As some of you may have noticed, there is a striking new bench in St Margarets!

St Margarets’ Parish Council received a request from a resident asking if they could provide a bench at the bus stop opposite St Mary’s Church on Hoddesdon Road. They agreed that a bench would be useful for residents, so chose a commemorative bench to celebrate the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings on 6 June 1944.

Permission was sought from the Bus Infrastructure and Network Infrastructure Team within the Highways Department at Hertfordshire County Council to place the bench in its location and it was purchased from David Ogilvie Engineering Ltd who specialise in street and park furniture. It was part funded with a £500 Locality Budget Scheme Grant awarded by Cllr Jonathan Kaye at Hertfordshire County Council and the remainder paid for by the Parish Council.

Local resident Matthew King of MK Independent Ltd kindly donated materials and installed the bench. Cllr Jonathan Kaye at Hertfordshire County Council also generously provided a grant towards the cost.

It is really very beautiful and will give residents a place to stop and rest, while also remembering the brave souls who fought for their country and gave their lives for others.

I am sure you will all agree that this bench is a lovely and poignant addition to the village. Thanks go to the resident who suggested it and to the Parish Council for taking up the request.

(Images courtesy of Rev’d Dr Sarah Forrest)