Proudly perched near Gate 3 of AFC Wimbledon stadium stands The Orinoco Womble Bench. Have you ever wondered about the story behind this unique installation?
The Orinoco Womble Bench isn’t just a place to rest your feet. It’s a celebration of Wimbledon’s heritage and a reminder of the importance of sustainability. This bench brings joy and serves as a visual representation of the Wombles’ commitment to the environment.
Crafted by wood sculptor Lorraine Botterill, The Orinoco Womble Bench is made from fallen and replanted oak. This aligns perfectly with the Wombles’ ethos of reusing and recycling. The bench features Orinoco Womble himself. He sits at one end with his signature tidy bag. The other end showcases an overflowing rubbish bin carved from wood. It even includes discarded blue face masks. These elements remind us to care for our planet.
The Orinoco Womble Bench originally was conceived as part of a crowdfunding campaign in 2020. The initial idea was a bronze statue on a bench. Staying true to the Wombles’ recycling spirit, a wooden bench and sculpture were chosen. The bench is decorated in royal blue and yellow. These are the Wimbledon Football Club colours. It reminds visitors to take pride in their surroundings and look after their local area.
The unveiling of The Orinoco Womble Bench on July 9 was a grand event. Elisabeth Beresford’s son and daughter were present. They were joined by Wombles characters and AFC Wimbledon’s mascot, Haydon. Marcus Robertson shared heartfelt words about his mother. He highlighted the family’s connection to Wimbledon and the football club. Great Uncle Bulgaria even issued a rare statement. He expressed his support for AFC Wimbledon.
Following the unveiling, a community litter pick took place. The Dons Local Action Group led the cleanup around Plough Lane. The aim was to make it a monthly event.
The Orinoco Womble Bench promotes green living. It’s a reminder to clean up after ourselves. It encourages sustainable consumption. It reminds us to recycle our waste. It also honors Wimbledon’s history. The Orinoco Womble Bench stands as a testament to the Wombles’ legacy. It connects the past, present, and future. It encourages everyone to remember they are a Womble.