last 20-30 years, people have veered away from graveyard burials, but still feel the need to memorialize their loved ones on some permanent feature. Our town put up memorial sections along the sea-wall where you can purchase a plaque which we have done for MIL and FIL. The grandchildren can remember their great grandparents any time they walk by, which is nice, but not maudlin.

I suppose it would be difficult to do anything about the existing benches as they have been paid for. I looked up the Scarborough council memorial benches website. And it says you can buy a bench/seat for £1500.00 which includes delivery, installation and maintenance for 10 years. It didnt say what happens to the maintenance charge after 10 years.
You can also pay just for a bronze plaque to be attached to a council seat for £750.00 for 5 years of maintenance.
So that could be the way to go for future memorials a plaque on an exisitng council owned seat. Or on an existing privately owned bench if the owners wanted to sell or pass the bench on.
And decorating the bench should be banned. To have a bench which cannot be sat on in a public place is madness.

I’m not a fan of memorial benches

It’s one thing to site a bench in memory of a loved one, especially somewhere they holidayed, ‘Mum loved it here’, but as the years go by, who pays to have it cleaned, varnished, maintained…..?

I have also noticed a great deal of change in cemeteries lately too. Where my grandparents and parents are buried everywhere used to be neat and well kept. Now many graves are, quite literally, covered with flowers and ornaments - many made of plastic. They look hideous.

Don't people have to get permission? I wouldn't have thought you can put down a bench anywhere you please.
Designated places such as cemeteries are where benches could be sited. I would welcome a sit down when I go tending family graves.
I bought and pay maintenance on a bench in memory of my Grandfather. It is on the banks of the River Tame at the National Memorial Arboretum. I had to apply through the proper channels.
I have to agree with Hartlepool Council but they will be roundly slated for it.

We have benches like this in a park near us, most have bunches of flowers attached, candles, soft toys, and other paraphernalia, it means we have to search for an unencumbered bench because I hate having to sit on a shrine, also there isn’t that much room. Surely by dedicating the bench loved ones are encouraging people to sit awhile and spare a thought for the departed person named on the plaque.