The College Foundation
The College Foundation was set up in 1994 and was the first registered charity established in the U.K. to enhance the education of students attending a further education college. Since then we have raised over £1,000,000 for the benefit of our students.
Lansdowne Clock Tower Appeal
About the Clock Tower
For local residents, tourists and generations of college students, the architectural splendour and resonant bell chime of the Lansdowne clock tower has been a part of daily life.
This prominent Grade II listed building was built in 1911 and the clock gifted to The College upon opening by Mrs. A.E. Croft, mother of Henry Page Croft (later Lord Croft, the then MP for the area). The feature clock stands proudly at the top of the 150 ft clock tower capped by a cupola in Portland stone designed by F.W. Lacey, Architect to the Borough of the time.
Time’s ticking away…..
….. but the historic clock in the Lansdowne clock tower is not – which is why we are launching a special charity appeal to restore the clock and get it chiming again in 2010 as part of Bournemouth’s bicentenary celebrations.
What needs to be done?
The famous clock at Lansdowne last chimed in 2005, and has been missed by many in the town who not only used this landmark timepiece to check the hour, but enjoyed the mellow notes of the bells across the breeze.
Installed in 1912, this historic clock was build by Shropshire firm J.B. Joyce & Co. Ltd., and the mechanisms, workmanship and materials are noted for being of the highest quality, based on that of ‘Big Ben’.
We now urgently need to restore the clock and need to enlist the services of Smith of Derby, one of the most revered names in English horology, and specialists in conservation and restoration work on heritage time pieces.
The challenge!
We have already completed work on the structure surrounding the bell and have raised another £17,000 for the restoration of the clock itself but now we URGENTLY NEED TO RAISE THE LAST £8,000 to get the clock working and chiming again in time for Bournemouth’s 200th birthday this year.
Your donation will really count so please download the donation form, complete it and send to us with your cheque for whatever amount you are able to donate. You really will be making a difference to help us get this historic clock chiming again in 2010.