The Bench at Diddley’s View

Posted on 23/01/2022 By

The Bench

Bertie sat on the bench admiring Diddley's Bench.

Five years ago, 17 January 2017, we welcomed something very special into our lives. The Bench. Since then it has become central to our lives. A place of pilgrimage to remember Diddley. Becoming in effect ‘Diddley’s Bench’ at ‘Diddley’s View’.

Constructed by the National Trust volunteer carpenters at Landbarn Farm, it has transformed our lives. Coping with any mood you encompass, you will feel better – whether it be a fleeting visit or a much longer one. We have written stories on the Bench. Seen wonderful birds. Butterflies. Even snowdrops from the Cotswolds. We meet friends and family there.

It is a bench for all seasons. Situated close to the Abinger Roughs car park, it’s not far if you are aching. Not far if it follows shopping at the Watercress Farm at Abinger with an ice cream sitting on the Bench.

In hot weather last summer we had a folding chair in the shade close by. Read lots of books. It is a sanctuary from the trials and tribulations of the modern world. So thank you to Rob at the National Trust who made it possible.

2017

The BencChris. National Trust Volunteer… "Chris of all trades".h:

17 January 2017. Chris from the National Trust. Rob taking the pictures. See how long those legs are!

The Bench: Chris. National Trust Volunteer… "Chris of all trades".

 

Bench:

 

The Bench:

Job done.

Bobby and Bertie on the bench at Diddley’s view.

First meeting at the Bench.

Bench: Layla, Sonny, Faith.

Layla, Sonny, Faith.

The Bench: The unveiling by the grandchildren in May.

Unveiling party. Family and friends.

Bench: Bertie, with Kyla, Angie and Chris.

Kyla, Angie and Chris.

2018

We picked Kyla up and lit a candle at Diddley’s Bench.

Kyla.

Big Jay, Jasmine, Little Jay, Sonny, Faith, Layla, Kyla posing at The Bench

Big Jay, Jasmine, Little Jay, Sonny, Faith, Layla, Kyla.

Little Jay, Sonny at The Bench

Little Jay, Sonny

Bertie, Eamonn and Trevor on The Bench.

First time for Eamonn. A rescue bear from the teddy bears’ hospital,

Eamonn.

Bobby's walking sticks and hat on a wet bench.

Wet.

Close up of Bobby's walking sticks and hat on a wet bench.

Wetter.

Kyla, Layla, Faith, Three bears and Betty Boop at the bench.

Kyla, Layla, Faith, Three bears and Betty Boop.

Bertie sat on the bench, with the start of a sunset colouring the sky.

Autumn is coming.

2019

On the bench

New Years Day 2019

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year!

Marie, Daisy-Mae and Giselle at The Bench.

Marie, Daisy-Mae and Giselle.

Sharing a laugh on The Bench.

He’s not that funny, is he?

Alison sat on The Bench.

Alison

Steph, Rob sat on The Bench with Harley the dog in front.

Steph, Rob, Harley.

2020

Eamonn sat on Diddley's Bench next to Bobby's hat.

Nice new hat!

Eamonn on The Bench.

February. Snowdrop time.

Eamonn sat on Diddley's Bench, with a candle lit for Diddley alongside a vase with three snowdrops in.

Lighting a Candle for Diddley

Scouting for Boys. And breakfast. Note Bobby’s wolf cub cap.

Scouting for Boys. And breakfast. Note Bobby’s wolf cub cap.

Aldith and Bernard on a bike ride.

Aldith and Bernard on a bike ride.

Bobby and Bertie in a black and white photo on The Bench.

Writing a story in black and white.

The bench covered in auntumnal leaves, with Bobby's walking sticks on it.

Autumn again.

The wet bench covered in auntumnal leaves, with Bobby's walking sticks on it.

Wet again.

Bobby looking pensively at The Bench.

For oft when on my couch I lie. In vacant or in pensive mood. I come here.

Ava in a green rain poncho at The bench.

Very wet indeed for Ava.

Bobby and Bertie is Christmas attire on The Bench.

This is my favourite place Bobby. Especially on Christmas Day.
It’s mine too Bertie.
Christmas Day 2020.

2021

Diddley's Bench and View. Cotswold Snowdrops.

Snowdrops from Cherington Lakes Cotswolds. Where Diddley came from.

Bertie on The Bench wearing his Sutton United scarf and Bobby's cap. A jar with a couple of snowdrops is in front of him.

Thinking of Diddley.

Bobby & Bertie chatting on The Bench.

Nearly five years Bertie. Lucky aren’t we…

Sheila and Bobby.

“Sheila” after telling her she was in it.

2022

Close up of Bobby's cap on Diddley's Bench.

Miss you, Diddley.

Lighting a Candle for Diddley.

Trevor and a candle lit for Diddley on The Bench. The word "Diddley" and a heart have been traced in the ice.

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Memories • Mindful • The Bench    

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