Ammanford Church clock on time at last (From South Wales Guardian)

Ammanford Church clock on time at last

1:00pm Friday 14th September 2012 in Ammanford news By Steve Adams

THE time is right for Ammanford’s very own Big Ben.

The clock tower on the iconic All Saints Church is now keeping perfect time – much to the delight of the dedicated band of volunteers who have overseen its restoration to full working order.

The clock began ticking for the first time in years back in July, but minor adjustments were still required to ensure it kept the correct time.

Those tweaks have now been carried out and the clock in the Grade II listed church has returned to its rightful place as the focal point of the town.

“Weare all absolutely delighted that the clock is nowin full working order,”

said Peter Pemberton, chairman of the church restoration committee.

“The clock is now running to time and all the necessary adjustments have been made.”

The clock’s mechanism is now able to keep the people ofAmmanford right on time and is accurate to within one minute per week.

“It really is fantastic news – the people of Ammanford once again have a working town clock to call their own,” said Mr Pemberton.

Restoration of the timepiece also proved a big hit with the voters, with both county councillor Colin Evans and council leader Kevin Madge vowing they would leave no stone unturned in the search for the cash needed to carry out the restoration.

Those promises have been fulfilled and the restoration committee are now looking forward to the next project.

“We still cannot have the church bell ringing,” said Mr Pemberton.

“We are going to have to wait for the complete restoration of the tower before it will be safe to do that, but we are very optimistic we will be able to get the necessary grants to begin the work needed in 2013.

“Hopefully, the All Saints chimes will be ringing out some time in 2014.”

A website has been set up to highlight the refurbishment of the church.

To find out more visit allsaintsammanford.co.uk