MCC and the Regent’s Park ward councillors of Westminster City Council through the ward budget programme have funded the production and installation of a special bench which has been installed outside Lord’s, in recognition of the vaccination centre set up at the Ground, the NHS, key workers and volunteers.  

The bespoke teak bench features silhouettes of emergency service workers and vehicles. A plaque mounted onto the bench commemorates the vaccination centre which operated from the Ground and the efforts of key workers during the pandemic.

MCC provided facilities at the famous Ground in St John’s Wood to Healthcare Central London to set up the vaccination centre which opened in early January and over a period of four months administered 45,000 vaccinations to those in the local community.

The bench is located next to Lord’s Tavern, a popular local pub which re-opened its doors on 17 May after closing over a year ago, directly underneath where the Vaccination Centre operated from and on the same pavement where thousands of people queued over the months to receive their first and second jabs for the virus

The proposal for the installation of the bench was brought to MCC by local ward councillor Robert Rigby, who joined fellow ward councillor Paul Swadde and MCC Assistant Secretary (Estates and Ground Development) Robert Ebdon, for the unveiling of the bench.

Robert Ebdon said: “We are delighted to contribute this bench to our local community, as a reminder of the amazing efforts the local healthcare staff made to open and operate the vaccination centre at Lord’s. It is also a dedication to NHS staff, key workers and volunteers, from across the borough, who have played a vital role during this challenging time. I’m sure many of our neighbours will be glad to have a special additional bench to the area, as well as visitors to the Ground.”

"It is also a dedication to NHS staff, key workers and volunteers, from across the borough, who have played a vital role during this challenging time"

Robert Rigby said: “Lord’s and MCC are important partners in the Regent’s Park ward and I am grateful for all the continued support they provide to the local community. The installation of this commemorative bench is another example of that collaboration, and it will provide a lasting reminder of the tireless work and dedication of our NHS workers, volunteers and key workers during this public health emergency.”