Great Times on a Bench
Sometimes a bench carries nothing more than a memory of laughter — a moment when we stopped for no real reason at all. No plan, no purpose, just a pause in the day that later becomes meaningful. Long after we’ve moved on, that simple bench can quietly remind us of a shared joke, an unguarded smile, or a moment we didn’t know we’d remember
Really, are you turning round for that
On a regular road trip to the West Coast of Ireland, chasing great music and even better laughs, sometimes the best moments are the ones you don’t plan.
Tony was behind the wheel when he caught something out of the corner of his eye. Without a second thought, he turned the car around—he just had to get a picture.
It wasn’t a famous landmark or a tourist hotspot. It was one of those simple, unexpected treasures that make road trips memorable. What caused his excitement? An old, abandoned petrol pump in the middle of nowhere. And yet, in that split second, it became a story to remember—a snapshot of spontaneity and a reminder that sometimes the magic of travel lies in noticing the little things.
On the road, it’s easy to rush past the ordinary—but sometimes the ordinary stops you in your tracks, and suddenly, it’s unforgettable.
Lockdown Fathers Day
Long before my love of benches became an obvious personality trait, one played host to a very special occasion. During lockdown, on a Father’s Day that involved strict rules and lowered expectations, I met my youngest daughter Rosie on a bench in Colchester Castle Park. We sat, we talked, and we attempted to enjoy a snack I had proudly prepared. Unfortunately, as you can see, Rosie was not impressed. Not even slightly. The bench, however, didn’t judge — it simply supported us both while my culinary reputation quietly crumbled.
A lockdown fathers day that will always be remembered.
Have a Cigar and a Whisky
When Emma and I got married, we held a pre-wedding party the night before.
I loved the idea of creating a small cigar and whisky corner — a place to slow down, sit back, and savour the moment. Thankfully, the weather played its part, and what began as a simple idea turned into a calm space to unwind and catch up, away from the hustle and bustle of the dance floor.
Tucked away in the garden at the venue, that bench became a natural gathering place for easy conversations, shared drams, and laughter drifting through the evening — one of those unplanned moments that lingers long after the day has passed.
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Wokingham market place
One of our regular weekend escapes is heading to Wokingham to visit Philippa.
It has become a bit of a tradition now: grab a coffee, claim one of the benches scattered around the market place, light up a cigar, and let the people-watching commence.
From our front-row seats, we take in the steady stream of shoppers, dog walkers, and purposefully wandering locals as they drift past. There is something wonderfully relaxing about watching the people walking by while we remain perfectly still, soaking up the atmosphere and enjoying the simple pleasure of doing absolutely nothing at all.
Piece Hall Halifax
On a recent Christmas trip to Halifax, West Yorkshire, Charli and Josh joined Emma and me to visit my daughter, Ashleigh. As always, we made time for one of our favourite Halifax traditions: sitting in The Piece Hall and watching the world go by.
Wrapped in festive lights and Christmas buzz, it’s the perfect spot to pause for a while. We asked a kind lady who was also soaking up the seasonal atmosphere to take our photo.
In a classic schoolboy error, I didn’t check the picture properly afterwards—which neatly explains why I look slightly squashed in the middle.
Still, it’s a genuine moment from a favourite place that we love, and sometimes those imperfect photos tell the best stories.
Christmas in Rippondon
We had a brilliant visit to see Ashleigh and her husband, Jon, who live in Sowerby Bridge, West Yorkshire. We stayed in an Airbnb up in Ripponden, blessed with amazing views over the Yorkshire moors and—most importantly—an absolutely spot-on garden bench.
That bench didn’t take long to prove its worth.
Ashleigh claimed it first, settling in with Basil while they waited for Jon to arrive with their other dog, Filo. Basil was taking life nice and easy after his recent tail operation, and the two of them seemed perfectly content soaking up the peace, fresh air, and those endless moorland views.
On a different afternoon, the bench had a change of purpose and became the base for a coffee-and-cigar session. I sat there admiring the scenery, quietly reminded of just how much I enjoy slowing down and spending time with family and friends.
It was the same bench, enjoyed at different moments, by different people—those relaxed, unplanned pauses that somehow end up being the most memorable.
Proof, once again, that a good trip isn’t complete without a good bench… preferably one with a cracking view.
Benches at our Wedding
Emma and I were married in 2024, before I decided to write this blog.
Looking back now, I realize there were a few meaningful bench moments along the way—quiet pauses filled with love. Those benches didn’t just hold us, but also friends and family, sitting together, talking, laughing, and sharing time that now feels even more precious
