Veteran-themed bench unveiled at Station Arts Centre

A bench with a poppy design was unveiled Thursday in front of the Station Arts Centre. Taking part in the unveiling were, left to right: Tabitha Verbuyst, Station Arts Centre CEO and the artist who painted the bench; Rev. Paul Robinson, Legion padre; Louise Richel, vet and Legion member; Mayor Deb Gilvesy; Mike Pritchard, Legion service officer; Darrell Ball, Air Cadet liaison officer; and Sarah Senior, chair of the Station Arts Centre board of directors. (Jeff Helsdon Photo).

Jeff Helsdon, Editor

A colourful year-round reminder of the sacrifices made by Canadian veterans was unveiled outside the Station Arts Centre on Thursday morning.

More than a dozen Legion members, Station Arts Centre members, and Mayor Deb Gilvesy gathered in front of the Bridge Street facility to unveil a newly-painted bench with a poppy theme.

“The Station Arts Centre is always trying to expand on who we can partner with and how we can show support for the community, especially with those who made a difference in the community,” said Station Arts Centre CEO Tabitha Verbuyst.

She noted the old benches outside the Station Arts Centre and was looking for ideas to bring new life to them. Verbuyst proposed the concept of the poppy design to her board and then reached out to the Legion with a proposed design. The Legion agreed and put $100 towards the cost of the paint.

The bench dates back to when passengers used the Great Western Railway station, and it was used by those waiting for trains in the waiting room. It had some decay, and volunteer John Lamont started by rebuilding it. Verbuyst painted it personally.

“I wanted it to be artistic, beautiful, and pay tribute to our veterans,” she said.

The bench’s permanent location will be in front of the Lake Erie and Pacific (CP) station.

“We thought that would be suiting since the (Remembrance Day) walk starts there and people driving by will still see it,” Verbuyst said.