Confusion as Portadown town clock is running slow

Time has almost stood still in Portadown, or so it would seem as the town’s clock is running a bit slow.
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High above the town centre, everyone peers at St Mark’s Church tower clock to check the time, but, of late, the timing has been a little off.

Indeed, it appears to be an hour slow.

Eagle-eyed DUP Cllr Margaret Tinsley spotted the anomally on Saturday when she noticed a wedding at St Mark’s Church.

St Mark's Church in Portadown. Photo courtesy of Google.St Mark's Church in Portadown. Photo courtesy of Google.
St Mark's Church in Portadown. Photo courtesy of Google.

She said: “I was in town on Saturday and there was a wedding at the church and the clock was an hour slow.

“I am sure it confused the bridal party.”

Cllr Tinsley said when she discovered the historic clock needed repairs, she immediately raised it with Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon Council.

She revealed that ABC Council has responsibility for around six clocks in the town.

“It will need accessing to see if it needs parts so hopefully they can do that this week,” said the DUP councillor.

She has asked that it be reset to 12 o’clock and help avoid confusion.

St. Mark’s Church was built in 1826. The site on which it now stands, was given by Viscount Mandeville, later, The Duke Of Manchester. The church was enlarged in 1862 and again in 1886, it was practically rebuilt, with a seating capacity for 1,000 people. The Nave and the Tower were left unfinished. In 1928, what was left of the old Tower, was demolished. A new taller Tower was built as a Memorial to all who lost their lives in the 1914-1918 war. In 1930, the Nave was extended and a Carillon(-lyon) of 15 bells were presented by various donors. The bells are still played regularly by a few Capanologists and also provide the chimes on the hour, and every quarter of an hour, for the 3-faced clock which was given by the Portadown Urban Council after the new Tower was built.

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