Community appeal could help save famous clocktower

1 hour ago

Steve YabsleyChipping Sodbury

News image — Chipping Sodbury's Clocktower was originally built in 1897

BBC A stone clock tower, with a weather vane on top, stands at the edge of a high street. There are flower boxes on the upper level. Its lower section features a partially glazed arcade. Rows of parked cars can be seen in the distance and to the left is a three storey brick building. — Chipping Sodbury's Clocktower was originally built in 1897

A community is launching an appeal to renovate its famous clocktower.

Originally erected in 1897, the Chipping Sodbury Clocktower was built to celebrate the life of Waterloo veteran and renowned magistrate George William Blathwayt.

The tower's base was expanded in the 1940s and now houses the tourist information centre, a bus shelter and public toilets.

Ben Hardy, a volunteer at the tourist information centre said the building now needs substantial repairs.

"The stonework needs repairing, the clock mechanism needs modernising, the bell needs re-casting, the roof needs replacing and the windows need replacing," he explained.

A man, wearing glasses and a green baseball cap, stand in front of a stone clocktower. Its lower section is a glazed arcade. Flowers can be seen on the lower roof and bunting laces the windows. — Ben Hardy - from the Chipping Sodbury Tourist Information Centre - wants the building to be restored

Historically, the clocktower has been at the centre of public events including cattle fairs and the twice-yearly mop fair.

The building is an attraction in itself for visitors to the town and its image can be seen on tea-towels, mugs and greeting cards sold locally.

"Everybody knows when you think of Chipping Sodbury, they think of the clock tower, so we just want to keep it going because Chipping Sodbury won't be the same without it," said Hardy.

A stone plaque gives details of George William Blathwayt - who the Chipping Sodbury clocktower celebrates. The carved letters are painted black to highlight them against the lighter Cotswold Stone surround. — The clocktower was erected to celebrate local resident Waterloo veteran George WIlliam Blathwayt

Jane Lund, the Chair of the Chipping Sodbury Town Trust said it is an important local landmark: "It's absolutely essential to the town. It's an iconic centrepiece for Chipping Sodbury. People who live here use it everyday to tell the time."

"The Town Trust had it surveyed and it was then that we discovered the extent of the work that it needs. It's been there since 1897, so it's part of Sodbury."

A woman with white hair and glasses is standing at the side of a road. She wears a lemon yellow jacket. To one side of her is a metal water pump, to the other a black public bin and a flag pole. Cars are parked in the distance as the road tapers towards the clocktower — Jane Lund - Chair of the Chipping Sodbury Town Trust - supports moves to restore the building

An appeal for the clocktower's repairs is due to be launched soon and there are plans to approach the National Lottery for additional funding.

Ben Hardy says they have had a positive response from locals.

"We've already had people come forward - including a stonemason who's offered free help with the stonework - and we've had a local musician offer to put on a free concert to raise money," he said.

"And I myself am planning on walking the Cotswold Way, all of 102 miles of sponsored walk, and I'll try to get local businesses to sponsor me."