A RENOWNED clock in the heart of Barnsley will be restored if enough money can be raised to fund the work.
The former jewellers on Eldon Street - Benjamin Harral’s - was much loved by residents of the town and was most famously known for giving out a complimentary bread knife to those who bought an engagement or wedding ring.
Founded in 1898, the shop was family-run for nearly 100 years and had other branches in Pontefract and Mexborough.
Despite it being famous for selling engagement and wedding rings, the shop also sold grandfather clocks, silver and pottery.
And the large clock which sat above the premises remains - although it no longer keeps time.
The current occupiers, Prisco’s Curtain Shop, have had numerous enquiries regarding the clock and whether it can be fixed.
“We’ve been asked since day one if anything can be done to fix the clock above the shop - it’s a weekly occurrence if not more,” said owner Alichia Kwapisz, who has occupied the shop since August 2017.
“That’s why I have decided to make a Facebook page dedicated to funding the clock being repaired.
“We got a quote for it to be done but it’s not been looked after for so long and there’s a lot of work that needs to be carried out.
“It needs a new glass face, restoration, a service, painting, rust removal, hand replacement and more.
“When we first opened, we couldn’t justify spending that much money on the clock, but we kept getting asked if we could try and get it fixed because it just seems to mean a lot to people.
“So many people have such fond memories of couples meeting under the clock and picking out their wedding or engagement ring.
“It’s going to cost about £2,000 or possibly £2,300 if we are to carry out the complete repairs.
“it’s going to be £1,500 for the clock itself but then we need money for a scaffolding tower.
“If I can get around £1,500 in donations then I’ll put in the rest, but we really could do with some help towards fundraising.
“We’ve got nearly £100 so far, which is great, but we’ve still got quite a bit to go.
“We have tried to privately fund this with the building owner and the council over the past 18 months, but to no avail, hence this is our last shot, I think.
“As a thank you to anyone who donates I will give a one-off ten per cent off any order in the store.”
To donate to help with the restoration of the clock see the Just Giving page set up by Alichia, which can be found here.
