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Time to revamp
famous clock A FAMOUS clock, recognised throughout the world, is set to spring back to life, writes Victoria Clark. The distinctive timepiece, which has hung at Carnforth station since 1880 and featured in classic film Brief Encounter shot at the station in 1945, sadly stopped ticking about 30 years ago. But members of the Carnforth Station and Railway Trust, who have raised more than £1.1 million to fund plans to restore the run-down station and save it from demolition, were determined that the popular clock would take pride of place in the revamped station.  Trust
chairman Peter Yates explained that he took up the challenge of finding
the clock's original internal mechanisms - a search which eventually
took him to a clock collector in Twickenham.The parts, including the original clock faces and hands, have all since been returned to Carnforth where a team of local businessmen are working to carefully restore the clock. "It's a minor miracle we managed to find all the parts," said Mr Yates. "It's recognised throughout the world - people  know about this clock in Japan."The clock's yellow pine frame, which is believed was made by Lancaster-based Waring and Gillow, has been stripped and restored by Terry Boxford, and Steven Tonkin is working on the steel work. Other Carnforth businessmen are supplying parts or helping with the restoration. Meanwhile, Railtrack is continuing its programme of regeneration work at the station, and the trust is hoping to soon make a start on its share of the station revamp scheme - which includes the creation of a visitor centre, refreshment room and six retail units. • A gala showing of the classic film Brief ' Encounter is taking place at the Dukes Theatre, Lancaster, on Sunday, March 18. Film-goers have he option of dressing in 1945 style clothes. The event, ,organised by the directors and friends of Carnforth Station Trust, starts at 7pm. To book tickets call 01524732805. ABOVE: Peter Yates (right) and Terry Boxford with the dismantled Carnforth station clock. (C1B06101) RIGHT: The station clock before restoration. Time to revamp famous clock - unknown publication or date.
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