Bicyclists on the bench

This group of riders from Brighton wait for the rest of their gang to catch up before heading up the Railway Reserves path. I am always pleased seeing people using this bench, one of several created to celebrate the Centenary of Federation:

'Bill Henshall made these benches. He built them on his muddy work site by the Yarra River under Westgate Bridge in the winter and spring of 2000. They range from ten to fifteen feet in length and are made from massive Australian timbers such as grey box, yellow box and rgum. Much of the timber was in the form of tree trunks that had been pier supports at Victoria Dock. Despite their size, the benches were made with few bolts. The parts are designed to slot into and support each other. The trees from which these Australian timbers were milled may have already been hundreds of years old before they were sunk into the bed of the Yarra River a century ago.'

extracted from Walks in Port Phillip: a guide to the cultural landscapes of a City by Meyer Eidelson This fascinating publication is available from the Assist desk at Port Melbourne Town Hall, 333 Bay St or from the Port Melbourne Historical and Preservation Society http://home.vicnet.net.au/~pmhps