A group of volunteers in South Wigston has created a striking new canal-side landmark designed to encourage people to stop, sit and connect.
Narrowboat-Inspired Buddy Bench Unveiled
Members of South Wigston Men's Shed have built a colourful narrowboat-inspired ‘buddy bench’ at Kilby Bridge. The bench is designed to spark everyday conversations and create a welcoming place for people to pause by the canal. The project is part of Mission: Shoulder to Shoulder - a UK-wide initiative from DRINKiQ and the UK Men’s Sheds Association, challenging Men’s Sheds across the country to build 100 buddy benches to spark everyday conversations and strengthen communities.
Local Design Reflects Canal Heritage
What makes this story particularly local is the design itself. The bench was created to reflect its canal-side location at Kilby Bridge, with Shed members choosing a barge-inspired design that celebrates the area's waterways heritage while creating a distinctive new feature for visitors and residents alike.
Community Collaboration
The project brought together a range of local organisations, with South Wigston Men's Shed working alongside partners including the Canal & River Trust, Elliott Hall Community Centre, Blaby Community Centre and South Wigston Shopkeepers Association. Built by the men and women who attend the Shed's weekly sessions, the bench was transported and installed by volunteers before being officially unveiled by Councillor Walters, Mayor of Oadby and Wigston, alongside members of the Shed, Canal & River Trust volunteers and local residents.
Wider Purpose: Reducing Loneliness
While the bench is a colourful piece of craftsmanship, it also serves a wider purpose. Mission: Shoulder to Shoulder is inspired by the way Men's Sheds bring people together through shared projects and conversation, helping to reduce loneliness and strengthen social connections. The wider campaign is rooted in a clear insight: while four in five Brits believe a conversation can improve someone's day, fewer than half would start one with a stranger. By creating visible, welcoming spaces in everyday settings, projects like South Wigston's narrowboat bench aim to bridge that gap.
Location: South Wigston, Leicestershire
