Clock appeal Chimes set to return in no time at all
AGLOUCESTERSHIRE community has saved its village clock after more than a year of silence.
A fundraiser set up to fix the iconic clock’s chime has hit its target after hundreds of contributions.
It’s been more than a year since residents in Bishop’s Cleeve have heard the sound of St Michael’s Church clock chime after a fault in the system occurred back in Christmas 2019.
The clock was installed in 1890 and a part that was fitted in 1973 needs replacing by a specialist company, which could cost up to £8,500.
However, with church funds having seen a significant drop due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the chances of being able to pay for the vital repairs were slim.
Church warden Ann Jessop said: “There was a time when the church had a big fund to fix things like this.
“But because of the pandemic, we’ve had losses like everybody else, so there was no money to spare at all.”
After spending months trying to raise money from trusts, the church had only raised half of what it needed.
But inspiration struck when it became clear how much residents missed the sound of the chimes ringing out across the village.
Ann said: “The public interest inspired us to set up the fundraising page, and it just grew from there.”
The fundraiser has now reached its target of £7,000 and Ann said they were “delighted” by the outcome.
“We’re delighted that we’ve raised the money we need and we’ve been so touched by how the community values the clock and has wanted to help us make it right,” she said
She added that the interest in the fundraiser has reinforced the important place the church has in residents’ everyday lives.
“We’ve had so many comments that people can’t wait to hear the chimes again,” she said. “People who had their childhood here, who grew up with the chimes have really missed them and want them back.
“Even the people who don’t go to church like to know it’s there, they like to hear the chimes, it’s part of the community. I think it will be a very special time when it chimes again.”
In a message on the fundraiser page, the church said: “The periodic chimes that ring out across Bishop’s Cleeve have been silent for over a year.
“This fundraiser is an opportunity for the local community to help restore the chimes to full working order.
“The pandemic has affected everyone in different ways and St Michael’s Church is no different. We have experienced a significant drop in income, and we have been prioritising our resources towards supporting the people in our local community.”
The fundraiser has already hit its target and any leftover funds will go towards upkeep of the church building.
Reverend Malc Allen said: “It’s been wonderful to see the community come together to help repair our clock. Speaking to residents over the past year, I know the regular sound of the chime has been sorely missed by many.”
With the funds now available, it is hoped that the clock will be fixed by August.
Speaking to residents over the past year, I know the regular sound of the chime has been sorely missed by many Reverend Malc Allen