IT IS A case of ‘lucky 13’ for the ladies of the Keswick WI.

The group has commissioned a friendship seat built around a tree in Fitz Park.

The idea was prompted by this year’s 100th birthday of the organisation, as well as to celebrate the local group’s formation last year and to provide a memorial for a good friend.

Chinty Turnbull, secretary, said: “We wanted to create a place to meet and the chance to build something that would be around for a while. 

“We all spend a lot of time in the park, my kids play football and cricket and we all meet at Café West in the museum every Friday for our vintage reminder meetings.

“It is also in memory of Jeff Taylor, local author who brought photos of local people and scenes to our meetings every week.

"Jeff died a few months ago. Our seat is around number 13, not unlucky for us, it is a lovely site next to the river and a great place to sit. 

“Mike Green owner of a local joinery met me one afternoon, walked around the tree, measured it and we agreed that an octagonal bench from redwood would be the simplest and best option.

“Mike knew Jeff and he was very happy to be involved

 “The seat was completed at the end of July and we are hoping to get a female joiner’s apprentice from another Keswick firm to carve an inscription on the seat.”