Johnny's Bench – A Memorial That Continues to Grow
Posted on June 23, 2026
When the Oxford Cycling Club commissioned a memorial bench in honour of their friend and fellow rider, Johnny Morrison, the aim was always to create something that would stand the test of time.
Last month we shared the story behind Johnny's beautiful 6ft York Memorial Bench, handcrafted in solid iroko with the simple inscription:
JOHNNY MORRISON 1971–2025
FOREVER IN THE OCC BUNCH
You can read that post here.
Since then, the memorial has become even more special.
The club has now added a pair of contemporary charcoal planters, filled with fragrant herbs and colourful planting, framing the bench beautifully outside The Punter in Oxford. The addition softens the surrounding streetscape and transforms the space into somewhere that feels intentionally designed for people to pause, sit and remember.
Click on the pictures to enlarge
It's a lovely example of how a memorial doesn't need to be grand to have a powerful presence. Sometimes it's the small details—the warm tones of iroko, the carefully chosen planting and the location itself—that encourage people to stop for a few moments and reflect.
One of the most touching aspects of this project remains the QR code discreetly fitted to the arm of the bench. Rather than simply carrying an inscription, the bench allows visitors to discover Johnny's story, ensuring that anyone who sits there can understand why this place means so much to the Oxford Cycling Club and to everyone who knew him.
Receiving photographs like these is always rewarding, but what arrived alongside them meant so much more.
The Oxford Cycling Club recently left this wonderful five-star Trustpilot review:
"The bench... is spectacular! The build quality is very high and the attention to detail is exquisite. It's wonderful that there are companies like Woodcraft UK that retain traditional construction methods and the skills necessary to make such wonderful pieces of outdoor furniture... We couldn't have hoped for a more fitting memorial to our good friend and club mate, Johnny."
Reviews like this mean an enormous amount because they come from the people the bench was built for. Every memorial commission is unique, carrying its own story, emotions and memories, and it's a privilege to help families, friends and communities create something that will remain long after the day it is installed.
To the Oxford Cycling Club, thank you once again—not only for trusting Woodcraft with such an important commission, but also for sharing these beautiful new photographs. Seeing Johnny's memorial continue to evolve into such a welcoming place is something everyone at Woodcraft is incredibly proud of.
