A LOST landmark has been reinstated in Kidderminster 50 years after it went missing.
The original Horsefair clock was erected in the Horsefair in 1912 in honour of businessman and councillor Fred Oakes and stood proudly outside The Old Peacock until 1969, when it was removed by Highways workers and subsequently lost.
Community group Horsefair and Proud, alongside local councillors, have campaigned tirelessly for the clock to be restored and on Thursday (November 26), a bespoke replica was installed in its place.
Colby Woodall, chairman of Horsefair and Proud, said: “The clock looks fantastic now it's up and the local community is very pleased and should be proud of this achievement.
"It’s attracting a lot of attention from passer-bys entering Kidderminster on the A451 Stourbridge Road.
"Horsefair clock back is where it belongs.
"Particular thanks needs to go Steve Walker, Spike Betterton, Mary Rayner and Worcestershire County Council for accommodating the clock in their highway scheme.
"There was a lot of effort on all parts but the biggest thank you needs to go to the hundreds of local people, businesses and religious groups who gave to this great cause.
"The clock has been adopted by Kidderminster Town Council as an asset for the whole community."
More than £20,000 was raised in donations from local residents, businesses, grants and councillor funding to commission the new clock.
Residents had originally hoped to restore the original timepiece, however they were unable to find any record of it in archives or storage, and its whereabouts remain a mystery.
The new clock, made by Smiths of Derby, will be lit up, ticking and chiming in the near future once the electricity connection has been finalised.
John Oakes, a relative of the late Fred Oakes, said: “The original clock was always known as the Oakes’ Clock, sponsored by my grandfather and his family as a memorial to their brother Councillor Frederick Oakes, who died suddenly at the early age of 50 years.
"Frederick was a very revered man of great integrity, he had a large business in Churchfields with I believe a workforce of 50 local men and was badly missed by all those who knew him.
"But this clock is without doubt a people's clock, sponsored by the people driven by the Horsefair and Proud group and especially by Steven Walker. I have to mention Steven in the fact that he kept myself and the family informed at every stage of the proceedings and also arranged for my brother Nigel and I to visit Smiths of Derby to see the clock being made.
"This became so important to the family as Nigel passed away earlier this year and obviously will not be able to see the clock in all its glory as we will. That day will remain with me for the rest of my life.
"I did not ever imagine I would see another clock almost identical to the original in the Horsefair in my lifetime and I find it absolutely wonderful and cannot thank all those involved enough.”
Horsefair and Proud plans to hold an official opening ceremony once coronavirus restrictions allow.
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