Celebrations as new pavement clock is installed in Windsor

A much-loved Windsor landmark has returned with the installation of a specially-commissioned clock in the space in the pavement on Thames Street where the Dyson clock used to sit.
There is also an added hidden feature this time round - a time capsule placed under the new clock in the space made available by the shallower design.

The Royal Borough has replaced the clock - possibly the only one of its kind in Britain - at the request of council leader Cllr David Burbage, after an article in a local paper highlighted its absence. A couple who had met at the spot for dates in the mid-1980s arranged to take their children to see the clock - and were disappointed to hear it was no longer there.

Cllr Colin Rayner, lead member for highways and streetcare, said the whereabouts of the original clock are unknown - and pleaded with anyone who knows where it is to tell the council. It is thought to have been removed for maintenance work some time after Dysons, clockmakers to the Queen, closed in the late 1980s.

Cllr Rayner said: "This is an exciting opportunity to restore a distinctive and popular part of Windsor's heritage. The old clock was a real 20th century landmark - I remember as a young child being really excited about coming into Windsor and seeing it - and we are thrilled to be installing its 21st century replacement.

"Windsor can again boast a really special feature - our research suggests there are very few pavement clocks in the world and as far as we know this is the only one in Britain."

Research also led to a clockmaker in Hampshire who was able make a suitably robust replacement.

The clock was unveiled by the Mayor, Cllr Catherine Bursnall (see photo), at an official ceremony on Friday 28 January, following the installation of the time capsule by Cllr Rayner.

Local organisations supplied various items to be placed in the capsule including the annual visitor guide, images from all of the major events in the town centre, an annual report from the Windsor and Eton Society and an unopened packet of World Cup 2010 Panini stickers.

The original clock was installed on 15 May 1950 by Dysons outside their premises at 9 Thames Street and is believed to have been inspired by a visit to the USA of Sir Cyril Dyson, a former Windsor Mayor.

David and Therasa Chapman, the couple whose story prompted the move and who now live in Gloucestershire, said: "We are delighted to hear that the Windsor pavement clock is now back in its rightful place. It has played a critical part in our lives!"

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