‘Now’s the time to help our church!’

The clock, installed at St Mary’s Church in Green Lane, Wyke, 120 years ago, stopped working several months ago despite undergoing repairs costing £1,500 last year.

A total of £10,000 is now needed to restore it, which the church cannot afford to pay from its budget. Congregation members David and Lesley Airey have given £1,000 towards the repairs and hope their gesture will encourage others to give generously.

The Reverend Anne Wood, families’ missioner for the parish of South Bradford, who is running the appeal, said: “The clock has been an important part of the community and history of Wyke for nearly 120 years. “Sadly, a few months ago it stopped completely, even though the church had spent £1,500 overhauling it.

“A set of hands has become detached from the clock mechanism and the old system of pulleys and weights has worn down and needs to be replaced and electrified.

“Unfortunately the congregation is now unable to get it going again as this work will cost a further £10,000 – way beyond the church’s budget.”

The clock, a gift to the parish from Dr John Whitterton and his sister-in-law who lived at Blankney Grange in Lower Wyke, was installed by William Potts, of Leeds, in 1891. The Reverend Bob Evans, vicar at St Mary’s, said: “We are amazed and grateful about the response we have been getting from local people who obviously care about the clock. As vicar I really look forward to it getting going again because I don’t like to see time standing still at St Mary’s.”

An auction of household items, toys, jewellery and ornaments will be held at the church on Friday, November 13, to raise funds for the appeal. Viewing will start at 5.45pm with bidding from 7pm.

Other events include a concert by Clifton and Lightcliffe Band on Saturday, November 28, at St Mary’s and a card making and craft workshop tomorrow at St Andrew’s Church in Oakenshaw from 10am to 4pm.

For information about the events call Mrs Wood on (01274) 693449.