All eleven benches along the towpath have been upcycled with the help of local artists, local charity the Ware Men's Shed and Project Manager Jade Dawn in collaboration with the Lee Valley Regional Parks Authority and have been funded with monies from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
Bench 10 was designed and brought to life by local artist Donna Reeves. It features a painted river scene with a proud kingfisher, as well as whimsical fantasy elements inspired by Cicely Mary Barker illustrations. The piece is designed to encourage people to pause and connect with the environment, offering surprises for those that do.
Painted by students from Simon Balle School, Bench 11 showcases a vibrant tapestry of local wildlife and stands as a permanent symbol of student achievement and shared community pride. Students Verity, Elliette (both Year 7) and Carolina (Year 12) worked together to create their bench following a school-wide competition and have gained a wider appreciation for art outside of the classroom as a result.
Councillor Vicky Glover-Ward, Executive Member for Planning and Growth, said, “I am truly delighted to finally announce the completion of the River Lea Art Trail after many months of hard work by all those involved. These two benches make wonderful additions to the trail and offer an excellent opportunity for residents and visitors to reflect and admire one of the town’s most popular scenes.
I must congratulate all the artists involved, whilst also offering my thanks to them and our other partners for all their endeavours. I am especially proud to have had Simon Balle School get involved in the project, which has always been one with the local community at heart.
I am grateful to have been able to play my own small part in the creation of the magical Bench 10, which uniquely features floorboards recycled from my house, as well as two locally salvaged tree trunks! I look forward to seeing the benches get plenty of use over the coming weeks, months and years – it fills me with joy to know they will feature in many treasured memories.”