Over the years, Northleach’s cemetery and churchyard have become home to a wonderful collection of memorial benches. These benches offer a place for reflection, rest, and the enjoyment of our beautiful surroundings.
Each bench has a story to tell, holding the memory of loved ones or marking special moments in time. However, as time has passed, records of some of these benches and their donors have been lost. This means we no longer know who generously gifted many of these items to our community.
We are calling on residents and visitors alike to help us reconnect with the histories behind these benches. If you or someone you know donated a bench, or if you have information about who might have, we’d love to hear from you.
This is not just about restoring our records; it’s about honouring the memories and intentions behind each bench and ensuring their stories remain part of our shared heritage.
Knowing the stories behind the benches also allows us to contact families when a bench reaches the end of its life. While we will care and maintain the bench for as long as possible, time and weather inevitably take their toll. In these cases, we want to ensure donors and their families are informed and involved in any decisions about replacement or removal.
Please get in touch with us by emailing us on admin@northleach.gov.uk. Even the smallest bit of information might help us piece together the puzzle.
Thank you very much for your help!
