Friends of Sandy Lane Park Chat Bench

We are delighted that Severn Trent donated funds to purchase a chat bench for us to place near the sailing club, in the perfect gap where, many years ago, there had been a bench.

The idea of a chat bench is that if you sit there, you are open to conversation and happy to connect with others. It’s about trying to combat loneliness and encourage social interaction.

The park is such a social place but also provides opportunities for quiet contemplation. Whilst Friends of Sandy Lane Park have been renovating the existing benches — sanding and repainting them — so many people have stopped to chat and share memories.

We’ve heard stories of marriage proposals, of listening to Van Morrison drifting across from Grosvenor Park, among many others.

We really hope that people continue to enjoy sitting on the benches and looking at the beautiful view.