''Restoring a bench can serve as a form of mindful restoration for those doing the work, offering a moment of focus and reflection.''
Wooden slats on cast iron ends, these benches came as a pair, so we installed them as pair. They required light restoration, which involved the replacement of a few slats, sanding and re-treating. Restorer, Clive said, 'It was a pleasure to work on the first two benches. I've always been a practical man and miss making things. It was a project that would recommend to anyone."
Wooden slats on cast iron supports. The ends were slightly rotten, so the overall width was reduced. The slats were removed, sanded and re-treated. The frame was cleaned and repainted with black Hammerite paint. Restorer, Clive said,'This was the second bench I restored for TBUK. The hardest bit was removing all the slats. I replaced most of the bolts as some had the bolt rusted on. On completion I was really pleased with the overall result."
This bench is wood on cast iron ends and was loving restored by Men's Shed, Stalham, Norfolk. The wide slats were slightly bowed, so it was decided to replace these. The slats were replaced with Iroko and varnished. The cast iron ends required a light sanding and were re-painted using black Hammerite paint. Philip was the Parish Clerk who organised this restoration, he said, 'This was such a great bench to restore and when it was finished it was incredibly sturdy - just perfect for it's destination.'
#5. Banham (Zoo)
We were thrilled to get an invite to Banham Zoo to look at two benches which needed restoring. One was past repair, but the other was taken to Dereham Men's Shed. Made entirely from wood, the bench required a thorough clean before tackling structural issues and replacing broken slats. The bench was sanded down and treated with a protective stain. Jandre Smuts (pictured right with Andy), Head of Projects, Banham Zoo, said, 'I was amazed with the standard of the restoration, it looked like a new bench.'
#7. Ditchling (Green)
Wooden slats on cast iron ends. This was bench was structurally sound and just required light restoration. The slats were removed, sanded and retreated. New bolts and nuts were used to reconstruct it. The cast iron ends had a light sanding, prior to painting in Hammerite. This bench restorer wishes to remain anonymous, but we were informed they found the restoration process very rewarding.
This page features some of our restorations. We will add more soon.
BenchWorksUK is the name of our bench restoration project.
We are thrilled that a number of community workshop initiatives, including UK Men's Sheds Association are offering their services to restore benches for us.
We would also like to hear from any individuals that would like to be involved in BenchWorksUK.
Our Fragile Planet
At The Bench UK, we are committed to fostering mental well-being and community connection through our sustainable practices. Our mission is to restore and supply benches that serve as symbols of open dialogue and engagement for mental health awareness.
At The Bench UK, we believe that by restoring benches, we are not only preserving the environment but also nurturing the mental health of our communities. Together, we can create a more connected and compassionate society.
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Environmental Responsibility:
We prioritise sustainability by sourcing reclaimed materials and repurposing old benches, minimising waste and reducing our carbon footprint. Our restoration process not only revives these benches but also honours the legacy of craftsmanship, ensuring that each piece is unique and environmentally friendly.
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Community Engagement:
Our project goes beyond physical restoration; it invites community participation. We engage local volunteers in our restoration efforts, promoting teamwork and shared purpose. By creating spaces for healthy conversations, we encourage individuals to connect with one another, fostering a supportive environment for mental health dialogue.
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Continuous Improvement:
We are dedicated to continually assessing and enhancing our sustainability practices. By collaborating with local organizations and mental health advocates, we strive to expand our impact and ensure our project aligns with the values of environmental stewardship and social responsibility.