John Cooper Memorial Bench/Sculpture at the Wokingham Waterside Centre

John’s family and friends wish to mark his contribution to the Waterside Centre, Canoe Club, Scouting and the wider Wokingham community by commissioning a lasting tribute in oak. John trained as a cabinet/furniture maker and the craftsman in him would celebrate the choice of material, the best known and loved of British native trees.

It was felt that a hand-crafted bench would provide a lasting tribute and would benefit the Waterside Centre and all the visitors to this beautiful stretch of the River Thames. Nick Speakman of 3D Wood is a professional sculptor and maker of unique furniture and he has been engaged to design and craft the tribute.

The section of oak selected is believed to be over 250 years old and will provide an excellent medium for the sculpture.

We are hoping to create something that reflects the meandering shape of the river with the bow of an open canoe. The finished form will be a timeless, practical and tactile landmark, somewhere for people to interact with their surroundings.

The cost is anticipated to be in the region of £5,000 and if you would like to support this initiative then please give generously. With your help we hope to complete this project by the end of March 2018, in time for the Devises to Westminster International Canoe Race which uses the WWC as a key stop off.