Corowa War Memorial Clock

Corowa War Memorial Clock

In 2022, Federation Council received a $8,945 Community War Memorials Fund grant to support the conservation of the Corowa First and Second World Wars Memorial Clock, which had damaged clock faces and a broken dial mechanism.

Corowa’s memorial clock tower has stood in the town’s centre since 1922, serving as a focal point for commemoration and peaceful reflection. Described by Building Magazine as ‘imposing and dignified in its simplicity and scale’,1 the clock tower was designed by Sydney Architect Bengt Tojkander, who also designed the Temora First World War Memorial. The memorial’s masonry tower was constructed with Sydney sandstone and polished trachyte panels by sculptor and returned soldier Mr. A. J. Goode. Its four-dial “Pulsynetic” electric striking clock was donated by Samuel Nixon in memory of his son, Private Samuel Lindsay Nixon, who died of wounds in France during the First World War. The tower features plaques and honour rolls for those who served in the First and Second World Wars. 

Corowa War Memorial Clock Im from RSL sub Branch Facebook

Dedication ceremony of the Corowa War Memorial Clock on September 12, 1922. Photograph provided by Corowa RSL sub-Branch.

“Working with important pieces of heritage such as war memorials is always a privilege. Often we find that the exterior of these wonderful monuments have been well maintained but the clock inside has gone un-serviced for many decades until some fault occurs in its ability to keep time.”

— Andrew Markerink, Horological Conservator, Master Clockmakers 

The Corowa RSL sub-Branch approached Federation Council in 2021 for support to restore the memorial ahead of its 100-year anniversary. After seeking advice from specialist clockmakers in Sydney and Melbourne, Council engaged Andrew Markerink of Master Clockmakers to conduct a site inspection and provide a quote for what was required. “Originally it was thought only the dials needed to be replaced and painted,” explained Federation Council Mayor, Counsellor Patrick Bourke. “However, on inspection, the internal 4-dial system had a 240 synchronous drive which was in poor condition and could not be repaired.”

Federation Council then applied to the CWMF for a grant to replace the clock’s mechanism. The new mechanism was manufactured by Master Clockmakers specifically for the Corowa War Memorial Clock and features a GPS link that will automatically update for daylight savings, ensuring the clock keeps accurate time. It can also be reset from a central panel, meaning staff will be able to safely update the clock without having to enter the clock tower.

“We rebuilt the clock components that were still remaining after climbing through the 3 floors of spiders and cobwebs and fitted a satellite linked drive that will allow the clock to talk to the stars. This will help ensure synchronisation of the time and the ability for it to automatically deal with daylight savings. Correct conservation for clocks like the one at Corowa allow us to preserve these memorials so we can keep them as proud reminders of the sacrifices made.”

— Andrew Markerink, Horological Conservator, Master Clockmakers

Corowa War Memorial Clock Fef New Mechanism from acquittal

New clock mechanism inside the Corowa War Memorial Clock, 2022. Photograph provided by Federation Council.

The work, including the restoration of the clockfaces, was carried out in time for the memorial’s centenary and rededication ceremony on 10 September 2022.

"The Rededication of the Corowa Monument, in honour of all who have paid the ultimate sacrifice, is a reflection of our community and the values we all share. We will never forget those who failed to return from WW1 and WW2 however since then there are others whose selfless sacrifice has impacted on our lives in one way or another and it is they, and their contribution to our society and way of life, that has now been memorialised".

- Corowa RSL sub-Branch 

Corowa War Memorial Clock Fecial guest Michael Caughey OAM

Corowa RSL sub-Branch committee members Peter Francis, Martin Magill, Lesley Rinehart pictured special guest Michael Caughey OAM. Photograph provided by Federation Council.

 

The Community War Memorials Fund provides grants of up to $10,000 to support the repair, protection and conservation of community war memorials across the state. including specialist heritage advice and physical work.

For more information and to apply, click here.

 

1. Building Magazine, 12 September 1921, https://nla.gov.au/nla.obj-310184562/view?sectionId=nla.obj-317004299, p. 57.

Project photos

Corowa War Memorial Clock ImCorowa RSL sub Branch Facebook

Dedication ceremony of the Corowa War Memorial Clock on September 12, 1922. Photograph provided by Corowa RSL sub-Branch.

Corowa War Memorial Clock Fe whole monument from acquittal

Restored face of the Corowa War Memorial Clock, 2022. Photograph provided by Federation Council.

Andrew Markerink of Master Clockmakers inside the Corowa War Memorial Clock.

Andrew Markerink of Master Clockmakers inside the Corowa War Memorial Clock. Photograph provided by Andrew Markerink.