The Ripon Royal Engineers Association and the Ripon branch of the Royal British Legion have joined forces to restore benches in the city’s Garden of Remembrance.
The restoration was carried out by former serving Sapper Keith Riley and the re-painted wooden benches with their brass plaques gleaming again, are back in place ahead of the service of blessing at the garden on November 5.
Mr Riley, who learnt carpentry along with many other skills during a 37-year career in the Royal engineers, told the Stray Ferret:
“It was an honour to be asked to carry out this work and I was pleased that I was able to do my bit.”
The newly restored benches
Kenn Hart, former serving Sapper and Ripon REA chair, said:
“I noticed that the three benches in the memorial garden were in a terrible condition, so I contacted Keith, who I know has expertise in restoration work of this nature.
“He was supported by two more former serving Sappers Alec Lutton, representing the Ripon RBL and Hamish Hamilton of the REA.”
How the benches looked before they were restored
All bills for the work were paid by the REA, on behalf of the community of Ripon.
Mr Lutton, who cleaned the memorial plaques on each of the benches added:
“We are grateful to H.A.Green & Sons, who have cleaned the plinth in the garden.
“It is important to keep the benches usable, for the many visitors who walk in the garden and may wish to sit and reflect on the past and the sacrifices made by our wonderful forces.”
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