Way back in 2015 – yes that really is ten years ago – I decided to post photos of the numerous benches sitting in my folders. It seemed that I was not alone and suddenly it turned into the Bench Challenge where I set a particular criterion each month and people joined in posting their bench photos. It was a lot of fun and I met a lot of wonderful bloggers through it.
Bude Benches
(please click on an image to scroll though the gallery)
This is my last bench post of the year. Once again thanks to all those who have joined me in celebrating the beautiful and not so beautiful benches around the world. Often it’s the location of the bench which is more aesthetically pleasing than the bench itself, but let’s not forget how very useful they are for the weary, the old, the romantic and the opportunity to sit and stare and take in the surroundings, listen to nature, people watch, chat with friends or even strangers or even to eat one’s lunch or read a book / newspaper / magazine / phone. And even make one a memorial to those we love.
To one and all I wish you a very happy 2026
and keep looking out for those benches!
TRAVEL WORDS 
What a great gallery of benches to close out the anniversary year, Jude!
So many benches in Bude I just had to do a gallery!
These benches are in great places to enjoy the views, Bude Canal’s bench with the etching was lovely
Yes, that is a lovely bench, could do with some TLC though, originally it had some colour on it.
a lovely way to finish – sending you hugs
Thanks Becky.
Thinking of you, Jude. Here’s to new year with some enjoyable “firsts” and seats to enjoy magnificent views.
Thanks Suzanne. It’s going to be a tough year for us both. Thinking of you too. ❤️
We should start a club that no one wants to join 😉 Humour aside, 2026 will be challenging yet I know deep down we will keep going xx
Becky is already a member of that horrid group. It’s definitely not one that anyone joins by choice. But we will plough ahead with our different future, which may take time to work out. I’m with you every step of the way. xx
Ditto xx
What a lovely collection of benches to end the year with. I’ll be linking you to benches for some time to come. I have so many to share. Best wishes to you for 2026.
Thanks Carol. Maybe I’ll run another anniversary in a few years time. And there are sure to be more benches popping up in my photos.
I know your year has been hard. Thank you for the nice challenge! since 2015 I see benches everywhere! Keep going!
Thanks for joining in Traudel. It has been fun. And I am sure a bench or two will pop up now and then.
I have plenty…