AN ICONIC feature in Oswestry’s town centre is back keeping people on time following an extensive restoration.
The Oswestry Goldsmith’s clock, which has reigned high above Church Street for over 80 years, was reinstalled last Sunday (February 10) following works lasting almost a year.
Steve Elson, store manager, said the company believes the timepiece was first erected in 1929 when Northern Goldsmiths took over the building, adding it was good to see the clock returned to its tradition postition in the town.
“We feel it was an important feature in the town and we wanted to maintain that tradition,” he explained, “This was the furthest south of the Northern Goldsmiths chain and there is another clock of a different style at the company’s Newcastle branch.”
Steve explained how the clock was taken down in March last year, shortly after Oswestry Goldsmiths moved in, as the internal light and movements had stopped working.
The work also provided an opportunity to include the new business name on the dial.
Repair firm Smith of Derby, who also recently restored the clock above Prezzo, also on Church Street, were commissioned to undertake the work.
“Ourselves and the owners are pleased with the result,” added Steve. “We only realised on Sunday how imposing it is. It is an important feature for Oswestry, and for the people of Oswestry, and we are pleased people are already commenting on its return.”