Maintenance Technician turns community hero on restoration mission

A Maintenance Technician from Chichester College has recently volunteered his time to restore a memorial bench after suspected vandalism.

Chris Maslen, Senior Maintenance Technician, has now completed work on one of the benches which belongs in the memorial garden on West Street (to the side of the Duke of Rye Pub) using his passion and experience in the carpentry world. 

The memorial was designed for the fallen of the world wars from the Royal Sussex regiment and after the Estates Team from the college caught wind of the news that it had been vandalised, they bought it onto campus to see that they could do. 

Chris, who has worked on campus for many years, originally completed his level 1 & 2 carpentry qualifications at the college back in 2001 and can often be found working with a variety of wood to either create pieces or fix those that are damaged. 

The estates team knew that Chris would be the perfect man for the job and with no hesitation he worked hours here and there to not only restore the damaged bench but also gave it a new lease of life with a light blue paint job. 

Chris said: “After hearing the news that this bench had suspectedly been vandalised both myself and the team knew we had to help. 

“I have always loved working with wood and feel that we should all use our passions and skills to support one another in the local community especially when respecting those who fought for our country.” 

Now the bench has been placed back in the memorial garden for local residents to remember and pay their respects in a way which they did before. 

Helen Loftus, Principal of Chichester College, said: “What a brilliant job Chris and the Estates Team have done. 

“They all have such a busy work schedule and taking time out of their personal lives to support the local residents is something to be incredibly proud of, we certainly are.”