Your child’s name could become part of history
WINNER WILL HAVE THEIR NAME ENGRAVED ON THE EMETT CLOCK
NOTTINGHAM’S Victoria Centre has launched a new competition that will see one lucky youngster have their name permanently engraved on the iconic Emett Clock.
The competition has been launched to celebrate the 50th birthday of Nottingham’s leading shopping destination.
Primary school children across the city are being asked to get creative and design a pattern for a new butterfly to join the others that can be found on and around the famous timepiece.
One lucky winner will have their design built into a new information plaque that will sit in front of the clock on the upper mall.
Their name will be engraved on a special golden butterfly, which is being added to the clock to celebrate Victoria Centre’s 50th birthday.
The winner will also receive a hamper of toys and goodies from retailers in the centre worth £100.
Butterfly templates are being sent to schools across the city and children have until July 18 to submit their entries.
The Emett Clock, or The Aqua Horological Tintinnabulator to use its official name, has stood in the centre since 1973.
It was created by renowned sculptor Rowland Emett, who was a cartoonist, artist and inventor.
Among his most recognised work is the famous car and mechanical inventions which appeared in the 1968 film, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.
As well as being a well-known meeting place, visitors to the shopping centre are invited to make penny wishes in the pool at the base of the clock, with all contributions donated to charity.
Around £4,000 in loose change is collected from the pool of the Emett Clock each year.
Among the panel of judges picking the winning butterfly design, is former engineer, Pete Dexter, who has helped maintain the clock for years.
In 2015, prior to the clock’s relocation, Pete dedicated over 500 hours to its restoration. He will be joined by Nigel Wheatley, centre director at Victoria Centre.
Commenting on what he will be looking for Mr Wheatley said: “The Emett Clock has become a truly iconic fixture in the centre, arriving just a few months after we opened our doors.
“As it prepares for its own 50th birthday, now is the perfect opportunity to ensure the clock is looking its best and, of course, to add some special touches that we hope will last another five decades and beyond.
“There are silver butterflies all over the clock, as well as many other animals and insects, including squirrels, frogs and various birds.
“The new golden engraved butterfly will take pride of place at the centre of the clock.
“Our newly-updated information plaque will include lots of history on Rowland Emett’s creation, and will soon be accompanied by our winning butterfly design. We want people to be creative with their designs and come up with something that is celebratory, fun and a lasting memory of us marking 50 years in the heart of Nottingham.”
The engraved golden butterfly and winning butterfly plaque design will both be added to the Emett Clock when it undergoes maintenance work later this summer.
■ Anyone wanting a blank template for a child of primary school age can also head to Victoria Centre website at victoria-centre.com to download a free copy.