Renovated bench

We spent some time today sanding and oiling a teak bench.  It is visible in the linked picture, serving as a repository for drainpipes and tools.  You can see it looks a bit green.  

It belonged to my grandparents (dad's parents) and then to dad.  I have the original delivery letter, dated 30th March 1950, from the makers - D. B. Good Ltd, Otley.  

I quote:

"...we did find a little old ship Teak .... this will be found in the right hand arm and one of the seat slats........H.M.S. "Defiance" was an old wooden war ship...built in 1860.  In 1932 she was made into a training ship until 1937, when she was sold to be broken up.....we bought a load of teak from her....the last bits are in your bench.  

"And so some small part of this great ship which in days past kept our foes distant, renders yet a further service in giving rest and peace to all who desire it.

"We enclose instructions for cleaning the seat, [unfortunately these are not with the letter], which need never be taken indoors, and which will NEVER rot"

Attached to the letter is a sheet with a couple of pictures of the Defiance.

It is over 60yrs old, and shows absolutely no sign of rot, despite having very little care recently.  We sanded off the algae and the dust, and treated it to a good dose of teak oil.

In today's picture, you can see that we have given it a new home, replacing a smaller bench, which is now near the pond.  You can also see that the fuchsias have a new home too.