CHIPPING Sodbury Town Trust has launched a public online appeal to raise £160,000 to pay for urgent repairs to the historic High Street clock tower.
The Voice reported in June that the Town Trust, which is responsible for the 1880s timepiece and the tower that houses it, had discovered it was in need of significant repairs.
The planned revamp includes restoring the clock mechanism, recasting the cracked bell, rebuilding the cupola and refurbishing the clock faces.
The roof also needs replacing and the stonework of the tower, which houses the town’s tourist information centre, needs work.
The trust has now launched a campaign called Preserving Our Time, complete with an online donation site.
Town Trust vice chair Julia Bernau said: “For almost 150 years, Chipping Sodbury’s historic Clock Tower has stood at the heart of our town.
“It has watched over markets, celebrations and parades, welcomed generations of visitors and provided a meeting place for countless friendships and memories.
“Now, time has taken its toll, and significant restoration work is needed to preserve this much-loved landmark for future generations.
“We are just its current guardians: it belongs to the community and we hope to involve everyone – businesses, schools and individuals, to help preserve it.
“Our Preserving Our Time campaign is now underway, and the Crowdfunder is live.
“Already local people are offering support and help.
“Sponsored walks are planned, we have the promise of a fund raising concert in one of the eight pubs at the centre of our town.
“We want to engage with the local schools to get young children involved.
“Over the coming months, there will be lots of ways for the community to get involved, with fundraising events, activities for children, opportunities for local businesses to support the appeal and plenty more to come.
“Just as the Clock Tower was originally built through public subscription, community support will once again play a vital role in its future.”
The trust has set up an official Chipping Sodbury Clock Tower Fund page on Facebook, and is also inviting people who would like to help to email csheritagefund@gmail.com.
The donation page can be found here.
Picture of Chipping Sodbury clock tower by Rich McD