Historic clock restored at St Mary's Church in Thornbury

Almost 200 years old, the clock is now back in position on the church tower having been away for a major overhaul.

The old hand wound pendulum weights have been replaced with new electrically operated ones and the hourly chime can be heard once more.

St Mary's Church tower

Various changes have been made to the church over the last year, to make the building more user-friendly and adaptable for future community use.

A new audio-visual system, including a permanent projector and drop-down screen with repeater monitors to cover the side aisles.

Services are now being live streamed on the St Mary's Music YouTube channel.

The entrance path to the church has been relaid remove the step and new glass porch doors are soon to be installed.

Inside, the old lighting has been replaced with LED dimmable lights.

A statement from Revd. Joy Ludlow and the St Mary's Churchwardens said: "All this will really come into its own once the current pandemic is over and the many large community services will once again be taking place in our church.

"In the meantime, do visit the new shiny red noticeboard outside St Mary’s for ways of keeping in touch – it proudly completes the recent works done.

"We must mention that all the above work has only been possible due to the generosity of a former Thornbury resident, Nesta Robinson, who left us a very generous legacy in her will, as well as a grant from ChurchCare towards the renovation of the clock."

"Once the current lockdown is over, vaccinations completed, and it is safe and possible to do so, we would love to welcome you to any of our services across the Benefice, or just to visit our beautiful buildings. All are welcome."