Sam Wilmot, a dedicated bench reviewer who has assessed over 300 benches worldwide, has awarded his first ever perfect 10/10 rating – to a bench in Gloucestershire.
Wilmot evaluates benches based on factors such as comfort, design, location and view. Despite reviewing hundreds of benches, he had never previously given out a full score until revisiting a particular bench at St John The Baptist Church in Old Sodbury on his wedding day.
On an earlier visit with his wife Sophie, the couple had rated the bench a 9 out of 10. However, sitting together there as newlyweds elevated its significance, prompting them to upgrade the rating to a perfect 10.
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“People often ask why I’ve never awarded a 10 before,” Sam explained. “I never imagined sitting on another bench that could give me the feeling I had on that day. I always thought a perfect score would come with hindsight after reviewing many benches, but the euphoria of getting married was truly unparalleled.”
He continued, “That moment is one you can’t recreate, which is what pushed the bench to a 10. It’s near our home and we frequently return there to enjoy the outdoor setting and stunning sunsets. We’ve shared picnics, hot drinks, or simply taken a quiet moment there. Its peaceful atmosphere and proximity to the charming church made it an ideal wedding location.”
Sam and Sophie, together for six years, have visited countless benches, with Sophie often acting as photographer for Sam’s Instagram page, “Rate This Bench.” Their first trip to this particular bench was in 2020, and they have made many visits since.
“It was around our fourth date when I asked Sophie to take a photo of me on a bench while we were in town,” Sam recalled. “Since then, she’s played a role in nearly every photo, sometimes even driving us around. After lockdown restrictions eased, we walked to this bench and even queued for a photo as it was newly installed and popular.”
Their wedding festivities included subtle nods to their shared bench appreciation. They visited the perfect bench for photographs, named tables after benches they had evaluated, and had a bench built by Sophie’s father for guests to sign as a guestbook alternative.
“Initially we didn’t want the wedding to be dominated by bench references, but given how important this hobby has become in our lives, Sophie embraced it,” Sam revealed. “The day was fantastic, full of family, friends, music and dancing – truly the best day of our lives.”
While Sam acknowledges another bench might one day receive a perfect 10 for a different reason, this particular bench’s sentimental value means it holds a uniquely special place.
Previously, a bench at the Bridgwater War Memorial in Somerset was rated 5/10, while a bench at Lee Abbey, Devon, received 7/10 for its location and scenery.
In his review of the 10/10 bench, Sam described it as “as near to perfect as you’ll find. Beautifully crafted, perfectly placed and lovingly donated by a man’s family.”
He quoted Samuel Beckett: “We spend our life, it’s ours, trying to bring together in the same instant a day of sunshine and a free bench,” highlighting the joy of waiting patiently to enjoy the seat.
Sam noted he had no recommendations to improve the bench aside from a plea for common decency towards those visiting the nearby graveyard. He expressed gratitude for having such a bench dedicated to him one day.
Conversely, one of the lowest-rated benches was in Bathampton near Bath, which scored just 3/10. Sam criticised its uncomfortable design, lack of solid base and armrests, poor location with minimal view, and the busy surroundings.
“It felt like a chiropractor’s bench, on a slope along the canal, but with very little comfort or appeal. It urgently needs maintenance and tidying,” Sam concluded.
Through his extensive bench reviews, Sam Wilmot continues to celebrate these simple pieces of outdoor furniture, appreciating their potential for comfort, community and memorable moments.