Dewsbury Minster’s clock to be re-gilded for Queen’s Diamond Jubilee

Instructions for the work went out last week for the tower clock to be re-gilded. This will involve the removal of the clock for up to eight weeks for the work to be done.

The ambitious project is the latest to be undertaken by the Friends of Dewsbury Minster, the support group that was formed in September last year and has already built up a membership of 120 people.

The Rev Canon Kevin Partington said the re-gilding would cost £4,000 plus VAT.

“We already have some funds for the project, but obviously we would be delighted to hear from anyone who would like to make a contribution. The clock can be seen by everyone in Dewsbury and so this project will be to the advantage of the whole town,” he said.

Mr Partington added that it was hoped that the work would be completed by May when the Minster hosts the civic service for the Mayor of Kirklees.

Since the group’s formation, the Friends have been playing an active role at the church. Its first project was to pay for the cleaning of a Victorian stained glass window in the refectory.

“This has made a tremendous difference,” said Mr Partington. “It is a beautiful Victorian window.

“It’s not just about the building, we hosted an organ concert by Nigel Ogden, of Radio 2’s The Organist Entertains, in November and in May there will be a concert by the St Peter’s Singers from Leeds.

“There are bags of things going on at the Minster and we want people to come along and help to celebrate it.”

To make a donation call in at the Minster or telephone 01924 457057.

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