A new memorial bench has been unveiled at Sanders Garden Centre in Brent Knoll in tribute to a much‑loved regular customer who passed away earlier this year.
Burnham-On-Sea resident Charlie Hall, 97, and his late wife Doreen had been enjoying daily breakfasts at the centre ever since it first opened, becoming familiar faces to staff and visitors.
Doreen sadly passed away in February at the age of 94. Wanting to create a lasting tribute, Charlie purchased a memorial bench which was installed and unveiled at the centre this week.
Charlie says: “Ever since it opened, the store has looked after us so well and I wanted to do something to mark Doreen’s passing and to thank the team there.”
Manager Rob Vohra said the team was proud to support Charlie, adding that the couple had been part of the centre’s daily life for many years.
“Charles and Doreen Hall have been regular customers at Sanders for many many years, coming in every day for their breakfast and, more recently, enjoying sitting out in the plant area watching the world go by on a warm sunny day. They always made a charming couple.”
“We have celebrated a number of family occasions with them, including their 50th wedding anniversary and many of our staff enjoy seeing and welcoming them in every day. They have come to know the vast majority of our staff on first name terms.@
“We all shared in the family’s sadness following the recent passing of Doreen, but we were very happy to accommodate Charles’ request for a memorial bench to be placed out in the plant area in Doreen’s memory.”
“A great many more people can now enjoy a few minutes rest and calm contemplation amongst the beautiful plants in our outdoor area.”
