Welcome to Hungerford’s first Friendship Bench

HUNGERFORD’S Friendship Bench has been officially unveiled.

The project was a joint initiative between the town chamber of commerce and Hungerford Town Council.

The aim of the bench is to be a safe place where people can connect if they want someone to talk to – or if they want to help someone in need.

It is situated on a stretch of grass at Canal Wharf and the inscription reads: “This bench is designed to be a safe place where people can connect if they want someone to talk to, or if they want to help someone in need.

“By sitting here, you commit to being a friend to whomever may sit with you.

“Everyone needs a friend now and again and sometimes it’s easier to talk to a stranger than a loved one.

“If you could scan the QR code pictured above, you’ll find a list of organisations and contacts that may be able to help with whatever problems you may have.

“You never have to be alone and a problem shared is a problem lessened, so please take advantage of this bench and the warm community spirit with which it was designed.”

The initiative was the idea of chamber chairwoman Karen Salmon and supported by the town council and, in particular, town mayor Helen Simpson.

The pair formally unveiled the facility and Ms Salmon read an aposite verse by AA Milne’s ‘Winnie the Pooh:

“Today was a Difficult Day,” said Pooh.

There was a pause.

“Do you want to talk about it?” asked Piglet.

“No,” said Pooh after a bit. “No, I don’t think I do.”

“That’s okay,” said Piglet, and he came and sat beside his friend.

“What are you doing?” asked Pooh.

“Nothing, really,” said Piglet. “Only, I know what Difficult Days are like. I quite often don’t feel like talking about it on my Difficult Days either.

“But goodness,” continued Piglet, “Difficult Days are so much easier when you know you’ve got someone there for you. And I’ll always be here for you, Pooh.”

And as Pooh sat there, working through in his head his Difficult Day, while the solid, reliable Piglet sat next to him quietly, swinging his little legs… he thought that his best friend had never been more right.