East Suffolk Council

Posted by on 7 January 2022 | Comments

A popular bench in Beccles has been replaced thanks to funding from the Beccles, Bungay, Halesworth and villages Community Partnership. 

The bench, located at the west of St Michael's Church Tower, was originally installed by Beccles Rotary Club in 2005 and has become a popular spot for local people to sit, chat and meet new people.  

Having fallen into disrepair, a replacement bench was needed and following a successful application for funding from the Community Partnership's Small Grants scheme, Beccles Rotary Club were awarded £436.00 to install a new bench and a plaque.  

Cllr Judy Cloke, East Suffolk ward councillor for Bungay and Wainford and Chair of the Beccles, Bungay, Halesworth and villages Community Partnership, said: “Rotary clubs undertake a considerable amount of charitable activity in local communities, which is often unrecognised or acknowledged. It has been a pleasure to support this project to replace the bench at St Michael’s Church; benches are so important as a means of taking the weight off one’s feet when shopping, sitting down and talking to strangers or as a meeting point, so they help discourage loneliness in society.” 

Speaking at the recent cheque presentation, Neil Peek, President of the Beccles Rotary Club, said: “It is with great pleasure that we dedicate this seat to the community, and may it bring joy and happiness to all that use it for many years to come.” 

Find out more about your local Community Partnership.