Bench Rises From The Ashes!

THANKS to a generous local response to an appeal for donations, a vandalised bench has been restored to its former glory.
Sustrans, the UK?s leading sustainable transport charity, commissioned the Circular Bench at Thame Old Station, as part of a series of artworks along the highly popular Phoenix Trail walking and cycling route.

The generous support of the people of Thame has funded the repair of the bench, which provides a resting place for walkers and cyclists using the Phoenix Trail. Some of the donations came from Thame Walking & Cycling Group and others from the readers of ThameNews.Net, the Thame Gazette and the Bucks Free Press, who kindly supported Sustrans appeal.

The bench, which was badly vandalised just before Christmas, was hand-crafted from English green oak by its creator Richard Stump. Richard, who agreed to repair the bench at a reduced cost, is a former student at Oxford & Cherwell College Rycotewood Centre.

Katy Hallett, Sustrans Art & the Travelling Landscape Director, said: ?The unique construction of this circular bench is an inspiration, we are delighted that Richard has found time to repair it and has made it usable for everyone on the Phoenix Trail this Summer.?

Photo: Richard Stump who designed and built the seat by the old Thame Station platform, and who has now repaired vandal damage to the sculpture.