Pat's Bench
A special celebration took place at the Parish Hall this week as ‘Pat’s Bench’ was officially presented. Pat Toole’s dedication to the Parish Hall and the local area, in general, has spanned many decades and this beautiful bench is a recognition of that appreciation for very special man. The following words are from Keith Read’s speech at the presentation.
“Pat, it’s cold so I’ll be brief! But your 50 years of loyal and dedicated service to Leamington Hastings Parish Hall and the wider community cannot go unmarked and, as the current longest-serving Trustee I’ve been asked to say a few words
For half a century you have at various times cleaned, cared for, taken bookings for, been chairman of and have nurtured our Parish Hall – and that’s not forgetting the bowling green!
We’ve all seen you striding behind the mower caring for the surface like a father cares for a child. And let’s face it Pat, you helped to conceive and construct our bowling green so you‘ve every right to consider it very much your baby!
Throughout the vast majority of those 50 years of diligent service you were, of course, assisted (and no doubt sometimes guided by) your lovely wife, Sylvia. And today we remember and mark all that she, too, did for the hall and the community.
Those of us who have dabbled in carpentry and wood-turning recognise teak as a tough, hard-wearing, reliable and durable tropical hardwood. It’s not tropical here today, but Pat’s Bench is made from teak – and it is an eminent reflection of the qualities of the man who’s long and loyal service it marks.
So before we all freeze to the ground I’ll ask you to formally inaugurate Pat’s Bench.’
Here are some photos and a video from the presentation. Thank you to all who attended and of course, a heartfelt thank you from all of us in the local community to Pat Toole.
