STOURBRIDGE welcomed the Heart of England in Bloom judges to the town for the first time since the Covid pandemic hit.

Judges Dave Wesson and Gareth Manning swept into town on Friday July 15 to see how Stourbridge has blossomed since 2019.

The annual campaign was cancelled in 2020 due to coronavirus and in 2021 it went ahead with judging by portfolio only.

This year, however, it was back to business as usual.

Stourbridge News: Planters brighten up the area by the town clock in Stourbridge town centrePlanters brighten up the area by the town clock in Stourbridge town centre

Stourbridge in Bloom organiser David Harcourt took the judges on a tour of the town which included Mary Stevens Park and Old Swinford Hospital school.

Both locations proved a hit with judges although they would not be drawn to reveal how the town may fare this time round.

Stourbridge has scooped 10 gold awards over the years but whether it can pick up another top accolade remains to be seen.

The sun, however, shone on the judges as they met with community and volunteer groups who have worked hard to tidy up and bring colour to the town.

Stourbridge News: Judges David Wesson and Gareth Manning, right, with Stourbridge in Bloom organiser David Harcourt, left, and members of Stourbridge U3A.Judges David Wesson and Gareth Manning, right, with Stourbridge in Bloom organiser David Harcourt, left, and members of Stourbridge U3A.

Members of the U3A were praised for the hours they’ve put in and the efforts of the Stourbridge Soroptomists, Tidy Stourbridge and residents from Webb Court also impressed the judges, as did the St Thomas’s Church community garden which judge David Wesson described as “a little oasis in the middle of the town”.

He added: “We’ve seen quite a lot of hard work from the community and volunteers, that stands out.”

Gareth Manning, originally from Kingswinford, added that he hoped some of the new groups involved with Bloom “continue to build on the success they’re getting”.

Stourbridge News: The community garden at St Thomas's Church, and Stourbridge in Bloom organiser David Harcourt (inset).The community garden at St Thomas's Church, and Stourbridge in Bloom organiser David Harcourt (inset).

David Harcourt praised the efforts of volunteers who have “worked their socks off” but when asked whether the work has been enough to clinch another gold award, he said: “I think we’ll have to wait and see.”

The winners will be announced in September.