General News
2 February, 2023
Chimes once again ring out
THE chimes of Camperdown’s iconic clock tower have begun ringing out again following the recent completion of restoration works.
THE chimes of Camperdown’s iconic clock tower have begun ringing out again following the recent completion of restoration works.
Works to refurbish the chime and strike mechanisms, worn down after more than 120 years of wear and tear, began in May last year through Clock Masters Australia in Adelaide.
The process of restoration began when long-time clock tower volunteer John Hulm was awarded the Heritage Victoria Ray Tonkin 2022 individual volunteer award for his role in the clock tower’s major restoration effort in 2018.
“There was a $2000 remuneration attached to the award providing I spend the money on something heritage listed,” Mr Hulm said.
“I thought you beauty as parts of the mechanism in the clock tower, which have what is called a palette gear, were breaking up.
“So I made a case to Corangamite Shire Council to be able to get the refurbishment of these parts done.”
Mr Hulm began his search for how best to go about the refurbishments before finding Clock Masters Australia.
“They specialise in manufacturing and restoration of clocks, so I had a long talk with them about rebuilding the gears,” he said.
“I sent through pictures of the parts and they said the gears were beyond fixing, and six gears would need to be rebuilt on the four shafts.”
Despite the initial $2000 not covering the cost, Corangamite Shire Council offered to cover any shortfall and a deal was struck.
“We knew it would be a long process but Clock Masters said don’t panic; you’ll get them back, and you won’t get them back until we’re 100 per cent convinced they’re right,” Mr Hulm said.
“So it took around eight months to get the parts back, so I finished up putting it back together about Monday week ago.
“It wasn’t all that hard putting it all back together, anyone with a little mechanical knowledge could do that.
“I had thoughts about if I had done the right thing, the process can be expensive, but the shire said not to worry.
“It is great council was so supportive.”
