Restoration of Britain’s historic and last traditionally operated Floral Clock Weymouth’s Jewel in the Crown, in the form of Greenhill Gardens, has had a Floral Clock since 1936. The timepiece has now undergone months of renovation and the Showcase Clockhouse incorporating the clock’s workings has been rebuilt.
In glorious Summer sunshine, the official opening of the building took place on Saturday 29 June 2024. The Opening Party consisted of the Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Dorset Mr Cleeves Palmer, Weymouth Town Mayor Jon Orrel, Antiques Expert Paul Atterbury, International Concert Pianist Tamara Konstantin, local benefactor Derek Luckhurst and Friends’ Group Tim Spooner. The Floral Clock is a rare and historic element having been built in Edinburgh by Richie & Sons who also built Edinburgh’s famous Princes Street Gardens’ Floral Clock.
Both the Scottish clock and the Weymouth one incorporate a cuckoo sound which can be heard on the half hour. Latterly the sound seemed to come from a hedge next to the old Clockhouse and many children thought the cuckoo lived in the hedge, but it has not worked for very many years. The original Weymouth Clockhouse was a basic wooden hut with few windows. From the original suggestion by Weymouth Town Council, who have supported this project throughout, the Friends of Greenhill Gardens took on the task of raising the money to replace this hut with something a bit more aesthetically pleasing.
An initial sketch by The Friends of Greenhill Gardens Group chair Jane Chandler was subsequently made into a formal drawing by Building Design Consultants, Paul Dean Associates. The design closely followed the look of the nearby Bennett Shelter with many windows for members of the public to view the fascinating workings.
The Creative Team behind this project were the Chair of Dorset Clock Society Leon Harvey; Portland builders JAIC Group and FOGG Members Tim Spooner, Barry Graham and Graham Dubben. Repairs to the Cuckoo Sound Box were undertaken by Shane Seagrave and Rob Harris.
Local businessman Derek Luckhurst has generously covered the cost of the actual Clockhouse building, so monies raised by FOGG were able to be used for the renovation of the mechanism itself.
The project has aroused huge public support and comment. This has resulted in donations pouring in from many local organisations and individuals including the estates of members of the public who have passed away. Further help has come from a grant provided by The Gardens Trust and monies collected at the Sunday afternoon concerts in the Gardens during the summer months. The mechanism has now been extensively upgraded and parts replaced.
The result is that Weymouth’s historic Gardens now has a Floral Clock and Showcase Clockhouse that will last for generations to come and provide enjoyment to all who visit the Gardens… and FUN for children listening to and working out where the cuckoo is!
For more information, please visit the Greenhill Gardens website at: greenhill-gardens.co.uk
Photography: @e.joyce_photography
