Community comes together to reflect and remember Stourbridge wildfires
The service was a chance to hear stories from those affected by the wildfires, as well as give thanks for those who worked to tackle the fires.
It was a time for reflection, but also a chance to be thankful as a community gathered to reflect on the Stourbridge wildfires.
St Thomas’ Church in Stourbridge was the setting for the service of reflection and thanksgiving on Sunday, October 18, more than two months after the devastating wildfires, which destroyed 19 homes and left a large area blackened and burnt.
The service was led by Rt. Rev. Bishop Martin Gorick, who spoke about his own experience of coming back home at lunchtime on August 13 and seeing what he thought was a black storm cloud in the distance.
He said he and his wife Kathryn had to evacuate their home and also helped an elderly neighbour and her greyhound.
Other memories of the day were shared by residents and firefighters.
Chief Fire Officer for the West Midlands, Simon Tuhill, explained how he’d been doing an interview with the BBC on the hot weather and risk of wildfires when the first crew had been called out.
He said: “The scale of the fire was scary with firefighters working in extreme conditions for many hours.
“Seeing how hard they were working, doing the best they could made me incredibly proud.
“Our firefighters are part of the Stourbridge community, and we all recognise how awful it was for people who lost everything.”
Paul and Jane Rogers spoke about their experience of losing their home and how their faith had helped them.
They said: “It all happened so quickly, we were on the phone to the fire brigade, and they told us to just leave, so we walked out with just a phone in our hand.
“Despite the awful situation, we felt tremendously calm throughout.
“We have seen God’s grace in many miraculous things that have happened since and we are certain that the outcome is in his hands. We are so grateful for all the support we’ve received from friends and family.”
During the service, a candle was lit as a sign of hope and there were prayers for those affected, the fire and rescue service and hope and renewal.
A combined choir from St Thomas and St Mary’s Church in Oldswinford sang and the Deputy Lord Lieutenant and Mayor of Dudley gave thanks for the community response.
The Deputy Lord Lieutenant, Nick Venning said: “People often tell me that we’ve lost our moral fibre and our community, but the events of August 13 show that’s not the case in Stourbridge.
“So many people did so much and contributed magnificently, it was a fantastic response and showed who we really are.”
The Mayor of Dudley, Pete Lowe said: “We demonstrated that difference isn’t important in times of needs.
“In the darkest of times, we see the very best of people and everything that happened just shows what a ‘bostin’ community Stourbridge is.”
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