Battersea Park
Michele's Bench
My love affair with benches began in Battersea Park Winter gardens, with a memorial bench dedicated to the most amazing friend—someone who helped me rediscover parts of my old self more than they will ever know. Because of her, I found my confidence again. Her passing now serves as a reminder that I’m ready to be myself, to trust myself, have fun, and to embrace whatever comes next.
It’s a bench I try to visit regularly, sometimes alone, sometimes with friends, depending on the mood and the weather. Tony and I make it an important part of my visits to him in London
Along the way, thanks to my frequent visits to Michele’s bench, I met Tom—proof that if you sit still long enough, the world (and some great people) will come to you.
Michele's Bench
The words on the plaque say everything about Michele
Sit Down And Dream
A memorial bench to a loved one is just a bench to most people. They might pass it by without a second thought, sit for a moment, or even ignore it entirely. But to those who truly know its significance, it is one of the most important places on earth.
It’s more than wood and metal. It’s a place of connection, of memory, of reflection. It holds the echoes of laughter, the warmth of presence, and sometimes, the quiet ache of loss. Sitting there, you don’t just remember—they remind you. They remind you of who they were, what they loved, and even who you’ve become because of them.
Relaxed Friendly Thoughtful
For me, this bench is where I felt their guidance even after they were gone. To the world, it’s just a spot in a park. But to me—and to anyone who truly loved her—it’s sacred ground, a place where life and memory meet, and where the quietest reminders can shape the strongest growth.
A bench might seem ordinary. But for those who understand, it’s extraordinary.
Battersea Park Bench
A few pictures from Battersea Park Winter Gardens
