A PAIR of big-hearted volunteers are bringing two historic benches back to life for people who use a popular community hub in Port Glasgow.
Harry Woods and James Cameron, who are both members of Inverclyde Shed, are refurbishing the unique seats for the team at Parklea Branching Out.
Harry and James, who are retired and both used to work in engineering, have dedicated many hours of their time to restoring the benches which will sit in the new landscaped gardens at the centre.
Inverclyde Council asked in 2020 if Parklea Branching Out could make use of two distinctive round benches that had been in the Fore Street gardens in Port Glasgow.
One of the Branching Out volunteers, Charlie MacKay, was keen to see that they didn't get lost to the scrapheap, so he started the initial renovations but the coronavirus pandemic put a stop to his work.
Harry and James decided to pick up the challenge again this year.
Harry said he's happy to be part of bringing something unusual back into community use.
He told the Tele: "We wanted to breathe new life into these benches.
"They’ve seen generations come and go, and we didn't want to see them lost.
"They are so unique.
"I am really enjoying restoring them and supporting Parklea."
Jim, who retired very recently, said the project is keeping him busy.
He added: "It’s been a labour of love and will take some time but we've been putting our engineering skills to good use.
"We're looking forward to seeing these benches ready to serve the community again."
Some of the work has involved removing the severely weather-beaten wooden panels from the seats, drying them out, and restoring them as much as possible.
The dedicated volunteers have also stripped back the benches' iron frames to prepare them for a fresh coat of paint.
Parklea's staff and clients eagerly await the installation of the benches in the new gardens in the months to come.
Manager Sharon Gemmell said: "I am delighted that Charlie brought these benches to us, and that Harry and Jim have taken on this project.
"It's hard work and they are doing a great job.
"The time and effort they are putting in is really appreciated.
"We are all looking forward to seeing them when they are finished."
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