The Council welcomes donations of memorial benches and trees and wherever possible we will try to accommodate individual wishes.
Below is a list of frequently asked questions about memorial bench donations. If you would like further information about donating a memorial bench, please telephone 01727 819492 or email jenny.swatton@stalbans.gov.uk.
If you would like to register your interest, then please download and complete the Register of Interest form.
Does St Albans District Council allow and encourage the donation of memorial seats?
Yes. The Council welcomes such offers and tries to accommodate people’s wishes as much as possible.
Please note that all new bench sponsorships are done on a ten year basis. At the end of the ten years, the sponsor can choose whether or not to replace the bench. If you have any questions about the scheme, please contact us.
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Which sites are available?
Most parks, open spaces, public gardens, cemeteries and closed churchyards which are within the ownership and management of St Albans District Council.
Please note that Verulamium Park is designated as a Scheduled Monument, and there are restrictions on installing new park furniture. Therefore we are only able to offer existing bench locations where there is not already a plaque. We cannot put any more benches around the lake or in new locations around the park.
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What seat designs are available?
In order to prevent these public areas from being populated with numerous different designs, the Council has standardised on two designs:
| • Cast Iron (CA6), used in our more formal locations. | • Alderley (SAS6), used in the more informal, rural settings. |
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Alderley benches have the option of a 4 digit date on each end, e.g. 2010.
The Council is willing to discuss different individual designs where they appear appropriate, particularly in more rural areas where a more rustic bench may be more appropriate.
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Is there a choice of location?
Yes, provided it is an appropriate place for a seat and the area is not already catered for with seats. We are not planning to put any additional seats around the lake in Verulamium Park.
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How much will it cost?
The total cost of ordering the bench, delivery and having it installed will be approximately £1000.00 including VAT (as at December 2011), but an exact quote will be provided once we know your requirements.
Reasonable maintenance and repairs will be provided by St Albans District Council free of charge, until the end of the ten year sponsorship period. After ten years, the sponsor will be approached to see whether they wish to replace the bench.
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Can I have a plaque on the bench?
Yes. The plaque is fitted to the top slat on the bench, and you can choose the wording that will appear on it. The cost of the plaque is included within the approximate price above.
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How long will it take?
It takes approximately 5 to 6 weeks from the date of order time for the bench to be delivered.
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