CLOCK TOWER APPEAL
OUR CLOCK TOWER NEEDS YOUR HELP!
We are trying to raise £3,000. Please see our appeal further down this page.
The renovations begin
The scaffolding is errected ready for the exterior works to begin
They made our clock!
This very company made and installed our clock in 1902. To still be trading in 2021 is testament to their clocks.
The clock mechanism comes to ground
Having been installed in the tower in 1902 we believe this is the first time that the mechanism has been brought down to ground level.
Clock faces removed
Back for a second day to remove the clock faces which were actually cemented to the tower. It was then discovered that the hands were made of wood!
The weathervane is removed
A head for heights obviously
Not an easy job
Requiring both hands to remove the metalwork it's best not to look down! This image shows the damaged leadwork.
The clock faces are refitted
Looking splendidly restored our clock faces and new hands are waiting to be reconnected to the clock mechanism.
Don't we look smart
A close up of our restoration
Weathervane replacement
After completion of the leadwork repairs to the tower roof the repainted weathervane returns to its home.
Wonston Community Cafe donation
Alistair receives a cheque from Lorna Barker and Barbara Harvey towards the renovation appeal
It's back!
At last our precious clock has arrived today (10th November) for reinstalling high in the tower. It's a big job and may take a couple of days. But, it's looking good as new!
The Victoria Hall is a quintessential part of parish life. Built in 1897 to celebrate the Diamond Jubilee of Queen Victoria, the tower was added in 1902 to house a village clock and commemorate the coronation of King Edward VII and his Queen Alexandra. For the first time in its 119 year history of chiming the clock has temporarily stopped. But it will soon return!
The clock, built in Manchester in 1902, is a fine example of a 19th Century Turret Clock and is an exception to the norm with wooden hands. At 119 years old, the clock was in desperate need of a major overhaul and repair. This has necessitated scaffolding to be erected and specialists in Turret Clocks to be commissioned to remove, repair, restore and re-hang the clock and its complex mechanism.
This is an expensive task and, as with many old buildings, as soon as you start to fix one thing another unexpected problem arises. In our case the weather vane and the very top section of the tower roof, leadwork and windows all needed repairing. The rear of the clock faces were badly coroded and required resurfacing and the faces also required two new pairs of hands.
Very generously the Government has provided some grants, which has enabled us to kick off the restoration work. However, COVID has had a marked impact on the Village Hall, leaving the charity without any revenue for 20 months.
The clock is a significant part of the community and history of the Sutton Scotney and Wonston Parish. Please help us to keep this important part of our history by donating to our fundraising campaign. Our target is £3000.
If you are able to Gift Aid your donation then this will make a significant contribution to the total.
Please donate here or scan this code
If you prefer, donations can also be made by BACS payment to: The Victoria Hall Fund; Sort Code 30 99 71: Account number 55734868. Please reference your donation "The Clock Fund".
Thank you in anticipation of your support
Alistair Black on behalf of the Trustees