Age UK Camden help replace stolen community bench

In July last year a bench, which commemorated a local business owner, was unbolted and stolen from Kilburn High Road by two people dressed as workmen.

Kilburn Older Voices Exchange have worked to replace the bench, funded and supported by Age UK Camden and the council’s Community Infrastructure Levy fund. The new bench is now in place (Nr. Entrance to Grange Park -274Kilburn High Rd)

The previous bench had borne a plaque to former Efes café owner Huseyin Gulbudak, who was tragically killed in 2016. Husaeyin was highly regarded locally and ran Efes for over two decades. He was a family man who was heavily involved in the local community, even inviting isolated elderly people into his café for a free meal on Christmas day.

The new plaque is dedicated to Huseyin reading:
In appreciation of Huseyin Gulbudak (Efes Café) for his support to the Kilburn Community - Remembered by Kilburn Older Voices Exchange,  Age UK Camden & Camden Council.

This community bench will give older people and others an opportunity to take a break while shopping on the High Road. KOVE charity runs “bench-to-bench walks” around the borough for older people. With the “community seating” helping people feel less isolated and encouraging them to get out and about.

Mel Wright, Joint Coordinator of KOVE said, "It's very uplifting news to hear that Age UK Camden and Camden Council are offering to pay for a new bench to replace our original one. KOVE and many older people in Kilburn will be very appreciative of their generous and unifying contribution.”

Age UK Camden’s CEO Gary Jones said, “When the original bench in memory of Huseyin Gulbudak from Efes Café was stolen, we decided to step in to help. He did so much for the Kilburn community and benches are important to older people for a rest and sometimes a chat.”

Mr Pran Handa, a KOVE member who lives locally to the bench that was stolen, exercises daily walking around the area and regularly used the bench. "This bench is on my daily exercise route and its greatly missed. It's good to have a breather when you are out, so I am very pleased to hear that it will be replaced."

Hampstead and Kilburn MP Tulip Siddiq said: “Anyone who worked or lived nearby knew Mr Gulbudak – he was a real character of Kilburn High Road. He was always ready with a smile and a cheery welcome.”