A slightly mad idea turns 4 years old tomorrow… and it was you Tunbridge Wells Neighbours, particularly the dog walkers, that inspired the initiative!
Tomorrow at 4.15pm (ish!) (UK Time) - Friday 15th May '26 - I’ll be live in the BBC Radio Kent studio talking about buddi bench bash! Tomorrow also marks exactly 4 years since I launched the very first buddi bench in Calverley Grounds, Tunbridge Wells, UK. 🙂
What started as a small local idea encouraging adult strangers to chat has grown into benches, events, podcasts, newsletters, videos, AI chat — and thousands of meaningful conversations.
If you’ve supported buddi bench in any way over the last four years: thank you.
And if you’d like to join us for buddi bench bash! ’26 — The UK’s Friendliest Picnic — I’d absolutely love to see you there.
Saturday 6th June ’26
12pm–3pm
Calverley Grounds, Tunbridge Wells, UK
buddibench.org = Creative Responses to Human Distress
Making things a little better one chat at a time...
Seth x
Find meeting new people hard?
Brilliant! So do I!
This is exactly the reason I launched buddi bench.
buddi bench bash! '26 is the PERFECT event for you to meet kind strangers in a safe and encouraging space.
Details: buddibench.org
#buddibenchbash #DisapprovaltoDelight #TuttingtoTogetherness #FrostytoFriendly #ChatConnectCare
Happy St George’s Day. 🐉
One year on from buddi bench Red Cross Gardens, I’m remembering Sarah Wheeler with love and gratitude.
Sarah’s life reminds me that not every dragon needs slaying. Some are met best with creativity, courage and company.
Who will you meet on a buddi bench?
Let’s all:
chat | connect | care
#buddibench #chatconnectcare #mentalwealth #creativeresponsestohumandistress
Who might you meet today? buddi bench is now in Tunbridge Wells, London & Edinburgh with more on the way, with your support. Drop me a line if you'd like to have a buddi bench placed in memory of a loved one.
Ola!
Do you find meeting new people hard?
I do.
Maybe you don't and enjoy making new connections.
Either is good.
I'm organising a little event I call a buddi bench bash! — The UK’s Friendliest Picnic! 😃🧺
It will be a relaxed, feel-good afternoon in the park. 🌼💬
A chance to put our phones down & connect with real humans.
Expect:
🧺 BYO picnic (booze free)
🥁 Samba drumming with the AMAZING Bloco Fogo!
😊 Friendly new faces
❤️ Good vibes
Saturday 6th June ’26 - 12pm - 3pm - Calverley Grounds - Tunbridge Wells - TN1 2SH
Easy to get to: the event is less than 50 mins from London Bridge & well worth the journey.
Come on your own or with a friend or 3! — all welcome! 🌈
Help us go from "Disgusted of Tunbridge Wells!" to "Delighted of Tunbridge Wells!" Less tuts, more chats! 😜
WARNING! May lead to smiles, chats & restored faith in humanity!😵💫
buddibench.org
Ola Tunbridge Wells Neighbours & Those Willing to Travel to Our Gorgeous Royal Spa Town!!! 👋🙂
Come join us for buddi bench bash! — The UK’s Friendliest Picnic! 😃🧺
A relaxed, feel-good afternoon in the park to help lovely local humans meet new neighbours. 🌼💬
A chance to put our phones down & connect with new people in our community.
Expect:
🧺 BYO picnic (booze free)
🥁 Samba drumming with the AMAZING Bloco Fogo!
😊 Friendly new faces
❤️ Good vibes
Saturday 6th June ’26
12pm–3pm
Calverley Grounds, Tunbridge Wells TN1 2SH
Come on your own or with a friend or 3! — all welcome! 🌈
Volunteers will be there on the day to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to chat with new people.
buddibench.org 🪑
chat | connect | care
Let's go from "Disgusted of Tunbridge Wells!" to "Delighted of Tunbridge Wells!" Less tuts, more chats! 😜
WARNING! May lead to smiles, chats & restored faith in humanity!😵💫
🎬 NEW!! buddi bench Film Club — Tunbridge Wells 💛💙❤️
Hi Tunbridge Wells neighbours! 👋😊
Fancy a friendly Sunday afternoon film?
Join us this Sunday 29th March at ODEON, Knights Park.
We’re meeting in the foyer at 2.15pm for the 2.30pm showing of Project Hail Mary 🍿✨
buddi bench Film Club is all about films, friendly chats, and bringing people together 🤝
No pressure, no awkwardness, just a relaxed way to meet kind people and enjoy a good movie :)
☕ Coffee and chats afterwards if you’re feeling social
🎟️ First person to arrive gets a FREE ticket!
🎫 Otherwise, just buy your own ticket
See you there! 😄
Seth Hunter
buddibench.org
