We are delighted to announce that the much-loved clock on our church tower is once again fully operational. After nearly 60 years of service, the motor driving the clock mechanism on all four faces of the tower failed in late October 2024. Thanks to the generosity of our community, a successful fundraising campaign, and the expertise of Lancashire Clockmakers, the clock is now back to keeping perfect time.

A Piece of History Restored

The original clock motor was installed in 1965 and has been an enduring symbol of time and tradition for the people of Sowerby Bridge. When it stopped working last year, we knew we had to act swiftly to restore this cherished part of our town's landscape.

Revd Tommy commented, "The clock is more than just a mechanism to tell the time. It represents the heartbeat of our community, connecting past generations with the present and reminding us of the passage of time in a deeply meaningful way. We are truly grateful to all who have contributed towards this important restoration."

Peter, one of our Churchwardens, echoed this sentiment, saying, "I’m so pleased to see the clock working again. It’s such a beloved feature of the town, and its absence was noticed by so many. We want to thank everyone who donated or made pledges, and also Matthew Warburton at Lancashire Clockmakers for the professional and dedicated work he put into restoring the motor."

The Journey of Restoration

After consultation with Lancashire Clockmakers, who hold the Calderdale Council contract to service the clock, it was confirmed that the motor was beyond repair, and replacement parts had to be imported. An estimate was obtained in December, and thanks to the generosity of donors, the necessary funds were raised. We are thrilled to share that the replacement parts have now been installed, and the clock is once again gracing the town with its presence.

The new motor is housed in the clock room within the church tower, an area not accessible to the public, ensuring it remains secure and protected for years to come.

A Heartfelt Thank You

We want to express our deepest thanks to everyone who donated or pledged towards the replacement of the clock motor. Your support has made this possible, and we are so grateful to be able to share this important feature with the town once again. We would also like to extend our gratitude to Matthew Warburton at Lancashire Clockmakers for his exceptional work in carrying out the repairs.

The clock is now ticking away once more, a reminder of time’s passing and the continuity of our community’s history and future.

Thank you all for being part of this special moment in our church’s history!