Posts In: Public

Our Easter Message: a Moment in Time

March 29, 2018 News, Public, Seasons, Spring, Time

Lambs are a reminder of time, seasons and renewal of life. Our picture shows a first sign of spring amid the last of winter. A moment in time – to appreciate our wonderful world.

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Clocks all changed

March 29, 2018 Church, Heritage, News, Public, Time, Traditional

All has gone well with our clock altering visits. Matthew S finished the rounds in the South East at Richmond Town Hall: whilst at the other end of the UK (almost), Craig P moved time forward an hour at Leslie St. Marys Church in Fife.

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Clock servicing progress report

March 29, 2018 Church, Heritage, Public, Time, Traditional

With Spring now on our doorstep, we are pleased to report that Smith of Derby’s Clockmakers are busier than ever carrying out the annual servicing of clocks throughout the UK, ensuring the clocks remain in good working order and keep us all in touch with time. We would be delighted to hear from you if you are interested in having your clock serviced. Please call: Jane 01332 257101 jane.fenton@smithofderby.com

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Clocks All Change This Weekend

March 22, 2018 Heritage, News, Public, Time, Traditional

With summer time changeover fast approaching, we are being kept very busy. This year we will be putting the time forward an hour on 155 tower clocks. That’s a small number compared to the 4,000 or so we look after altogether. Some of our clients do the clock altering themselves, and many of the modern electrically driven clocks have automatic changeover. On average it takes half an hour to change the time on each clock. The gears have to be released and moved to put the clock forward one hour in the spring. It takes a bit longer for the…

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Cathedral of St. Jude, Lagos

March 21, 2018 Church, Heritage, Public, Time, Traditional

Located in Ebutu Metta, Lagos, the Cathedral of St. Jude had become derelict following the construction of a new building. When Bishop Akinpelu Johnson was appointed, his aim was to redevelop the old cathedral and make it a focal point of the community once again. He believed that a new clock would be key to the refurbishment. After several years of fund raising and acquiring a local sponsor, the Bishop chose Smith of Derby to design, manufacture and install three new dials and a bell sound system. Our team built three 2.5m clock faces: opal acrylic dials with raised metal…

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Case Study: Kings Cross Platform 8

March 7, 2018 Heritage, Public, Traditional

Client: Network Rail Location: Kings Cross Station, London Size: 2m diameter Materials: Gold leaf, acrylic paint, brass, illumination Date: 2012 Project code: 28069 Known fondly as the Harry Potter clock by fans who visit Kings Cross Station. Restored in 2012, it was originally two separate dials, separated by steel rods and located astride a footbridge. Taking its cue from the elusive platform 9 3/4, the footbridge disappeared. The clock, however, winged its way to our workshops, where within earshot of trains on the adjacent main railway line it would feel quite at home. We then worked our own magic, designing and…

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Training for all our clockmakers

February 28, 2018 Heritage, Public, Time, Traditional

Whether new to clockmaking or having years of experience, all our clockmakers have a wealth of knowledge. Our training programme is designed to share the strengths of each member of the team, which builds close working relationships as well as just learning about clocks. Aaran is new to the world of clockmaking but it was no surprise that his engineering expertise enabled him to have one of our showpiece clock movements dismantled then up and running again in what seemed like no time at all, and he even found handling the delicate gold leaf a breeze. Meanwhile Steve and Gavin…

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Automatic winding and timekeeping

February 27, 2018 Heritage, Public, Time, Traditional

A spiral staircase which will be climbed a little less from now on. Smith of Derby automatic winding and time regulation comes with an unseen but vitally important feature as standard – the facility to remove the new equipment without a trace should the clock ever be required in its former historical state. So at All Hallows Church in Walkington, East Yorkshire, the original winding handle is being carefully saved – just in case. In the meantime the long serving team of clock winders will be able to enjoy a well earned retirement. Keeping a clock wound up is hard…

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Funeral of Mr Nicholas Smith

February 22, 2018 News, Public, Time, Traditional

John Nicholas Wilkins Smith born Derby, 21st August 1935 Died peacefully at Glenfield Hospital surrounded by family on 12th February 2018. Much loved husband, father and grandfather. Funeral to celebrate his life at St Paul’s Church, Quarndon, Derbyshire on Monday 26th February at 12 noon. No flowers, but donations welcome for The Padley Centre Derby or the Gurkha Welfare Trust sent to G E Simnett & Family Funeral Directors Ltd 65 High Street, Chellaston Derby DE73 6TB.

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Announcement to friends of Smith of Derby Limited

February 13, 2018 Heritage, News, Public, Traditional

Dear friends of Smith of Derby Limited We are writing to you today to share the sad news that John Nicholas Wilkins Smith, our President and active Archivist passed away late yesterday afternoon. Mr Nick, as he was affectionately known by all of us here at Smith of Derby, died peacefully following a short illness and a heart operation. His family was with him. There will be more to say and share with all our friends in due course, but it is enough for now to let you know that after his family, his (literally!) lifelong association with the Smith…

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