The widow of a man remembered with a bench at Rozel Harbour has thanked the prisoners who restored it – as part of a new partnership that has seen all 160 of Jersey’s harbour memorial benches lovingly refurbished.
Former politician Anne Pryke, whose late husband Roger is commemorated on one of the benches, said the work had brought her comfort and praised the HMP La Moye inmates’ role in the project.
“[The bench] is amazing and such a great asset,” she said. “I’m so very pleased to have the plaque replaced – it’s such a wonderful project.”
The restoration work – which involves cleaning, painting and maintaining every memorial bench around the island’s harbours – is being carried out in partnership with Ports of Jersey’s historic harbours team.
The benches hold deep meaning for local families and visitors alike – and the prisoners involved say they are proud to help preserve that connection.
Ports of Jersey said it approached the prison for assistance because each bench was taking its team over a week to restore. Under the new scheme, Ports workers transport the benches to the prison’s workshop and supply the materials needed.
The first phase of the project – which will cost £7,500, paid by Ports – will see up to 100 benches refurbished. If successful, it could become a permanent rolling programme run with the prison service’s vocational education team.
Historic harbours manager Mark Byrne said: “All benches are routinely maintained, but progress was slower than we would like. We approached the prison service to see if this project would interest them as part of their rehabilitation work with prisoners. They were really interested, and we took it from there.”
So far, Ports has donated two orbital sanders to help more inmates participate.
Prison vocational training manager Peter Gould said the team was “honoured” to support the project.
“The benches mean so much to the families and friends, and our committed and dedicated team is pleased to inspire fond memories,” he said.
“The project encourages great teamwork, determination, and compassion for what these benches mean to others. We are hoping it is successful so we can make it a permanent venture.”
As well as delivering vital maintenance, the scheme offers inmates “purposeful activity” – a key part of rehabilitation.
