Barry’s bench is back

28 Feb, 2022

A piece of local history in tribute of a beloved local man has been returned to the area where his footprints once wandered the pavements, his store namesake remains, and contribution to Mangawhai lingers on.

After a local noticed its conspicuous absence, the late Barry Markwick memorial bench has been tracked down and is now once again in a prime people-watching roadside location at the Village shops.

Removed due to the ongoing paving and road improvements, ‘Barrys bench’ is now affixed firmly across the driveway from Mangawhai Butchers, thanks to the skills of United Civil, and the relocated wooden seat has already seen many local derrieres parked up to rest and watch the Village hustle and bustle.

Originally placed outside surf shop Bammas, which Barry once owned with wife Desma (pictured), the memorial bench seat was arranged by the Mangawhai Community Trust a year after his untimely death in 2010 aged just 61, as a dedication to the well-known local personality who was an active and involved supporter in the community including serving as chair on Mangawhai Community Trust, a Justice of the Peace, a mainstay of the local tennis club, and known as the ‘Mayor of Mangawhai’. He is also honoured at Mangawhai Beach School with the Barry Markwick Cup for student entrepreneurial achievements.

– JULIA WADE/PHOTO SUPPLIED