A buddy bench is a simple, powerful idea: a place in the playground where a child who feels left out can sit, and others know to come and keep them company. The Helping Hands Buddy Bench was made for a school’s Helping Hands group — started by a pupil so that no child would feel alone — and it’s carved in solid oak to last for generations.
The backrest carries “Helping Hands” in flowing script between two birds in flight, framed by oak leaves and acorns, with rolling hills, ferns and a rising sun carved beneath. Running across the landscape is the quote the school chose: “No matter what happens in life, be good to people. Being good to people is a wonderful legacy to leave behind.” — Taylor Swift. A carved bird perches on top of the back post, and the school crest and name sit quietly on the front leg — there when you look for it, never in the way.
It began from our Skylark Memorial Bench, and that’s how most of our benches start: a design you like, then your words, your symbols and your story. The same bench works beautifully as a memorial bench, a friendship bench for a community garden, or a tribute to someone who looked out for others. Prices include VAT. Schools can order on invoice or purchase order — once ordered, it’s confirmed.
Key Features
- Hand-carved backrest: your title, quote or dedication, with birds, oak leaves, hills and sun
- Carved bird perched on the back post
- School crest, logo or name carved into the leg on request
- Curved armrests, planked seat and shaped rails in solid oak
- Seats three adults or a group of children
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Choose your finish — supplied unvarnished as standard, or add three coats of Epifanes yacht varnish (+£50)
- Solid hand-built joinery throughout
Dimensions
Three-seater bench (as shown)
Approx. width 160cm | depth 60cm | height 120cm
Exact sizes are confirmed on your drawing before we start — we can make it shorter as a two-seater or longer for a bigger group.
Your Version
Tell us the words that matter — a quote, a name, a group, a school motto — and the things that should be carved around them: birds, animals, a landscape, a logo. We’ll send a drawing for approval, take a 50% deposit, and build. Lead time is typically 4–5 weeks, and we can work to term dates and special occasions. Get in touch to begin.
Finish
Supplied unvarnished as standard. Left natural, solid oak weathers outdoors to a soft silvery-grey with no maintenance needed. To keep the warm honey tones and crisp carving, choose varnished (+£50) and we’ll hand-apply three coats of Epifanes marine yacht varnish — the finish this school chose.
