A Bench for Dawn Inskip

I promised I would update here for everyone who knew Dawn and also all the people who kindly donated to her memorial bench. Today was the day the bench was unveiled. 

 

A little bit of background for those who may not be aware. Dawn Inskip, an amazingly creative designer and scrapper, a good friend to so many and a good friend of mine, passed away very suddenly and unexpectedly in July. Everyone in our digital scrapping community was so shocked and saddened that I wanted to create something lasting as a tribute to the fact she was loved by so many, and so with the blessing of Paul, her husband, and Carly, her daughter, I launched a collection for a memorial bench for her.

You can read my original post about Dawn and how special she was HERE  and you can read about the bench here

We agreed with Paula nd Carly that the bench would go in at Paradise Wildlife Park, a place we had visited together often and that Dawn and her family loved. Dawn had such an affinity for all animals and birds and so it was very fitting that the bench should go there and we asked if it could go as close to the white lions she loved as possible. They said they could not guarentee where at that stage but they would do what they could.

 

Today was a very special day. Today Nigel and I went with her husband, Paul, and her daughter, Carly, to the unveiling of the bench. Paradise did us all proud ... a beautiful rustic bench with a large inscription and placed, not just near but in prime position at the white lion enclosure ... animals Dawn loved.  It was quite hard to photograph as it was a beautiful sunny day and the bench was in the shade (which Paul said Dawn would have loved as she always preferred the shade)

Photos as promised of the becnh and the inscription and us on it (we are all friends really - we were trying to leave the middle free so everyone could see the plaque)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Not easy to see because of the contrast of the light and the shade but you can see the bench and the view of the lions and the male lion basking in the sun

 

 

We were treated like VIPs ... I think the park staff all knew it was lovely to do this but also very hard to do. They could not have been nicer. Carly Taylor who organised it all for us could not be there but her team were fabulous, and we had a private tour with Aaron, one of the keepers and we got to interact with various animals (corn snake, leopard gheko ... I fell a little in love ... a gorgeous tenrec  and even feed the camels.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We then enjoyed a meal in a nearby town before heading back home - a long three hour drive each way but so worth it to do what I set out to do. I came home with a beautiful picture Carly had drawn of Fiki. It was a commission by her mom, Dawn, for my birthday and thats hows just the sort of friend she was. She loved Fiki to bits, always asking after 'her boy'.   Sadly Dawn passed away just before my birthday and so it makes the gift even more poignant on both counts. I also have lots of Dawn's paper crafting supplies which will not only be things I will love to use but again doubly poignant as they were Dawn's.

It was sad to meet in such circumstances but I am so pleased we could do this for Dawn from everyone.

 

Rest in peace my friend and enjoy your lions xxx

Comments

[CFile (Christa)]

oh Karen this is beautiful and thank you so much for the update, the beautiful photos of the unveiling, and your wonderful post. Big hugs and thank you. I am so glad the bench is there where Dawn and her family loved amongst the lions. Beautiful. XO RIP Dawn.. enjoy the animals :) You will always be missed.

[Fayette Terlouw]

Thanks so much for updating everyone on the progress and unveiling of the bench. What a beautiful tribute. I'm glad you were able to share the day with her family, even though it was probably emotionally demanding. It looks like your day was beyond memorable....and the drawing - what a treasured gift! You're a wonderful person and friend to Dawn for organizing this Karen. Thanks again for sharing!

[Heather T.]

My goodness, what a story. I'm so glad you made this all possible. ♥

[Mike]

Karen,

Whilst I did not know Dawn, I know losing a friend is heartbreaking. It is so thoughtful of you to have led the effort to commemorate your friend in such a special way. God Bless.

Mike

[Anny-Libelle]

Karen, thank you for the update and thank you so much for organizing all of this.
Wonderful to see this memorial bench to Dawn next to her beloved white lions.
Dawn will always be missed but will always be with us in our hearts.
Thank you for sharing your photos and memories of this special day!
Big hugs!

[Jenni Rousseau]

Thank you for sharing the photos, how special and in a beautiful place,

[Kate Hadfield]

What a lovely bench and you found the perfect place for it! Thank you so much for sharing these photos with us all and for organising everything. Much love to you and Dawn's family xxx

[Carrie (carrie1977)]

Such a beautiful bench for a beautiful soul. Thank you for sharing your photos with us.

[Barb inAK]

The bench is absolutely beautiful. Do you know from what type of wood it was made? Yes, it was placed in a perfect area.
You are a dear friend, Karen, to have organized this and to pay such amazing tribute to Dawn.
"Those we love can never be more than a thought away,
for as long as there's a memory, they live in our hearts to stay."

[Ona]

Thanks so much Karen for organising this and for the wonderful photos! The bench is simply stunning and in such a prime position! I am sure Dawn will come to sit awhile to watch her favourite lions! Sending big hugs and love to you and Dawn's family! xxx