THE clock has started ticking on an official campaign to restore an historic Worcester landmark.

St George's Church in Barbourne is aiming to raise £15,000 to repair its broken Victorian clock, which is a prominent feature seen from the A38 into the city.

Charitable body the Friends of St George's is overseeing the project, which was launched on Sunday (May 31), and hopes to raise the required cash through donations, grants and the 'Can You Spare Us Just a Minute' idea.

Michael Silvey, chairman of the group, said: "We are asking people to sponsor a minute on the clock for a minimum donation of £10.

“We want people to select a memorable time for them, such as when they were born, started school, got married, went on a wonderful holiday or a poignant occasion and tell us in no more than 100 words why that minute means so much to them.”

The church is planning to produce a large book about the project including each story and the name of the sender, while every story will also be featured on friendsofstgeorges.co.uk

Experts have told St George’s Parochial Church Council that the mechanism needs a complete overhaul with the clock face re-gilded and an automatic winding and auto regulation system installed.

At present the winding has to be done manually with the clock chamber accessed only by a hoop iron rung ladder, which poses a health and safety risk.

The 24-inch clock chamber bell is inscribed 1830 and is believed to have been saved from the first St George’s Church which was demolished in 1893 to make way for the present building.

A 92-year-old parishioner started the turret clock in the new church on January 1, 1904. It has been repaired many times over the years and was last re-gilded 60 years ago in 1955.

Mr Silvey added: “We want to open the Just a Minute appeal to everyone who has been connected with St George’s over the years, including those who have moved away, those who are interested in the city’s history and those for whom the church has special memories."

For more details or to sponsor a minute with a story of no more than 100 words write to the Treasurer, 2 Ogilvy Square, Worcester, WR3 7LU, or email justaminute@friendsofstgeorges.co.uk making cheques payable to The Friends of Saint George’s Church.

For more details contact Michael Silvey on 01905 610581.