East Suffolk Council
Refurbished sunbeam benches set to shine again on seaside
An East Suffolk museum has been presented with the first bench to receive an impressive new look as part of a renovation programme.
The heritage-style sunbeam bench delivered to Felixstowe Museum is among 34 labelled for restoration and reinstatement along the seafront.
It follows an East Suffolk Council survey into the condition of commemorative benches available for individuals and organisations to sponsor for a period of 10 years.
Seventeen benches will be faithfully restored by East Suffolk Services Ltd (ESSL) and returned to The Prom, north of Felixstowe Pier, while a further 14 will occupy landscaped areas along Sea Road.
Each bench will be removed for refurbishment, and adorned with an optional commemorative plaque, upon reservation by an individual or group sponsor.
Eastern Felixstowe Councillor, Jan Candy, who advocated for refurbishment of the original benches over modern replacements, said:
“These traditional benches are being beautifully restored and I’m looking forward to seeing them add a little extra sunshine to the seafront.
ESSL has done a marvellous restoration job and allowed the benches to be retained for many years, instead of being discarded and replaced at financial and environmental cost.”
The bench presented to Felixstowe Museum will feature as part of a new exhibition for the venue’s spring reopening.