Clock could ring in Queen’s jubilee

Christchurch Woodhouse was built by John Whitacre, at his own expense, in 1824 to serve Deighton, Fartown and Bradley in Huddersfield.

In 1892, the tower was fitted with a clock made by famous clockmakers, Joyce of Whitchurch, who had close contact with Lord Grimthorpe, who designed the mechanism for the clock at the Palace of Westminster - home of Big Ben.

The Huddersfield clock stopped working in the 1980s and, according to Kirklees Council, its restoration would help regenerate the area.

A council report says: “The restoration of the clock, which was installed and dedicated to Queen Victoria, would be a fitting response to commemorate the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee. The restoration will provide a focal point for the local community.”

The council is being asked for £6,000 towards the total cost.

The church is applying to various charities to raise the remaining money.

Councillors are expected back the project as long as the church exploits other sources of funding.