Come and sit on the world’s first “Selfie Bench”
Apr 15, 2016
John Aldred
John Aldred is a photographer with over 25 years of experience in the portrait and commercial worlds. He is based in Scotland and has been an early adopter – and occasional beta tester – of almost every digital imaging technology in that time. As well as his creative visual work, John uses 3D printing, electronics and programming to create his own photography and filmmaking tools and consults for a number of brands across the industry.
Share:
In an attempt to save face, Bridgend County officials have christened a pair of benches located on the shore in Porthcawl as the UK’s first “selfie benches”, although that was not their original intent.
It turns out, the benches were just installed the wrong way around, and instead of pointing at the beautifully picturesque seaside, it points towards the not-so-scenic Seabank Hotel.
It’s just daft isn’t it
– baffled Town Mayor David Newton-Williams
Apparently, the reason for the screw up is that there was previously a hedge position directly behind where the benches were installed, preventing any view of the sea, but now that the hedge has been removed, the views of the beautiful coast are unobstructed. Unfortunately, it was too late for the placement of these benches.
Everybody’s having a bit of fun with it, but it’s a bit stupid
– David Newton-Williams
The benches were installed earlier this year by Bridgend County Borough Council and, according to them, replaced two older benches which also had their backs turned to the sea.
While the Council might be scrambling for excuses, residents and visitors seem to be having great fun with it all over on Twitter under the hashtag #selfiebench.
#Newsnight bumped our #SelfieBench pic! Knew I should have gone exclusive with .@SarahOnTheNews pic.twitter.com/ZTTLghyEhN
— Mark Blackmore (@DimExcuses) April 14, 2016
Although some weren’t quite sure how they were supposed to sit on it.
Been down to investigate the #SelfieBench #Porthcawl #Bridgend #Wales https://t.co/08WaGrPhhX pic.twitter.com/ycsjh2XiCc
— Mark Blackmore (@DimExcuses) April 14, 2016
And then look who showed up to join in the fun. ;)
.@BBCNewsnight #Bridgend #Wales
Ben Innes in Porthcawl today#SelfieBench pic.twitter.com/FHKluK8POX
— Gob Phlegm (@GobPhlegm) April 14, 2016
This isn’t the first time the benches in Bridgend have come under ridicule. Some of you might remember when workman installed new railings over and through a bench there in 2014.
Some towns will do anything to draw attention.
John Aldred
John Aldred is a photographer with over 25 years of experience in the portrait and commercial worlds. He is based in Scotland and has been an early adopter – and occasional beta tester – of almost every digital imaging technology in that time. As well as his creative visual work, John uses 3D printing, electronics and programming to create his own photography and filmmaking tools and consults for a number of brands across the industry.
Join the Discussion
DIYP Comment Policy
Be nice, be on-topic, no personal information or flames.
4 responses to “Come and sit on the world’s first “Selfie Bench””
this is getting out of control….
You know it is when Ben Innes shows up :)
LOL… honestly, the excuse is just genious. It’s not wrong, it’s a selfie bench! Oh boy…
love the simplicity of he CUTE BENCH ** love the colour…and the atmosphere**