----- Commemorative Benches -----
Celebration Bench for Asenby
A stunning bench commemorating Queen Elizabeth ll's seventy-year reign was installed in Asenby in .
The bench, forged in Asenby by talented blacksmith Louis Sturt, was created after Asenby Institute successfully applied for a grant offered by Harrogate Borough Council under their Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Small Grant Awards scheme. The scheme was aimed at villages and societies in the borough wanting to celebrate the momentous Platinum Jubilee with a legacy project.
The bench has been installed under the historic chestnut tree which was planted by villagers in 1897 following Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee and a plaque has been attached to the bench drawing attention to both of these significant celebrations.
Siobhan Gifford, Chair of Asenby Institute, said: "We are hugely grateful to Harrogate Borough Council for their sponsorship and to Louis for his vision and craftsmanship. We believe the bench offers a striking focal point that will be used by people of all ages, and by villagers and visitors, for generations to come."
Editor’s Note: The craftsmanship of Louis Sturt is unquestionable and his legacy bench is a fine reminder of the Platinum Jubilee. But thanks are also due to Siobhan Gifford who had the vision and took the initiative to get the bench designed, constructed and funded.
A bench fit for a king
Asenby's latest commemorative bench (2022) was unveiled on the day of King Charles lll's Coronation and is dedicated to the memory of Ben Lowe. It is positioned at the far end of the main street through Asenby, close to the junction with Thwaites Lane.
The Coronation Bench replaced a dilapidated seat which had been donated to the village many years ago by a fishing syndicate. This latest bench was commissioned and funded by Asenby Institute and constructed by local blacksmith, Louis Sturt who designed and installed the Platinum Jubilee Bench under the chestnut tree.
