For the NFU’s Countryside magazine this month, it was a delight to visit Osmotherley, in the North York Moors, and meet the people who keep the church clock going.
These valiant volunteers labour up ladders and through trapdoors to reach the clock tower, where they use muscle power to wind up the heavy weights that power the mechanical clock. The clock, in the Church tower, is powered by gravity, and as its weights gradually fall, they turn the clock mechanism as they go. Once a week, the winders, turning a winch, haul the weights back up the tower.
It’s ‘renewable’ power, and Victorian engineering at its pinnacle: big, heavy, and long-lasting.
And the group hope that their team will also be long-lasting, contributing to the heritage and life of the village. The clock chimes out the hours – and quarters – over the village, come rain, shine, flood or power cut, thanks to its winders.
So what is their reward? The benefits, sum up
Hugh Thompson and John Padbury, include free fitness exercise, camaraderie within the group – and fabulous views from the Church Tower.
What more could anyone want?
INFORMATION: Osmotherley Clockwinders would be pleased to hear from any other clock winding group: Tel John Padbury on 01609 883237