Clock is to be replaced on church tower

TIME has moved on for an historic church clock which needs to be replaced at a cost of £6,000.

St Mary’s Church in Barwell have been repairing the mechanism of the clock, first installed in 1877, and hand-winding the timepiece.

However repairs and advances in technology mean the clock now needs to be replaced.

Fundraising has begun to raise the £6,000 needed for the electrification of the clock and a Spring Fair has been organised for May 12.

A spokesman for the church said: “The present clock was installed on the north face of the church tower of St Mary’s around 1877 and has been main- tained by hand winding ever since.

“The bell ringers have always taken on this responsibility to ensure the time is correct.

“The original mechanism has been repaired and replaced over the years but with the latest breakdown and the advance of technology the clock needs to “move on” and make this renovation and repair a long lasting one.

“The electrification of the strike and timing mechanism has been quoted at costing about £6000 and because this is a much valued amenity of the village we are looking for, not only funds to be raised by the Church, but hopefully by members of the village community and some outside grant making bodies as well.

“Once completed we shall have restored a valuable service to the village of Barwell.”

The Spring Fair will take place at the church on May 12 between 10am and 1pm. All are warmly invited.

If anyone would like to dontate directly to the chuch clock fund, a cheque can be sent to Barwell PCC and made payable to Mrs S Newbury (Treasurer), 2 The Grange, Earl Shilton, LE9 7GT.