The Aldingbourne Trust are delighted to be part of a project in partnership with Arun District Council. A silver birch tree in the historic Hotham Park, Bognor Regis, has been transformed into a ‘Celebration of Life Tree Seat’. Featuring messages from the public on engraved leaf plaques.  

Customers will have the choice of either a serrated chestnut, or a round-edged oak plaque in either silver or gold laminated material. They can then dedicate a message to a loved one or celebrate a special occasion. The plaques will be dedicated for a ten-year period, with the option to re-adopt for a further five years.   

Susan Robinson, Resident of Bognor Regis, said “I am so pleased I have this special place to go to in times like this. My one exercise a day includes a walk through Hotham Park, next to the Celebration of Life Tree, where I can remember happy moments with my dad right by his memorial plaque.” 

The Aldingbourne Trust will deal with the application process for purchasing, engraving and installing the plaques. This will be managed through the wood department at the Aldingbourne Country Centre and people with learning disabilities and/or autism. who will be fitting the plaques and maintaining the bench.  

Peter Stanley, General Manager of the Trust, said: “With the success of the Long Bench scheme in Littlehampton, we are very excited to be involved in this project. We are looking forward to working with the local community. Creating fantastic messages on the leaf plaques of this unique tree bench.” 

Please visit www.aldingbournetrust.org/celebration-of-life-tree to find out more information on how you can purchase a plaque on the bench.