Who’s bench is this?
Through conversations with partners, parents, friends and families, we’ve gathered life stories about the people for whom benches have been dedicated. With their permission, we’re sharing these stories. Where a story is told, you’ll also find a QR code on the dedicated bench in the park.
BenchLife is a collaborative project between Wendy Hodgson (ParkLife Ipswich) and Sarah Tieck (This is Ipswich). Do you have a bench dedicated to someone you love? We’d love to bring their story to life please get in touch.
Gill Turrell
My mum, Gill, was one of the nicest, kindest and most caring people you could ever hope to meet. She was completely family-orientated, the centre of everything and everyone, and somehow managed to be a mum, friend, teacher and nurse all rolled into one. She had a funny, silly side too; she never took herself too seriously and could always make us laugh. Gill’s story has kindly been shared by her youngest son, Nick Jarrold.
Lily Sparrow
From a small child Lily loved dinosaurs, dragons and mythology, she would watch, read, draw and access anything linked to these loves. She was a fiercely loyal friend and devoted sibling to Jasmine and Benjamin. She had stunning long ginger hair and was covered in gorgeous freckles, all who knew her can bring to mind her infectious giggle.
Our hope is when you rest on a bench, you feel a sense of connection with the person the bench is dedicated to.
Do you have a bench dedicated to someone you love?
We’d love to bring their story to life please get in touch.