AN ARTIST has hand-painted a bench in Winklebury in memory of a man who died during lockdown restrictions in 2020.

The bench has been painted as part of a project by the Winklebury Legends to install street art around the area that memorialises people who were 'legends' in the suburb.

The first bench, installed outside Sycamore Hall, pays tribute to George Nash, who moved to the area as part of the London Overspill scheme in the early 1960s.

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George's wife, Cathy Nash, set up the group, which holds a memorial football match in his honour every year, in 2021 after George and his close friend Fred Elgar died in October 2020

Artist Fatima Pantoja decorated the bench with the leaves of trees that are also street names in the area, in particular, the Clarke Estate, to reflect the history of Winklebury. 

Fatima and Cathy held workshops at schools, as well as talks with scouts and guide groups, to gather ideas on how to decorate the pieces of street art.

The bench is the first of ten, with residents encouraged to look out for the following nine around the area, and even add a few brush strokes themselves.

Cathy Nash said: "We would like to thank BDBC’s Pride in Place Grant which enabled us to fund this project. 

"For the past four years, Winklebury Legends has raised funds for the local community through their Memorial Football Match, and this year have donated £1000 each to Castle Hill Junior School and Winklebury Federation."

Anyone who would like to dedicate one of the remaining benches to a loved one is encouraged to contact Winklebury Legends by emailing admin@winkleburylegends.org