Monday 6th April saw the completion of the project to restore our clock and bell, and get them working together again.
The restored bell now hangs in a custom-made bell frame which itself is supported on a substantial new steel sub-frame.
The bell is supported on bearings to allow it to swing - it now has to be 'rung' properly. Getting a clock to strike a bell which can swing is quite a challenge. If both were to happen at the same time the bell could collide with the clock's striking mechanism causing considerable damage.
The video shows the clock striking the bell at 12 noon on Monday 13th April 2020.
The new striking mechanism is equipped with a system to de-activate it and hold it safely out of the way when the bell is being rung.
So a much bigger project than most people realised. A HUGE 'thankyou' is due to the Robert Lucas Trust whose financial support has made this project happen.
Once again, Shefford's clock is striking the hour between 8am and 10pm. Long may it continue to do so!
Source: Stephen Lines
Date 12 April 2020