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Jubilee Village Clock

 

'IF MY TIME YOU CANNOT TELL, HARK TO HEAR MY HOURLY BELL'

Since Diamond Jubilees of Monarchs are rare events, it seemed appropriate to mark that of Queen Elizabeth II in 2012 with a clock.  The one on the gable end of Culworth Forge was made within that building by the blacksmith, Martin Rowling, to his own design. It features a single hand passing over a 6 hour dial on which two hours are marked at each hourly station. Whilst the movement strikes the hours on a single bell during the day, it incorporates night silencing from the hours 10pm to 7am.  The whole mechanism was fashioned entirely by hand using tools and techniques of a period about 250 years ago and took seven years to complete.  It is claimed to be the only clock featuring a six hour dial in Britain.

Over a hundred well-wishers turned out to witness the unveiling of Martin Rowling's hand-made village clock, also attended by a representative of the Worshipful Guild of Clockmakers, the Fiori Musicali Choir and many other dignitaries.  After the unveiling, Martin gave a brief talk, explaining the background to his 7-year ambition to build a clock completely by hand, using only the skills used by blacksmiths two hundred years ago.  Even the rivets were made by hand - a true labour of love. He also explained the practical reasons for choosing the unusual single-handed 6-hour dial which not only saves a lot of laborious engineering but also gives greater accuracy than a similar 12-hour clock.

The former Rector of Helmdon gave a brief address and led the Blessing of the clock before a rousing Three Cheers was given by all assembled for Martin and his magnificent achievement.  A hymn and 'God Save The Queen' was sung to mark the arrival of the Jubilee Clock and complete a memorable day in Culworth.