Parish clock back in action after more than a decade out of use

Renovation of the Holy Trinity church clock in the Parish of Gee Cross in Hyde, could not take place until a leak in the church’s clock tower had been fixed – totalling a £60,000 bill for its congregation.

The money was raised through a generous legacy, a grant from the Pilgrim Trust distributed by the Church of England and donations from people both in the church and in the wider community.

The clock, built in 1904, was rededicated at a special service earlier this year marking the 150th anniversary of the church, after under going restoration by specialists Cumbria Clocks. It is linked to a peal of bells and sounds the hour during the day.

‘It has made such a difference, having the clock sounding again,” Rev Canon Helen Scarisbrick said. “It feels as though we are back on the map. People can hear it from all over the Parish."

“We have seen such generosity both from the people who have been coming for years and people in the community who are not members of the congregation." she added.

“Lots of people from the parish came to visit the church during the 150th celebrations and we are seeing people return after the lockdowns many visitors and others coming for baptisms and services. The church is doing all it can to be welcoming and hospitable, along with sharing the Gospel."