Thatcham’s clock tower gets fresh new look

The clock tower in Thatcham has a fresh new look.

A short ceremony marked the end of the renovations – on September 8 – coinciding with the first anniversary of the death of Queen Elizabeth II.

The ceremony was organised by Thatcham Memorial Foundation.

A service was conducted by Rev Nicola Hulks and included hymns, prayers and the re-dedication of the monument as a symbol of the service given by the Queen.

Thatcham town councillor Mike Cole read a poem that was written in the days following her death.

The Lord Lieutenant of Berkshire – and foundation patron – James Puxley was present and a minute’s silence was observed at 3pm.

The service closed with the National Anthem.

Foundation chairman Nathan Gregory gave an address and outlined the history of the tower.

It dates back to 1794 and was intended to signify the beacon of hope that the second Elizabethan era meant to the people of Thatcham.

Mr Gregory welcomed members of the Brown family who donated the monument in 1953.

And the work of local clock maker, David Pawley, who has cared for the mechanism for over 30 years, overseeing various adaptations and improvements.

The tower had deteriorated and been subject to both vandalism and criminal damage.

At one point the board of trustees had resolved to dismantle the tower and donate the historic clock to West Berkshire Museum.

When local man Mike Wall heard of this, he offered his services to the charity to secure the structure and re-decorate the tower.

Mr Wall said: “I have lived in Thatcham all my life. I used to play in the field as a kid and the clock tower was how we knew when to go home for tea.

“All members of the team saw this as a way to give back to the community of which we have long been a part.”

The foundation said it is grateful to Wall 2 Wall Building Services, Flash Flooring, JD Electrics, Star Platforms and Travis Perkins for their contributions.