FROM Sydney to Taunton - a memorial bench has been donated to Vivary Park in memory of a Bishops Lydeard man who emigrated to Australia.

Bernard Madsen's family wanted to mark his love of this area, so his widow, Lynne, and children, Samantha, Trent and Grant, recently presented the bench to the Friends of Vivary Park.

Bernard was born in Bishops Lydeard and served in the British Army, based in Germany, and deployed for active service in Aden and Bahrain.

 

 

He was also a champion of the British Army ski team during his military service.

He married an Australian girl during his time in Germany and moved to Australia to begin life in a new land.

Lynne said: "He excelled in all he did there, the proof being in a respected and successful life in Australia.

"Bernard and his family returned to Bishops Lydeard often over the years to visit family and friends, until his unexpected and early death at 51.

"His family still return often to Somerset enjoying a close relationship with all their Somerset family, in the villages of Taunton.

"We would very much like you to take a rest on this bench in the beautiful and peaceful surroundings of the park."