Historic Everton church clock to tell the time once again after repairs

Everton-cum-Tetworth St Mary’s Church’s clock has fallen into disrepair with the hands no longer ticking and the bell silent.

A plan of action has been put in place to restore the clock to its former glory with permission given by the Diocese of Ely.

Last Thursday (December 10), under the watchful eye of parishioners, villagers and children from Everton Heath Primary School, the church instructed The Cumbria Clock Company to carefully abseil down the tower to fetch the clock down and take it away for safe keeping ready to be regilded, painted and have a workshop overhaul.

Church warden, Jane Gurney, coordinating the event, said: “The face is in such poor condition having slipped forward and was only supported by the hands. The clock could well of fallen and have been extensively damaged if emergency action wasn’t taken to safeguard this timepiece.

“This is the start of an exciting journey that we hope will conclude by giving our clock and church its voice back as it strikes the hour for the next generation.”

The renovation is set to cost around £17k and take around six months. The church isn’t able to apply for a funding grant until May and so is self-funding until then relying on donations.

“The church is an important generational community asset that plays a big part in people’s lives where lots of memories are made,” said Jane.

“We are moving forward with fast action so we are not left without a clock for a year.”

The church is of pre-conquest origin, and the present building dates mainly from the middle of the 12th century. The west tower was added in the 14th century but badly damaged by lightning in 1974. Subsequently the tower was lowered to the level of the old bell chamber.

Before the partial collapse of the tower there were five bells of which only one now remains.

To support the repairs call Jane on 07967 445223.