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Memorials can take many forms, from grand statuary in a city cemetery to a simple cross on the roadside, but one of the most common – and most thoughtful – is a commemorative seat.
Not only does a memorial bench provide a permanent and public reminder of a loved family member, friend or local character, but it also offers a welcome resting place for those left behind, usually in a peaceful spot with a wonderful view.
Mahurangi is blessed with many such seats, along coastal paths and riverbanks, in parks, reserves and community centres. Here, we look at a random selection of special seats spotted around the region.
Anthea McKergow and husband Hugh were strong supporters for the reinstatement of a bridge across a creek between Birdsall and Ashton Roads, at Whangateau. Anthea grew up in Leigh and Omaha flats, and was chair of the Board of Governors at Mahurangi College for 15 years. When she died in 2015, her family arranged for the installation of this seat, made from timber salvaged from the original bridge that once stood on the site, and dedicated it to her memory.
Maureen Gravatt’s friends and colleagues at Leigh Fisheries dedicated this seat on Leigh Harbour to her after her sudden death some years ago. She was remembered as “an amazing woman with a gentle soul who was very caring and would help anyone”.
Pip’s Corner offers Omaha Beach golfers a rest at the 8th tee, the southernmost point of the course. The bench was placed in memory of Pip Hindmarsh, one of many golfers who preferred to hit two shots to get to the par 3 green, rather than risk losing a ball in the extensive rough that lies under a direct shot.
This familiar and reassuring Kiwi sentiment in memory of Sandy Lawrence is on the coastal path that runs along the length of Snells Beach, one of many placed in memory of people who enjoyed the walk and loved the views out to Kawau and beyond.
