Winning bench designs 'capture spirit of Newhaven'

Two 'exceptional' designs for a pair of new wooden benches at Fort Road Recreation Ground have been announced as winners from almost 100 competition entries.

Alfie Sinclair, a Year 9 student at Seahaven Academy, and the collaborative duo of Newhaven artists Diets Verschuren and Caroline Marsland, have each secured top honours with their imaginative creations.

Lewes District Council, in partnership with Hospitable Environment, a community-focused arts organisation, ran the competition which will see the two winning designs professionally etched into the benches in the new community orchard within the recreation ground. This orchard is a key part of the regeneration of Fort Road Recreation Ground, which is due to start this spring.

Councillor Emily O'Brien, Cabinet Member for Climate, Nature & Food Systems, said: "We received a huge number of entries so thank you to everyone who took part in the competition.

"The high quality of entries made it a tough job for the judges, but the two winning designs stood out because they cleverly captured the spirit of Newhaven and celebrated its unique landscape and wildlife."

Councillor Johnny Denis, Cabinet Member for Arts, Culture and Tourism & Leisure said: "Congratulations to Alfie, Diets and Caroline, whose exceptional designs will now be etched on to the new benches for park users to enjoy for years to come, along with a raft of improvements that will transform Fort Road Recreation Ground."

The regeneration of the recreation ground, including Shakespeare Hall and the Cricket Pavilion, is being made possible thanks to funding from UK Government. For more information visit www.fortroadnewhaven.org

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