Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Bristol Post
Bristol Post
National
Lewis Clarke

Cycle path portrait benches pay homage to Bristol's community champions

Heroes from across Bristol are being immortalised in steel on the National Cycle Network. The ‘portrait benches’ project was rolled out in recognition of Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee year, thanks to funding from the Department for Transport.

As part of a national campaign by the walking and cycling charity, Sustrans, residents across Lawrence Weston were invited to have their say on who they believe has made a positive impact on their local community in the last seven decades, in celebration of the UK’s longest-reigning monarch.

One of two figures recognises Mark Pepper, a lifelong resident of Lawrence Weston who has devoted more than three decades to improving the area. Working across community development, youth work and social care, Mark has enabled countless people and projects to thrive. In 2012, Mark worked with other locals to found the grassroots charity Ambition Lawrence Weston, which has secured funding to make the community an even better place to live and work.

Speaking about the portraits, Mark said: “I hope this installation will be a reminder of the sacrifice and commitment that NHS Keyworkers and resident community volunteers gave during the pandemic and who continue to give unselfish support to others every single day."

A second figure recognises NHS staff across the UK as valued members of their local communities. From nurses to doctors, porters to caterers, administrative staff to allied health professionals, each and every key worker has been vital in caring for the public through the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond. They stand together as more than 1.3 million selfless staff members supporting us every day across the UK.

Speaking about the portrait, Veronica Pickering, local GP, said “Many of the residents of Lawrence Weston are key workers within the NHS so it feels a very appropriate setting to celebrate all their different roles. A portrait bench is such a lovely idea, promoting well-being, particularly in a part of our city where people are facing the many challenges of health inequality.”

On Friday 28 April, the figures were unveiled at their new home on National Cycle Network Route 41 in Lawrence Weston. The unveiling was celebrated by Mark, Veronica, and representatives from Sustrans.

Sarah Leeming, director for the south of England at Sustrans, explained: “We’re really pleased to see Mark, and the people working for the NHS, recognised for the brilliant support they provide the community around them in Lawrence Weston. Just like the National Cycle Network, they are at the heart of the community.

“At Sustrans, we’re committed to ensuring that the National Cycle Network continues to enable as many people as possible to walk, wheel, cycle, and run, and as a network of ‘Paths for Everyone’, that they celebrate the communities they run through.”

In total, 30 new life-sized steel figures are being installed across England. They’ll complement the existing 250 figures which were installed as part of the Portrait Bench campaign over 12 years ago. They’ve been designed and fabricated by renowned artists Katy and Nick Hallett and will be installed at 14 of the most popular cycle paths across the National Cycle Network to celebrate achievements of individuals and groups who have gone above and beyond for their communities.

Visit www.sustrans.org.uk for more information.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.