Here a bench

There a bench, everywhere a bench, bench

Last week, on a sunny and hot day, Peta Hall, member of the Wellington Community Association (WCA), invited the public to celebrate the four newest heritage benches that are situated along Main Street in Wellington. The Wellington Bench Project is part of the WCA beautification committee’s ongoing work to enhance the spirit in the village.

“The idea resulted from a survey done in the village a few years ago where the public asked for benches so they could rest while walking through Wellington”, said Peta. “The benches are based on a design of the 1890 Wellington Museum benches and have distinctive ends. They are useable art enhancing the spirit of Wellington.”

The benches were designed and made by woodworkers Roy Perkin and Doug Smith, who Peta fondly refers to as “the Wellington on the Lake boys.” The duo build the benches in the winter months, and prime coat them ready for delivery to the artists in April. Once built, the benches were painted by two County artists—Sam Sakr and Colin Green. Their artwork was sponsored by local businesses.

“The heritage bench by Sam Sakr is delightful and detailed with village and water scenes, complete with our resident waterfowl and creatures. Each side depicts different aspects of our village life,” said Peta. Sakr’s bench is located at Good Place, 153 Main Street and was sponsored by Veronica and Ron Norton of RE/MAX Wellington

The heritage bench painted by Colin Green is near the Lakeside Motel at 351 Main Street.

“This bright and colourful bench features our waterfront scenes, complete with our lighthouse, heron, turtles and fish,” added Peta. The bench was sponsored by Wellington Home Hardware.

Green also painted the two benches owned by Pierson’s Foodland at the busy downtown Main Street corner.

“These two benches are fittingly painted in glorious, colourful fruit and vegetables,” said Peta. The fruit bench art was sponsored by the Nortons and the vegetable bench art was sponsored by Aaron Armstrong and Ben Oczkowski.

Hall notes the beautification committee is also grateful to its sponsors of materials, including Home Building Centre, Wellington for lumber and supplies and Picton Home Hardware for the paint and sealant. A&B Precast Manufacturing made, delivered and installed the four bench slabs as required by AODA.

The benches are just one project of many that the WCA’s Beautification Committee has undertaken. Residents can enjoy the banners hanging in the street, planters at various locations, rejuvenation of gardens in the park and of course the new benches where one can rest, chat with neighbours or just people watch.