Bench in the evening sun, with snow

I think the bench is worth visiting on an evening just to catch the wonderful golden glow.

And the snow sets it off nicely too.

Easter snow

It's taken me a few weeks to remember to get these photos off my camera.

We popped up for Easter at Stocksmoor Farm, only to find the road blocked with a snow drift even when most of the fields were clear of snow. We had to get out the taxi and walk down the track the first night we got to the farm.

So one evening we took our shovels and wellies and went to shift the snow drift - only about 30 yards of hip-deep, compacted snow.

After we had finished we took our rest on the bench in the evening sunshine.

Christmas check

I was unable - actually, not motivated enough - to check the bench over Christmas. It rained a lot. So I contented myself with a quick look over as we drove past. The bench is beginning to get that silvery look and had one white of smear bird-droppings on it. But looking good otherwise.

I was cheered to hear from Elaine that her sister Nora does sit regularly on the bench.

The poem

Several people have asked me where I got the lines for the inscription on the bench. I adapted the last two lines of this poem.

Leisure

What is this life if full of care
We have no time to stand and stare?
No time to stand beneath the boughs
And stare as long as sheep, or cows.
No time to see, when woods we pass,
Where squirrels hide their nuts in grass.
No time to see, in broad daylight,
Streams full of stars, like skies at night.
No time to turn at Beauty's glance,
And watch her feet, how they can dance.
No time to wait till her mouth can
Enrich that smile her eyes began.
A poor life this, if full of care,
We have no time to stand and stare.

William Henry Davies 1871 - 1940

I used the last two lines and changed one word, so on the bench the inscription reads:

"A poor life this, if full of care,
We have no time to sit and stare."

Fully cemented and the first sitting

At last I have managed to cement the bench in. This will prevent it from tipping over and also deter any thieves.

Last night (11th June) whilst I was digging the two holes, for the concrete and stainless steel straps, I had a chat with three separate dog walkers. We touched on a few subjects about the site, dogs, people and the view.

I also had my first comment posted to the blog. I hope there are more.

My Mum decided to come out with me on my final check of the cement and the bench. She sat down and said she might come out and sit her sometimes for a break on a sunny day. An alternative to sitting in doors with a cup of tea.

The opening ceremony

Abraham at the opening ceremony.

The bench has been temporarily sited and a little surprise was planned. 

Two pitchers of Pims were prepared, an opening ribbon, a bottle of bubbly and the real surprise, my Dutch friends Jur and Nicole made a straw man to represent Abraham. When you reach the age of Abraham (very old) you also attain wisdom. 

So as this was my 50th birthday present this must be near to a compliment, attaining such wisdom at such an early age.

The arrival

The bench has arrived, its inscription and plaques still wrapped up, and the truck driver cursing the small lane he had to traverse to get it near to the site.

Tonight the bench is one of my Mum's outbuildings, awaiting the preparation of its site. I have bought the concrete to embed two metal straps around the lower cross bars and also for the four concrete foot-pads.

Still more to do.

Site for the bench

My Mum and I have selected a site for the bench.

So I got the mower out and prepared a patch under an oak tree, next to a holly tree and a blackthorn bush. It faces west and is just off the footpath, looking towards Ashover Rock and Alton. After this ridge you start to pass onto the moors and onto the gritstone edges of the Peak District.

Bench Photo

This is the sample photo from the bench makers website - Memorial Benches UK.

I have been told that the bench will be delivered on the 6th June.

Getting excited now!

The idea

Birthday present 
My friends, family and other animals have contributed towards this bench for my 50th birthday present. It will be sited near to a public footpath on private land near to Old Tupton, Chesterfield, Derbyshire.

Unveiling 
More will be revealed about the bench, including its inscription and its location as time goes by. The unveiling of the bench will be sometime in early June 2012.

Interactive bench 
The bench will have a this blog address on a brass plaque which will encourage passers-by to post comment and / or photos.