New benches have been unveiled to commemorate an iconic 80-year-old tree which fell during a storm last year. 

During 2022, one of Bude’s most recognisable trees fell victim to Storm Eunice, after it was blown down, leaving it destroyed. 

However, this week, six new benches made from the ‘Triangle tree’ were unveiled to the public. 

The Monterey Cyprus tree has been transformed into six wave-themed benches to be enjoyed by the town, commemorating the legacy of the historic plant. 

At the presentation, Jonathan Walter of Atlantic Makers, the group responsible for making the seats said: “I’d like to thank the council team for inviting Atlantic Makers to make something for Bude, the town where I have lived and worked, and raised a family over the last 15 years. It is wonderful that you recognise the value of, and support the arts and craft community here, it genuinely feels like a community led and community run council.”

Jonathan continued: “The benches were designed to commemorate the tree and also commemorate Bude’s love of the sea. Bude is a town that lives with, and loves the ocean. So many activities, from the dozens of kids who join nippers every year, the surf lifesaving club on the 70th anniversary, and national champions I’d like to add, the veterans surf club, the belly boarders, the long boarders, the coastal path walkers, the shapers, the open water swimmers, the two minute beach cleaners, the lifeguards, the fishermen, and the ladies who swim in the Sea Pool all year round. 

“The magnificent tree gave us so much while alive, a focal point, a meeting point, a place to hang your Christmas decorations each year. It was a majestic friend in the town centre and today it has kindly gifted us its branches for the benches now that its gone. We all hope Bude and its visitors can sit here and enjoy the tree once more now and for many years to come.” 

The first three benches have been placed within the Triangle where the tree once stood, with the remaining three set to be placed around the town.  Peter LaBroy, councillor for the town, was involved in the process of commissioning the benches. Speaking to the Post, he said: “When Storm Eunice took our tree, there was an incredible sense of loss shown by our community. We wanted to respect that feeling, so commissioned the wonderful benches which allow the tree to live on for many more years in the Triangle.”