Order a slat
Buying a slat through this social enterprise will:
- Provide a public space for your special message
- Support the work of the Aldingbourne Trust
- Help towards the ongoing maintenance of the Long Bench
You will be redirected to the Aldingbourne Trust
website to make the order.
The Makers
How we work with wood to create the slats

Stage 1: Creating a slat
Your slat is made from Sapele, a hardwood from Africa. Growing up to 45m high, it is harder than mahogany and a similar reddish brown colour. All our sapele timber is sourced from sustainably managed woods. Once cut to size, the slats are checked and lightly sanded in our wood workshop at the Aldingbourne Country Centre.
Stage 2: Engraving
To ensure your message can be easily read and is long lasting on the seafront, your message is cut into the slat using laser technology. A specialist company completes the laser engraving – the size and depth is specified to maximise life span – too shallow and the surface may erode quickly, too deep and it risks staying wet with an increased risk of decay. We think it is ‘just right’!
Stage 3: Fitting the slat
When your order is engraved, it is checked in our workshops and the fitting location on the bench identified. Our wood workshop team will fit your slat onto the bench frame with stainless steel security bolts – we also regularly check to make sure the whole bench is in good order. From order to fitting is usually around 3 months – we will let you know when your slat is in position.This day I will marry my best friend, love you always xx
Dad thought you would like it by the sea
Stay a while and ponder
First time on a beach – having fun with Mummy and Daddy
Park your bum here and enjoy the view – just like we often do
Come sit awhile and gaze to sea, dream of love and what used to be
Oh we do love to be beside the seaside…
Mummy thank you for all you do, all our love
With more love than all the fishes in the sea
Congratulations on your civil partnership