A SUNDIAL has been restored to its proper place in Halesowen after going missing for two decades.

The sundial was installed in the Finger Post Gardens in 1952 by Halesowen Borough Chamber of Trade to celebrate the Festival of Britain.

About 20 years ago it went missing and was later discovered in the river Stour which runs through the gardens, off New Road.

For years Halesowen in Bloom had asked about the whereabouts of the sundial but no one had any information.

Then out of blue in 2021, Tony Jones contacted Bloom to say he had found it at the back of one of the garages at the council's green care depot in The Leasowes.

Tony comes from Halesowen and has worked for Dudley Council for 43 years.

With the help of some his fellow workers the sundial has been re-installed and is now back in its rightful spot.

Tony said: "I'm delighted to have found the sundial and getting put back, particularly as it is 70 years since it was first installed."

Halesowen News:

Pic: Tony Jones, Hilary Bills, Jen Moreton and Graham Carlington-Hyde - volunteers who have restored and maintain the plants in the gardens. 

Hilary Bills, Secretary of Halesowen in Bloom said: "I was very surprised to receive Tony's message that the sundial had been found.

"Many thanks to Tony for his quick thinking and recognising it as the Finger Post Gardens' sundial and thanks to the guys who helped him re-install it."

Eve O'Connor, Chair of Halesowen in Bloom said: "Halesowen in Bloom is more than just flowers. It is about pride in our town and celebrating its history.

"Many thanks Tony for finding the sundial."

The top of the sundial has four flowers on it, Lily, Peony, Violet and Rudbeckia and these have been planted around the sundial.