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Memorials and tributes

Information on planting a tree or dedicating a bench.

Memorial Benches 

Honour the memory of your loved ones with a beautiful memorial bench in one of Torbay's many serene locations. Our memorial benches offer a lasting tribute, providing a place of reflection and remembrance for years to come.

Pricing and locations

Below are 3 options to choose from. The price for an exclusive bench covers a full maintenance plan. This plan includes:

  • a replacement bench if the bench is damaged beyond repair
  • all necessary fixings
  • a plinth to place the bench on (if needed).
  • maintenance of the surrounding area to respect the view and location
  • cleaning and minor maintenance
  • a replacement plaque if plaque is damaged.

Zone 1 (premium locations, tourist areas with high frequency of use)

Areas of Torbay with beautiful views across a park, sea view or Coast Path location.

  • Shared Bench - Per Plaque: £850
  • Exclusive Bench - 5-Year Sponsorship: £2,400 (includes full repair and maintenance)
  • Exclusive Bench - 25-Year Sponsorship: £12,000 (includes full repair and maintenance)

Zone 2 (residential locations, parks and open spaces)

Residential areas within parks and open spaces, roadside verges where the sites may be special to the donator.

  • Shared Bench - Per Plaque: £550
  • Exclusive Bench - 5-Year Sponsorship: £1,600 (includes full repair and maintenance)
  • Exclusive Bench - 25-Year Sponsorship: £8,000 (includes full repair and maintenance)

Due to the anticipated high demand for our memorial benches, we offer shared sponsorship opportunities. Each bench can accommodate up to 3 plaques, allowing multiple families to share in the dedication.

The style of the bench will be predetermined based on the location to ensure it complements the surrounding environment.

Our benches are high quality, designed for Public Open Spaces and are as robust as possible for high use and demand. They are not standard timber garden benches. Please ask for details

To apply for a memorial bench sponsorship, please click on the links below or contact SWISCo using the details below.

Where are the Zones?

Zone 1 (examples only)

  • Princess Gardens & Seafront
  • Torre Abbey Gardens & Meadows
  • Babbacombe Downs
  • Cliff Gardens
  • Daddyhole
  • Meadfoot Sea Road
  • Thatcher Point/Ilsham Marine Drive

Zone 2 (examples only)

  • Battery Grounds & Freshwater
  • Paignton Seafront
  • Broadsands
  • Youngs Park
  • Ilsham Valley
  • Shiphay Park
  • Torbay Park
  • Coombe Park
  • Preston House Gardens
  • Tessier Gardens

If location is not specified, Zone 2 pricing will apply. SWISCo will be in contact where locations are not shown in the above list.

How long will my plaque be on the bench?

Sponsorship of benches will be available for 5, or 25, year periods of donation. This includes a full maintenance plan in the agreed timeframe which includes:

  • replacement benches if the bench is damaged beyond repair
  • all fixings
  • a plinth (if needed)
  • maintenance of the area to respect the view and location
  • cleaning and minor maintenance
  • replacement plaque if plaque is damaged.
Please note our benches normally have a life period of no more than 5 years. If you sponsor a bench for 25 years, we expect to replace it about 5 or 6 times, depending on where it is.
If a bench has been regularly vandalised we might look for other options and locations. We will contact you if we do this.

What will happen to my plaque after the period of donation?

SWISCo will reach out to plaque holders when their sponsorship is nearing its end. For those with existing plaques whose agreements have lapsed, a renewal package will be available. Plaques can be returned after the agreement period.

What are the bench styles?

We will select a suitable bench style for the designated location. This decision will consider:

  • Consistency with existing benches at the site
  • The location and its surroundings
  • Bench availability
  • Bench durability: some benches are made of recycled plastic. These are resistant to vandalism, oils, alkalis, acid and saltwater corrosion.
  • Where required, we may install a replacement plinth. This will be a suitable size to access to the bench.

In some circumstance, we may accommodate and install bespoke benches or seating, if this enhances the area. For example, war inscription benches. Each request will be looked at individually. The fee and maintenance agreement may be different for these benches.

We do not allow the public to add their own plaque or buy and install their own benches on Council-owned land.

When will my bench be installed?

Installation can take up to 4 months from the time payment is made. This timeframe accounts for the lead time required to order and receive the bench, as well as scheduling the installation. We will aim to keep you updated on the progress so you can be onsite for a ceremony if required.

Vandalism and damages

If a bench is damaged beyond repair, we will notify you as soon as possible and aim to repair or remove and replace if within the donation’s timeline.

Contact information

Renew an existing memorial bench
Sponsor a new memorial bench

Contact Registrars