11 September 2012

Manley Road Copse

When I've been out walking the dogs, I caught a glimpse of a beautiful bench through a hedge.  It was so lovely that I assumed it was in someone's garden.  It was only when I mentioned it to hubby that it became apparent it was on council-owned land, in a small area called Manley Road Copse.  Next time we went out with Frankie and Bobby I made sure we visited it with the camera.

This bench really intrigues me with its magical topic and annoyingly worn inscription on the seat!  What did it say?  Who made it?

Here it is.


Up close, we can see a fairyland scene that Enid Blyton would be proud of.  Toadstools, a bird, a fairy and a pixie riding a hare (it may be a rabbit, but I'm biased, so I'm going with a hare).


Isn't it beautiful?

And that intriguingly worn wording on the seat...


Keen to find out what it once said, I Googled it - nothing!  This is the first time Google has ever failed to help me with something I've found intriguing and wanted to know more about, but it's encouraged me to do things the old-fashioned way and do a bit of paper-based research!
Alternatively, I could just sit on the bench and make a wish!

If you're more proficient at internet research than I am, and can suggest anything I haven't tried, please share!
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13 comments:

  1. Maybe you should making a pencil rubbing on paper of the letters. Sometimes seeing the shadows of a rubbing will reveal the words to you. Please let us know if it works!

    Diane in North Carolina

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    1. What a great idea Diane! I'll let you know if it sheds any light on the words.
      Dan
      -x-

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  2. I love a challenge but have exhausted my Internet resources. I can make out some of the words in the photo but not all.

    Happy to have another go if there's any more information. Good luck!

    Jan (researcher, former librarian)

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    1. Hi Jan
      If I find any more information, I'll let you know. Usually Google can be relied upon to yield at least some insights. Which words could you make out? I'm afraid I couldn't make out any.
      Dan
      -x-

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  3. What a treasure to find.
    The bench is beautiful, so glad it has not been vandalized as it would be in many place in the US.
    I agree with @anonymous, try a rubbing and see what comes out.
    Lovely post today.

    cheers, parsnip

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    1. Hi Parsnip, yes a rubbing is worth a try. It's a very unusual bench indeed!
      Dan
      -x-

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  4. What a wonderful bench :o) Hope the rubbing works, I'd love to know too!
    Rose H
    x

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  5. Hi Rose
    I've been out and about this weekend, so haven't had chance, and typically it was wet when I got home from work today. I'm really curious to know its history.
    Dan
    -x-

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  6. Hi Dan, first I must say how sorry I am to have taken so long to comment and to have missed you finally MOVING IN...YAY!!! Many congratulations, it must be a huge relief to be finally settled and able to relax at last although I can quite understand how odd it must feel not to have the focus and pressure that drove you on from day to day after all this time. Everything I have seen of your new home is lovely. You worked so hard, for so long, I do hope you will be very happy there.

    The answer to the question you started your previous post with is a very big yes! I have really struggled with blogging lately and keep wondering whether to finish altogether, I never was a very prolific poster and lately 'real' life and a lack of enthusiasm has kept me from publishing new posts. I am feeling rather low at the moment though and expect that once I can get back 'in the groove' again my enthusiasm will return.

    Anyway, your beautiful carved seat has completely charmed and intrigued me and I have spent a ridiculous amount of time googling it but like you I got precisely nowhere ;-) Mostly I just kept coming across links to your post :-) I think your best bet (which I'm sure you have already thought of ) is to get in touch with the council. I'm really longing to know, I do love a good mystery and the seat is just gorgeous! :-)

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  7. Hi Jan
    Thanks! Yes, we've finally moved in, though there's still plenty of work to be done! Not much time for relaxation just yet.

    I think lots of us have the same thoughts about blogging from time to time, but I guess the only pressure to post comes from ourselves. There's no obligation to post on a regular basis. I'm sorry to hear you've been feeling low.

    I gave up my internet search on the bench, and got in touch with the council, so hoping to hear back soon. I'll let you know what they come back with. It's certainly a very intriguing bench, isn't it?

    Dan
    -x-

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  8. Hi Dan, hope all is well with you. Thank you for your lovely comments :o)
    In reply, no I haven't visited the 'mousey' visitors centre - one day maybe? I certainly am delighted with the bread board, and we think men don't listen ;o)
    We went to the coast via Shrewsbury, Welshpool, Dolgellau route - did we pass you by?
    I wasn't as brave having a paddle as the pensioner I saw up to his neck having a swim! The water was certainly cool..he was made of stronger stuff than me.

    Have you managed to get the rubbing from the bench yet? Curiosity is killing me!

    Rose H
    x

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    1. Hi Rose
      No, we're on the A55 not far from Chester, a different route.
      The bench is too badly worn to get a rubbing, but I have been in touch with the council, and am waiting for a reply back. Hopefully they will be able to enlighten me. I'll keep you posted!
      Dan
      -x-

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  9. My first thought was a rubbing too. Hope the council can help - this is such a gorgeous bench, Dan! Knowing it's history would make it that much more special.
    Hugs,
    Zuzu

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