A new bench is inviting strangers to stop, sit, and start a conversation.
A ‘Happy to Chat’ bench has been donated to Patrick’s Patch in Beaulieu by the Waterside Veterans Coffee Club (WVCC), part of the Royal British Legion.
The bench is intended to encourage conversation and connection among visitors of all ages.
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Patrick Fairweather, owner of Fairweather’s Garden Centre. Peter Pullin, Fawley and District RBL, standard bearer and volunteer at WVCC. Jon Smith, vice chairman of Fawley and District RBL and Volunteer at WVCC. (Image: Fairweather’s)
Jon Smith, vice chairman of the Fawley and District Royal British Legion branch, said: “Waterside Veterans Coffee Club was created to support our veteran community and began as an idea from Lucy Pullin.
“Since then, the local community has embraced us and helped the club thrive.
“Our ‘Happy to Chat’ benches are a small way of giving back, offering support not just to veterans but to everyone.
“The idea is simple: take a seat, pass the time of day and perhaps meet a new friend.
“Both Pete and I have seen how deeply mental health challenges can affect people, and we hope the bench offers comfort to anyone feeling lonely or low.
“Patrick and Fairweather’s have supported us from the very beginning, so placing the first bench in Patrick’s Patch felt entirely fitting for such a welcoming and uplifting space.”
The WVCC was established over four years ago to provide companionship and camaraderie for veterans and serving personnel from all branches of the Armed Forces.
It was founded by Fawley and District Royal British Legion branch vice chairman Jon Smith and Pete Pullin, along with their wives Lisa and Lucy.
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WVCC was established to provide companionship for veterans. (Image: Fairweather’s)
Patrick Fairweather, owner of Fairweather’s Garden Centre and namesake of Patrick’s Patch, said: “We are delighted to welcome this thoughtful gift from the Waterside Veterans Coffee Club.
“Patrick’s Patch has always been a place to wander at an easy pace, to enjoy the garden and feel part of something greater.
“The ‘Happy to Chat’ bench reflects that spirit wonderfully.
“It offers time to pause, share a moment and perhaps strike up a conversation that lifts the day.
“I warmly encourage visitors to stroll through Patrick’s Patch, take in the changing seasons, sit for a while and enjoy the simple pleasure of chatting with someone new.”
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