Over the years several benches have been installed on the Gratton. Some are memorial benches to local residents or those who have supported the Gratton. Others are there purely for the pleasure and benefit of visitors to the park. We also have 5 picnic benches, strategically located next to the riverside steps and in or near the playground. We hope you enjoy them.
The Trustees are keen to keep the benches in as good a condition as possible, so if you do notice any damage please contact us.
Below is a catalogue of the memorial benches installed.
Ken Wheeler’s Bench
Located in the quiet north eastern corner of the Gratton facing the avenue of birch trees, this bench was installed in 2021 in memory of Ken Wheeler. Ken was one of the founding Gratton Trustees and a beloved member of the local community. The plaque reads:
In memory of Frank Kenneth Wheeler (“Ken”), Sadly missed, 1932 – 2012
Mick & June Bedford’s Bench
The original bench was installed several years ago, in memory of Mick Bedford. However, along with the plaque, it was upgraded in 2021 to the bench seen today. The plaque was subsequently upgraded in 2023, after the passing of June Bedford. The bench overlooks the calming waters of the River Dever gently flowing along the eastern perimeter of the Gratton. The plaque reads:
Mick Bedford (29.05.1955 – 01.01.2017)
June Bedford (03.02.1955 – 23.06.2023)
In Loving Memory
Sarah-Jane Kebby’s Covered Bench
This bench was installed in 2021 in memory of Sarah-Jane’s father, Olly Kebby. Olly had been very involved in the Gratton Trust. The bench is located in the south eastern corner beneath a willow tree, facing the playgound, and catches the evening sun. The plaque reads:
In loving memory of OLLY Kebby 19/04/1936 to 4/10/2019
‘Badger’s Bench’
Peter Burton dedicated 39 years to the Gratton Trust and the local community, founding and supporting the Sutton Scotney football team. This memorial bench overlooks his beloved football pitch. The inscription reads:
In Memory of Peter “Badger” Burton, Long Serving Member of the Local Community (1955 – 2021)
Alan Richmond
This bench, located on the western perimeter, overlooking the main football pitch, is in memory of Alan James Richmond. The plaque reads:
23-01-1935 Alan James Richmond 25-05-2018 A life Long Friend and Supporter of the Gratton
Fred Tabbitt
This bench, located on the western perimeter, overlooking the main football pitch, is in memory of Fred Tabbitt. Along with Peter Burton, Fred headed up the Sutton Scotney Football Team. Such was Fred’s contribution to Sutton Scotney Football; a memorial match is played annually on the Gratton. The plaque reads:
13.04.1953 Fred Tabbitt 01.08.2005 “Only the Good Die Young”