The PPSCT were delighted and proud to help fund the recent repair of the ancient clock at St Thomas à Becket Tower in Pensford.
A summary of the work involved was prepared by Alex Carr of Breathe Conservation:
The Victorian clock dial face was in urgent need of repair. It is located high on the East face of St Thomas a Becket Church Tower, a medieval 13th Century tower. The beautiful clock mechanism is housed inside the tower and fully functioning, striking every hour. It is regularly serviced and this highlighted the need for repair. The painted wooden lozenge frame was badly decayed and loosely secured by rusting iron cramps, all very fragile. The face, dial, hands and Roman numerals were barely readable and in need re-gilding. The date 1895 also appeared but very faint. We thought it is a copper plate dial, painted blue with gold details.
The magnificent church tower is a great focal point of the village and community, next to the viaduct and the River Chew, with many tourists stopping by. The Tower is in the custody of the Churches Conservation Trust and remains consecrated. The Nave and main body of the church was sold privately in around 2005.
Coffin Clocks repaired the clock, mechanism and dial, Alex Carr repaired/renewed the clock frame, adjacent leadwork and stonework.
Our thanks must also go to the 100 Club members, without whom none of this would have been possible. Anyone interested in joining the 100 Club or who has a community project requiring funding help in our catchment area is invited to contact one of the trustees, or use the contact form on this website.
