The restoration of the tower clock of St Alkelda’s Church, Giggleswick

Early in 2007 the Trust agreed to support an application for funds for repair of the clock face and rotted circular wooden surround of St Alkelda’s tower clock and in May 2007 this work was completed. Exact dimensions of the surround and a copy of the profile were first made (using ropes and ladders for access rather than expensive scaffolding). A new frame was then manufactured from treated oak. The clock hands and clock face also needed restoration. The face needing cleaning and repainting and the numerals and hands were brought back to life with gold size and a double thickness of 23 carat English gold leaf. The outer ends of the clock mechanism were cleaned and greased. The Trust made a contribution of £1500 from its Historic Churches Fund. The work was done by Smith’s of Derby.