Help Us Re-start Our 200-Year-Old Church Clock: A Call for Community Support

The clock on Christ Church's tower has been a symbol of time and tradition in Sowerby Bridge for over 200 years. Installed in the early 19th century, it has faithfully kept the town in step with the passing hours. It’s chiming has marked weddings, celebrations, Remembrance Day services, and everyday life.  However, the clock now stands still, and we need your help to bring it back to life.

In the 1980s, the church underwent significant restoration after suffering from dry rot. During this time, the original clock mechanism, powered by weights, was replaced with a modern electric motor. This upgrade allowed the clock to keep time without the need for manual winding, ensuring that the people of Sowerby Bridge could continue to rely on it. Unfortunately, after decades of service, this electric motor has failed, and reached the end of its life.

Replacing this motor is no small task—it requires specialized equipment and expertise to drive the hands on all four faces of the clock. We need to raise £2,500 to cover the cost of a new motor and its installation, ensuring that our historic clock can continue to serve its purpose at the centre of Sowerby Bridge Conservation Area. 

“Seeing the clock stopped is a reminder of how much we rely on it,” says Peter Henry, Churchwarden of Christ Church. “Many residents have said how much they miss its constant presence in the life of Sowerby Bridge. The town has grown and changed around this beloved landmark, and we hope the community will come together to help us restore this important part of our heritage.”

The Sowerby Bridge Ward Forum have given us a grant of £500, to kick start the project, and we are now launching a fundraising campaign to raise the £2,500 needed Whether you can contribute a little or a lot, every donation helps bring this piece of history back to life. The clock is more than just a timekeeper—it’s a symbol of our shared past, present, and future.

Please consider donating to ensure it can continue ticking for many more years. You can do this directly through our website or visit us in person at the church at our Tuesday or Saturday coffee mornings, when you can enjoy a cuppa and hear more about the project.

“Time may stand still for now, but with the support of our community, we can get the clock ticking again,” says Peter. “We’re excited to restore this vital part of our town’s history, and we’re confident that together, we can make it happen.”


Gardening Group Taking a Winter Break

As the colder months set in, our dedicated Christ Church Gardening Group will be taking a well-deserved break over the winter. After months of hard work maintaining and beautifying the church grounds, it’s time for a rest before we gear up for the new growing season.

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Prayer Walking Group to Take a Winter Break, Returning in Spring 2025

As the colder months approach, Christ Church’s Prayer Walking Group will be taking a break for the winter season. After a successful year of walking through our community in prayer, the group will pause during the colder and darker days, with plans to return in Spring 2025.

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Christ Church Honours Parish War Heroes

For many years, the names of these heroes have been inscribed on our memorial, a poignant reminder of the price paid for our freedom. Now, thanks to ongoing research and contributions from local families, we’ve added personal stories, service details, and photographs to accompany the names of the fallen. These updates aim to bring to life the memory of those who left home to serve their country and never returned.


Discover the Rich History of Sowerby Bridge at Our Heritage Open Day!

We’re excited to invite you to our Heritage Open Day on [Insert Date], where history comes alive at Christ Church and throughout Sowerby Bridge!


Balloon Race 2024: A High-Flying Success!

Results for this years Annual virtual Balloon race

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Helen Pedley Commissioned as Eco Mission Enabler

Last Sunday, Helen Pedley, affectionately known to many as our “Eco Rep,” was officially commissioned into her new role by the Rt Revd Anna Eltringham, Bishop of Ripon, at Ripon Cathedral.

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Another Successful Rushbearing at Christ Church!

We are delighted to share that this year’s Rushbearing Festival at Christ Church was a tremendous success!

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Celebrating Revd Tommy's First Year at Christ Church

Today marks a significant milestone in the life of Christ Church as we celebrate the first anniversary of Revd Tommy’s installation as Priest in Charge. Over the past year, Revd Tommy has not only brought fresh energy and enthusiasm to our parish but has also introduced a range of new activities and initiatives that have enriched our community life and deepened our spiritual journey.

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Join Christ Church’s Big Balloon Race and Win Amazing Prizes!

We’re excited to announce a fun and eco-friendly event that everyone can enjoy—Christ Church’s Big Balloon Race! This virtual race offers a fantastic opportunity to participate in a thrilling competition, win great prizes, and support our church’s mission.

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Revd Tommy Joins Christ Church Mother’s Union: A New Milestone for Our Branch

In a heartwarming service this morning, our Mother’s Union branch welcomed Revd Tommy as its newest member.

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