Clock to make up for lost time (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

Clock to make up for lost time

11:05am Thursday 8th May 2008

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DESPITE being eight years late, the Chippenham Millennium Clock has finally been erected in the town.

The clock, which was bought by Sheldon School as a gift to the town council, was originally supposed to be put up to celebrate the Millennium.

However, after years of being forgotten about and put off, the impressive structure was finally put up in John Coles Park on Monday, albeit temporarily.

The clock was only put up for the day for a photo shoot and will now have to be taken away so that an electricity source can be established.

Town mayor Sandra Oakes was determined to see the clock erected in her year as mayor, which comes to an end today.

She said: "Sheldon School raised the money in 2000 and it was decided that it should be spent on a clock rather than a fountain or a statue. The idea was put on ice for eight years for one reason or another and I decided that we should really push for it to go up as soon as possible.

"The clock itself is a lovely looking structure and one which the whole town will enjoy and benefit from.

"I am delighted that it will go up in my year as mayor and is a wonderful way to end my term."

The spot in John Coles Park, next to the water fountain, was selected because the town centre already has a number of clocks.

Leader of Chippenham Town Council Andrew Noblet said: "It (the clock) seems to have been forgotten about until councillor Oakes became mayor.

"It will be a lasting structure and a valued contribution to life of the town by Sheldon School and we are grateful for their efforts."

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