St Helen's Church Northwich launches fundraiser for clock

St Helen’s Church in Church Road has launched a fundraising campaign to save its landmark clock and get it functionally correctly to benefit the town and its residents.

Amelia Visscher explained: “The clock at St Helen’s was manufactured by WH Bailey of Salford in 1888.

“In 2011, it was converted from manual winding to automatic winding.

“Unfortunately, for several months the clock has not been working and a full-scale refurbishment of the clock is now required.

“Good progress is being made in obtaining all the necessary permissions to carry out the repairs.

St Helen's Church (Image: Supplied)

“The repair works needed to get the clock restored and in full working order are expected to cost in excess of £10,000.”

All funds raised will ensure the public-facing clock routinely shows the correct time, while saving the historic feature for future generations.

The church is looking to agree dates with Cumbria Clock company, communicate agreed timescales to the community and arrrange an open day so people can appreciate the clock once it is repaired.

Amelia added: “We are working hard on looking for grants to contribute to this expensive repair.

"St Helen’s Church is not in a position to pay for the repair and although at first hesitant to put out a public fundraiser, there has been a growing interest within the community of people who are keen to see the clock repaired.

“As such, a public crowdfunding appeal has been set up to allow members of our community to engage with this project and support the repair.

“Any donations are very gratefully received, no matter how small.”

To donate online or for more information, visit spacehive.com/renovate-our-historic-public-clock.

To donate by cash or cheque – please make cheques payable to ‘Northwich PCC’ -  please use a sealed envelope marked ‘St Helen’s Clock Fund’ and post it through the vicarage door or pass to the vicar/church wardens.