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1995, Blackboy Clock falls into disrepair
Event
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Stroud News and Journal gave the following summary:
"An expert clock-mender has appealed to Stroud Art College to allow him access to an historic Stroud landmark - before it decays beyond repair.
Mr Michael Maltin, a former airline pilot from North Woodchester, says he is willing to mend the Black Boy clock, on the old Black Boy School in Castle Street, free of charge.
Along with two other local craftsmen he totally overhauled the clock, which features a black child ringing a bell and turning his head, between 1974 and 1977 and has been dismayed at its decline since then.
‘It needs attention and I know what’s wrong with it, but I’ve tried several times to get up there and can’t get in,’ he said.
‘I’m quite prepared to go and restore it and get it in working order - if necessary I’ll even wind it myself,’ he said.
The clock started life on the front of High Street watch-maker John Miles’ house around 200 years ago and was moved after his death.
DISREPAIR
It then spent several years on the front of the Duke of York pub in Nelson Street - before being bought in 1844 by public subscription and placed on the front of the Castle-Street National School.
Winding the clock became the responsibility of the senior class who took it in turns, but after the school closed the clock fell into disrepair.
The building is now used as part of Stroud Art College and Mr Maltin wants the authorities to let him work on the clock.
‘I would say it’s unique because it’s the only jack clock in the country where you’ve got the original clock driving the original jack,’ he said.
‘It should either be restored or put in a museum.’
Local residents have appealed to Stroud Town Council to try and save the historic clock’s hourly chime and the council’s planning committee has promised to look into it.
FAMILIAR
‘It wasn’t really melodious, but it was one of those familiar sounds that gave us the feeling that all was well with the world,’ said Mrs Elizabeth Sargeant, who lives in nearby Middle Street, Stroud, and is a member of the National Trust’s executive council.
‘Because it does date from such a long time ago, it would be such a great loss to Stroud to lose it.’" - took place at | a eu lieu dans
- Stroud
- took place on or within | a eu lieu le ou dans l'intervalle de temps
- 1995
- is referred to by | est référencé par
- 'Fears for future of Black Boy Clock', Stroud News and Journal, 9 August 1995