A campaign to restore Gorleston’s library clock to its former glory is gathering pace.
The clock has been absent from the town for more than 40 years and the Friends of Gorleston have launched a plot to restore and mount the timepiece at the Palace Cinema in the High Street.
It is estimated the restoration by Simon Michlmayr of Norwich, one of the UK’s leading experts in public clocks, together with installation may cost up to £15,000.
So far £1,000 has been raised by the Friends and they are now stepping up their fundraising campaign and activities.
High Street businesses are being approached to support the scheme, there are plans are under way to seek external funds and also to see if a crowdfunding appeal can be set up.
Some students at East Norfolk Sixth Form College are also supporting the campaign by designing posters, collecting boxes and a large fundraising indicator.
Friends chairman Sheila Russell said: “We are confident the money can be raised and this wonderful and historic clock can return to a prominent place in the High Street after all this time.”
The Friends continue to organise events at the library to support the clock funds appeal.
These include a talk on June 26 at 2pm by Debbie Thompson, the director of Sheringham Theatre who now also runs St George’s Theatre in Great Yarmouth and who will share her experience of life both on the stage and behind the scenes.
The Friends are also promoting International Make Music Day on June 21 from 10am to 2.30pm when a number of local schools will take part.
Then on June 30 from 10am to 4pm there will be two events for young people – a stitch me happy start up and Warhammer game for its many fans.
Gorleston’s present library opened in 1977. The old library and tram shed were demolished to make way for the new building but the borough council put the chiming clock into storage.
The clock can not return to the library because of its weight but Patrick Duffy, the owner of the Palace Cinema, offered to be its custodian.
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