Queen’s visit
royal party came to Stourbridge late in the afternoon, around 4 o’clock. Coming from Brierley Hill, they entered the town by the historic bridge and were driven along the High Street and onto Worcester Street, heading for the park.
They were met at the town council’s headquarters at Studley Court by the Mayor of Stourbridge, Alderman Howard Walker, and Philip Drury, the town clerk.
After the presentation of gifts the Queen signed the visitor book and then she and the Duke were taken on a tour of the park in a special open top Land Rover.
The crowds filled the park, many having waited several hours to catch sight of the young queen. It was a warm day and several fainted and had to be treated by St John Ambulance volunteers.
Scouts and Girl Guides, along with cadets and ex-servicemen lined the route. A special group of around 700 pensioners from clubs in the area were positioned near the bandstand and there were hundreds of children from the local schools.
To commemorate the visit, the park’s main boulevard was renamed Queen’s Drive and a special flower trough with a plaque was placed near the entrance. ■ Were you in Mary Stevens Park for the Queen’s visit in 1957? Please share your memories with readers – contact the Black Country Bugle, Dudley Archives and Local History Centre, Tipton Road, Dudley, DY1 4SQ.