The ‘buddi bench’ project was launched by Seth Hunter, who fundraised for the seat to be placed in Calverley Grounds, overlooking the basketball court.
As the Times reported earlier this month, the idea was based on the observation that dog owners seemed to be willing to engage in conversation with one another, leaving them less lonely. Meanwhile, ‘buddy benches’ in schools allowed children to signal that they wanted someone to talk to.
Seth opened the bench on Sunday, May 15, and said: “I can confirm there was both rain and confetti, but it was lots of fun.”
With about 25 people ‘passing through’ the opening ceremony that day, he admitted some disappointment at having half as many visitors as he had hoped.
However, he stressed, ‘The launch was just there to give some focus’ and he was continuing to build its operation, adding that he was continuing to spend an hour a day on the bench, starting conversations with strangers, and handing out leaflets about the project.
Speaking to the Times from the park on Wednesday, he said he was not even sitting on the bench at that moment, as it was occupied by two other people having a chat.
“Yesterday I did my 12-1 as usual, and spoke to four different people for about 15 minutes each, including a retired lady who had just come from church, and a retired marine who was suffering from PTSD,” he added.
“It’s really working. We’re getting a diverse group of people.
“But it’s like when you throw a party and no-one wants to be the first to get up and dance. I’m the one who gets up and gets other people to dance.”
Seth is fundraising to bring the project to other towns and places at buddibench.org
