Timely Restoration Thanks to Funding

A historic clock gifted to the people of Boldon has been repaired thanks to funding of more than £9,000 from the Jarrow and Boldon Community Area Forum.

The Forum used funding from its Local Neighbourhood Scheme to pay for the repairs following a request from Boldon Colliery Heritage group.

The group is currently raising funds for a new memorial to be dedicated to the area's servicemen and women as well as the town's mining heritage where the clock will take pride of place.

Chair of the Jarrow and Boldon Community Area Forum, Councillor Sandra Duncan, said: "The clock was given to the people of Boldon in 1956 in memory of all those people who lost their lives in both world wars.

"As such, it is of significant historical value to the village of Boldon and we were delighted to play a part in its restoration."

The clock was originally on the old Co-op building and then on the Royal British Legion in Boldon Colliery. It is hoped the new memorial will be sited on The Square, adjacent to The Shack Social Club, although planning permission will be needed.

The heritage group has already fund-raised more than £10,500 for the memorial from donations alone and is planning to apply for grants to achieve their £150,000 target.

Chairman of the group, George Henderson, said: "The clock is a historically significant artefact for the village and we are grateful to the Jarrow and Boldon Community Area Forum for having the clock repaired.

"When the memorial is erected, we believe it will enhance civic pride in the village and make sure we never forget either our mining heritage or the brave people who made the ultimate sacrifice for freedom."

The next Jarrow and Boldon Community Area Forum meetings will be held on 10 March at 10am and 14 April at 5pm.