After a year-long restoration and fundraising project, Withernsea’s St Nicholas Church War Memorial Clock has been formally handed back to the town.
On Sunday, October 6, more than 80 representatives from various organizations in Withernsea attended an event commemorating the handover of the clock from the Friends of St Nicholas Church back to the people.
Guests included:
• Withernsea Mayor Ian Blackburn
• Deputy Mayor Alex Camplin
• Withernsea Town Council representatives
• Ward Councillors Lyn Healing and Jon Dimberline
• Darren Hickey and standard bearers of the RNLI
• John Hickey and standard bearers from HM Coastguard
• Peter Clegg from the Churches Conservation Trust
• Members of the Armed Forces and Veterans’ Breakfast Club
• Withernsea Scouts
East Riding Deputy Lord Lieutenant, Nigel Pearson, performed the formal handover ceremony.
Since August 2023, the clock, originally installed in 1947, has undergone extensive repairs including updates to its mechanism, front-facing dials, and handles. New technology has been incorporated to allow the clock to self-operate, reducing the need for human intervention and promising longer preservation.
The project cost approximately £44,000, funded by various groups such as Withernsea Big Local, the War Memorials Trust, local businesses, individuals, and fundraising events.
The ceremony began with a speech from Friends of St Nicholas Church Chairman Darrin Stevens, highlighting the importance of remembrance and the collective effort behind the restoration. Withernsea Royal British Legion President Darren England led the church service, which included reading the Kohima Prayer and the names of 67 soldiers from Withernsea who fell in World War II, timed with the 11am church bells.
Darrin Stevens commented on the collaborative effort: “There were over 80 people there – it was hard work getting all that put together. However, everyone worked together, and it was lovely to see.”
Adding to the sentiment, Mayor Ian Blackburn said, “It was the culmination of a lot of hard work by dedicated people. They raised the necessary funds and worked tirelessly. The result is something exceptional for the town.”
Peter Clegg mentioned, “It was a momentous day, and I felt privileged to be invited. The community’s effort ensures that the church and its events are well recognised.”
Jayne Moxon, Withernsea Town Council Clerk, stated, “The renovation has taken time with many hurdles, but the effort by all involved shows what can be achieved through community collaboration. The handover ceremony was moving, and hearing the clock tick once more was a memorable moment.”
During the service, Peter Cook, former clock custodian, was awarded a plaque for his 21-year dedication to the clock’s upkeep.
After the service, attendees enjoyed refreshments, with cakes made by Friends of St Nicholas Church member Nicki Wrigley. Withernsea resident David Stiggants was surprised to find an engraving of his name still inside the church, dating back to his apprenticeship.
This website, has been launched showcasing the clock’s history, including donor lists from 1945, stories, poetry, and more. The website features interactive 3D maps of the church, clock room, and bell tower, alongside videos of the church bells. Visitors can also contribute their family history and photographs to honor relatives who donated in 1945.
Judy Hemery summed up the day by saying “Sunday was a truly moving occasion. The clock is more than just a timepiece, it it also represents how the people of Withernsea have come together again in such a strong spirit of community. Firstly, to raise the money in such times of hardship just after the war and again now coming together to have the clock restored. The ceremony honouring the sad loss of lives of Withernsea folk. It was an honour and privilege to read out the names of the fallen. Then the two minute silence where not a sound from anyone was heard, so quiet that you could actually hear the clock mechanism ticking up in the tower , it was such a privilege to be there and be part of it.”
