It might be a couple of months before the clocks change again but, in one Norfolk town, time is seemingly set to stand still - if you gaze up at its church tower, anyway.
Extensive repairs are being carried out to the Fakenham Parish Church clock, whose mechanism is set to be lowered from its current position.
It is being taken to the Norwich workshop of S. Michlmayr and Co, where improvement work will see the winding system automated.
But that means the reassuring presence of chiming bells will be replaced by an eerie silence for around two months from January 9.
Currently, the clock face is being kept running smoothly and to the correct time by a trio of winders: Chris Simpson, Ian Ponton and Kevin Allcock.
They take turns to climb the 70 steps up the tower and into the ringing chamber, where the clock - made by Cookes of Yorke in the 1860s - is situated.
Once there, and having got their breath back, they manually wind the clock and double-check that everything is in order before returning to ground level.
This task has to be completed twice a week.
Church rector, The Reverend Tracy Jessop, said: “We are pleased that this stunning example of Victorian mechanical engineering is being improved by having the winding system automated.
“With all the required permissions in place, the Norwich company of S. Michlmayr and Co Ltd are commencing work on January 9.”
Funding for the work comes courtesy of Fakenham resident Raymonde Nelson, who left a generous donation in her will - specifically for upgrades to the clock.
“We are immensely grateful for her kindness,” added Revd Jessop.
"The accuracy of the clock is the sort of thing people only notice if something goes awry, and then people are very keen to contact us."
The church clock is expected to be out of action for around two months while the winding system is upgraded.
Revd Jessop expressed her gratitude to the winders, past and present, for their dedication to keeping the clock going over many years.
To make a donation to the church for its future upkeep, servicing and maintenance, visit fakenhamparishchurch.org.uk/giving.
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