Posts In: Heritage

St. Thomas’ church clock dials are given timely repairs

January 9, 2015 Heritage, News

“This is a real help in our final stages of fundraising for repair of the clock. It’s great that our neighbouring buildings for worship are landmarks in the centre of Wednesfield, and we hope that our Sikh friends will be able to join us in celebrating when the clock is restored and working again.” – Revd Nick Watson

Continue Reading

Smith of Derby Celebrates Founder’s 200th Birthday

December 19, 2013 Heritage, News

It has become a name which in the world of clockmaking is synonymous with quality and heritage, and on Thursday 19th December 2013 Smith of Derby celebrated the birthday of the man who began the dynasty 200 years ago. John Smith I was born on 21st December 1813, and aged around 27 left his employer, the clockmakers Whitehurst of Derby, to set up on his own in Nun’s Street, Derby. He gave rise to a company which, through five generations, has flourished to become a successful global business. Still family owned, it has produced some of the world’s most iconic…

Continue Reading

Smith of Derby Acquires James Ritchie & Son Clockmakers

November 4, 2013 Heritage, News

On November 1st, Smith of Derby, the world-renowned clockmaker, showed its support of British manufacturing with the acquisition of James Ritchie & Son, Scotland’s oldest turret clock manufacturer. The James Ritchie & Son brand and name will continue to be used, and the Edinburgh company will be supported by Smith of Derby from its base in the Midlands. These developments build on many years of collaboration between the two companies. The move helps to strengthen and support the long-term future of clock-making and conservation in Britain. Joe Smith, Director of Smith of Derby Limited, said: We are delighted to be…

Continue Reading

Historic Clock at the School Yard

April 29, 2013 Heritage, News

Historic clock winds up for first time in decades at The School Yard. The original 150 year old clock which has marked time for Harborne residents since the late 1800’s has been fully refurbished with ground-breaking horological technology as part of a £30,000 restoration programme. Originally manufactured by John Smith and Sons of Derby (now known as Smith Of Derby), the restoration of the clock at Harborne Clock Tower has been completed by the same firm. The works to the listed tower and the clocks are part of the £5m The School Yard scheme by EDG Property, which will see…

Continue Reading

Oxford Tourist attraction receives TLC

April 28, 2013 Heritage, News

Carfax Tower’s iconic chiming quarter boys and clock are in our clock works undergoing restoration. The figures are named “quarter boys” because they strike the chimes every 15 minutes, a spectacle which brings tourists to the tower in their scores. Oxford City Council cultural development manager Ceri Gorton said: Carfax Tower is a much-loved tourist attraction and it is important for our cultural heritage to preserve these historic figures as well as all that comes with the tower. The quarter boys will be taken down and restored to their former glory. The end process will see a much improved Carfax…

Continue Reading

100 year old clock unveiled

March 26, 2013 Heritage, News

We were delighted and privileged to restore the gatehouse clock at Bishopthorpe Palace back to its former glory. The clock was manufactured by W Potts & Sons Ltd (part of the Smith of Derby group) in 1913 for Archbishop Cosmo Lang, the current Archbishop Dr John Sentamu, spoke of his delight at setting the clock and following in Cosmo Lang’s footsteps: Generations of local people have grown up with this clock as part of community life, passing it daily on the way to school or work. This restoration, which has been done with great care, is wonderful to see. Hopefully…

Continue Reading

Church Funding – an Issue?

July 25, 2012 Heritage, News

Fundraising is something that is part and parcel of parish life. Churches are having to compete harder than ever to raise money. If you are raising funds for major projects such as building works or the creation of new facilities, please download our latest fact sheet and learn how the information provided has proved to be successful for Smith of Derby Group clients.

Continue Reading