Roose Primary School WW1 memorial clock may work again soon

The clock above Roose Primary School was installed on April 30 1921 with a plaque underneath bearing the names of those who fought.

According to Barrow Town councillor Paul Griffiths, clock restorer Dave Burns serviced the clock over the years. 

It received a full overhaul from Mr Burns and a group of BAE apprentices in 2010 but Cllr Griffiths said the clock 'hasn't worked properly for a number of years now.'

The clock when it was unveiled in 1921, and the clock now (Image: Roose School, Paul Griffiths)

"In 2021 I got in touch with Dave to see if we could get it working again in time for its 100th anniversary but we couldn't gain access due to the hatch that leads to the clock windings being jammed from above. Health and safety concerns were raised so the project was parked," Cllr Griffiths said. 

"Recently I've been weighing up options again and prompted once more, by a couple of residents from Roose, I decided to have another go. As I am now a Barrow Town Councillor I’ve been part of the decision-making process that facilities funding for Barrow projects such as this.

READ MORE: Town hall clock stuck on wrong time to be repaired by company that worked on Big Ben

Clock restorer Dave Burns pictured in 2010 wants to return to the project again (Image: Chris Warner (Newsquest))

"The Roosecote community also indicated, back in 2021, that they’d be keen to help with funds and I’ve had local residents get in touch recently offering to contribute to the refurbishment costs, so I hope expense won’t be a barrier."

Cllr Griffiths said he had spent time at Roose School trying to establish what is needed to gain access - and he called on the help of the community. 

He said he had offers of help from local businesses and tradespeople so once they regain access to the clock windings 'we can establish the next steps.' 

"Whether we can get this completed in time for its 104th birthday remains to be seen," Cllr Griffiths said.