Man who rates benches on Instagram finally finds his 10/10
An Instagram influencer known for reviewing public benches has awarded his first 10/10 rating to a bench where he took wedding photos. The bench, located at a church in South Gloucestershire, holds personal significance for the reviewer.
Why it matters
This human-interest story illustrates the intersection of social media culture and personal milestones, highlighting how niche hobbies can gain significant online followings.
Image source, Oobaloos Photography Image caption, Sam and Sophie Wilmot wanted their wedding to involve the bench at St John The Baptist Church in Old Sodbury
A man who has spent seven years reviewing more than 300 public benches has finally awarded his first-ever 10/10 score, after marrying the woman he loves close to it.
Sam Wilmot founded the Instagram account Rate This Bench in 2019 after jokingly judging benches while out walking with friends. Since then he has featured more than 300 benches around the world, building a following of nearly 18,000 people.
He had never awarded full marks until revisiting one at St John The Baptist Church in Old Sodbury, South Gloucestershire, on his wedding day.
"People are always asking why there's never been a 10," Wilmot said. "I'm never going to sit on a bench again that's going to have that feeling."
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