Adventures on a Bench - first timer!

Sidmouth International Folk Festival in the English county of Devon created the perfect chance for me to try out an exciting idea I've been playing with for some time.

Now I'm a great one for having ideas, often completely unrealistic, so I was quite nervous about putting this one to the test, but the large numbers of people milling around on the sea front at Sidmouth enjoying the colorful folk dances and music was the perfect place. I had to take the plunge.

The idea was simply to find a busy public bench, big enough for two, sit on it, wait for strangers to sit on the bench and then, if a conversation ensued, to record the conversation online in my specially created blog.

The thought of being able to record random strangers innermost thoughts, fears, passions, hopes, aspirations and secret dreams was intoxicating. Could real secrets be coaxed from ordinary members of the public just by sitting next to them on a public bench? I was determined to find out!

The bench I chose was in the thick of things. The August sun was shining with hardly a cloud and the sandy beach ahead was crowded with people sunbathing and splashing about. There was a Morris Dancing group leaping up and down and clashing sticks to my left and a lady selling craft to my right.

I didn't have to wait long before a middle aged couple sat down besides me. She was smiling but the man with her wore a frown. I sat saying nothing, feeling nervous. Would two people only talk to each other or would they involve me in their discussion? How would I remember anything said? I didn't have a notebook with me and, anyway, writing stuff down would kill any conversation.

After fidgeting for a minute of two, the man got up and walked away, muttering grumpily something about checking out a piano accordion workshop. I turned and caught the eye of the lady. She smiled and I smiled back.

"Grumpy old man!" she said.

"All old men are grumpy," I replied, " I should know,"

Ten minutes later we were still talking! I couldn't believe it. She was so open and friendly.

I learned that she worked for Local Government as an administrator, that she was soon to retire and was really looking forward to having more time at home.

I discovered that one of her favorite things was to sit and watch the world go by, as we were doing on that seafront bench. I delved more deeply.

"What is it you find interesting about the passing people?"

I could never have anticipated her reply.

I like to look at the people and imagine the sort of kitchens they have and the sort of houses they live in. Are they clean and tidy or messy and disorganised? It really gives me a buzz!"

It was then that her husband returned and took her away to get some lunch.

I too decided to leave at that point. I play folk flute and soprano sax and there was a music session that I wanted to join in with at a nearby bar.

Maybe I had not discovered any truly dangerous secrets but I was sure, with a bit of practice and by devising different strategies, I could delve much deeply next time.

I was totally sure there will be a next time!

Bookmark this site and I look forward to telling you more about my adventures on a public bench.

'Bye for now

Rob
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