Jubilee Clock
Welcome Back to the Jubilee Clock
Our anniversary celebrations kicked off on Thursday 30th April with a welcome back to the Jubilee Clock of 1887, newly renovated by BOTPS. The clock was originally commissioned to mark the Golden Jubilee of Queen Victoria – with funds to pay for it raised through public subscription. It became the property and responsibility of BOTPS many years ago and the Society is delighted that the clock was repaired and renovated in time to mark our big birthday.
This has been a collaborative effort and I would like to thank in particular Adrian Lusted, who owns the Quakersmill building and clock tower – without his help none of this could have happened; thanks also to our Conservation Officer Paul Adams for managing the project; and to the Cumbria Clock Company who have shown their master craftsmanship at every stage of the renovation. The Cumbria Clock Company is one of the few tower clock specialists left in Britian and has worked on many historic clocks including the Big Ben clock at the Palace of Westminster, as well as those of cathedrals, palaces, town halls and stations throughout the UK. Our gratitude also to Jessica Foster who lives in the first floor flat with the clock just outside her window – now arguably the biggest alarm clock in the world!
Not only has the clock been masterfully renovated externally, but it now keeps perfect time and is set to chime through the day. At night, it is beautifully illuminated. Our ceremony began with our friend and BOTPS member, the actor Richard Tate, reading A View of Bexhill by Shirley Read, which was the perfect tribute in the light of this important occasion.
Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Sussex, Derek Stevens, and Deputy Town Mayor Cllr, Memish Huseyin, were our guests of honour. They gave speeches congratulating BOTPS on its 60th birthday and both shared personal accounts of growing up in Bexhill and what the Old Town – and the clock – meant to them. We waited for the clock to chime twelve – the first time many of us had heard its lovely tone – and then enjoyed a drinks reception at St Peter’s Church generously hosted by the Friends of St Peter’s. It really was a lovely occasion.