A CLOCK that was erected in the village of Highcliffe in 1911 to mark the coronation of King George V has been reinstated with a new Coronation Clock tower.
Constructed out of cast iron and standing at nearly eight feet tall, the clock tower, which now sits outside Hoburne’s new development on the main Lymington Road high street, was unveiled on Friday May 21.
The original clock had been in place for the past 110 years on Highcliffe Corner, but during that period, due to wear and tear, was replaced by the local Council.
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Jane Dean, communications officer for Highcliffe Action Team said: “We have been working closely with the clock developer, BCP Council and Hoburne Development to ensure this much revered clock is reinstated in perpetuity.
“The newly completed Coronation Clock is accompanied by a floor plaque acknowledging 2020 as a year when time seemingly stood still for so many of us.”
In January this year, it was revealed the developer of the former G&T’s store in Lymington Road, which used to host the clock, intended on demolishing the original building and reinstate with a commercial shop and residential flats.
Hoburne’s director Rosie Kennar said: “The clock has been a special landmark in the village of Highcliffe for many years and as a local family-run company, we are delighted by the combined effort from everyone to restore and relocate the clock to its new prominent position in front of Hoburne’s new development.”
Funding for the project has been provided by Highcliffe Action Team, together with Highcliffe & Walkford Parish Council, Highcliffe Charity Players, the Hoburne Group, Developer Joshua Worthy and Doves Memorials, who provided the clock’s plaque.
Chairman of the Parish Council Bob Hutchings said that the Parish Council was “delighted” to be able to help with the funding of the new landmark in Highcliffe.
He added: “With BCP Council’s support we are looking forward to further improvements in the High Street and to have this superb clock situated outside the new Hoburne development is something we can all be proud of.”
Highcliffe Charity Players, which celebrates its 50th anniversary this year, has already donated more than £125,000 to local charities, including the Highcliffe Action Team.
Its Chair, Georgina Smith said: “We are delighted to be able to support HAT by contributing towards the Coronation Clock.
“It will prove to be a wonderful commemorative enhancement to the village we all love.”
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