Benn's Bennch and Celebration

Hi

Our lovely pal Benn died in December, and so many of us want to mark his passing with something tangible - a gathering together and a place to be. So there will be a memorial celebration this summer and a permanent park bench dedicated to Benn.

Celebrating Benn

Benn was buried near Bristol with a gorgeous funeral in Torquay. A few folk were able to travel from Scotland, but most friends couldn't make the long trip, so we want to have a community memorial celebration here in Glasgow for everyone who loved him. There'll be rememberings and retellings, some good food, music and dancing, a Bennzine.

Who's Benn Benjamin?

Benn was a beautiful Dad, beloved partner, son, brother, grandson and family member, a hilarious pal, a luminous queer, an artist, a cook, a wise colleague, a community organiser, our kindest friend. If you knew Benn even a little, you probably loved him.

Why a Bennch?

Benn loved Queens/Queers Park! We'll be able to hang out at the Bennch any time, maybe eating a winter icecream and reading a book, or having a coffee or a lil picnic with some pals, or playing with your sibling or your kids or your dog. Somewhere to go when you're missing him, a place for Benn things. The Bennch could face towards his adored Govanhill, or the sun, maybe even both if you catch the moment right.

Please share

If you have any photos or videos of Benn or any wee stories about him, please send them over for the zine at benncelebration at g m a i l dot com. Benn's family will really treasure these. Thanks so much.

The £2k target

The park bench and installation is through the council, and will cost just under three quarters of the target. The rest will go towards costs for the celebration - venue and PA hire, food, DJ costs etc. If there happens to be any money leftover, our wee organising group will decide which charity or cause we think Benn would've liked it to go towards.

Thanks so much for donating anything you can towards this. As we arrange the memorial celebration and the bennch, we'll let you know the details. Hopefully see you there xo