Historic
Stratton Methodist Church Clock Set to Tell the Time Once More!
In a tale reminiscent of the beloved
1980s film "Back to the Future," the iconic clock adorning the
Stratton Methodist Church had been frozen in time. As time stood still on its
face, attempts to revive the old mechanism proved futile, leaving the heart of
the Stratton community without its century-old timekeeper.
The venerable clock, now a historic
landmark, has been an integral part of the Stratton Community for a remarkable
100 years. Its hands have tirelessly ticked away, marking the moments and
memories of generations past. Standing proudly on the front of the Stratton
Methodist Church, this time-honoured timepiece has been cherished by locals and
admired by those who pass through the area, whether on foot or on the bustling
roads.
Alas, the clock's inner workings had
grown weary, bringing its rhythmic dance to a halt. Despite valiant efforts to
resuscitate the timekeeping treasure, the community faced the grim reality that
the expertise of clockmaking artisans was the only path to restore its function
and revive its role in serving the public.
The prospect of a fully operational
clock resonated with the entire Stratton Community. Thankfully, with support of
the Stratton St. Margaret Parish Council, the Leonard Laity Stoate Charitable
Trust, (Founder, Leonard Laity Stoate, 1885 – 1970 was from a family of staunch
Methodists), St Margaret’s PCC and Stratton Methodist’s own members funding was
secured to embark on the much-awaited revival.
Enter Smith of Derby Ltd, a renowned
clockmaker established in 1856 with an illustrious history of preserving
heritage timepieces including that on St Paul’s Cathedral, London. To restore
the clock's heartbeat, the expert horologists employed a state-of-the-art pulse
slave movement, carefully selected for its precision and reliability. This
modern marvel of engineering, harmoniously blended with the clock's historic
charm, guaranteed accurate timekeeping for generations to come.
In a nod to the clock's past, the
existing hands, weathered and wise from years of service, were refurbished with
tender care and painted a deep, dignified black. As they were reattached to the
resuscitated clock face, a symbol of continuity and resilience was brought to
life.
As the restoration, project managed by Property
steward and Trustee, Keith Harmer, neared its completion, the community eagerly
awaited the moment when the clock would once again tell the time. Deacon
Stephen Roe stated, “As you drive down Swindon Road, before turning right into
Ermin Street, take a look up at the front of Stratton Methodist Church and
check the time for yourself”.
Swindon Advertiser - August 2023
The workings from inside the church.
