Oakwood Day 2nd May 2015
Interviews by Edna Murray
Amanda Boyne and Cheryl Falconer
Time Will Tell - Oral History
The gateway to Roundhay Park was the focus of a day of celebrations to mark the return of the newly-restored Oakwood Clock.
The historic landmark was officially unveiled by the Lord Mayor of Leeds, Coun David Congreve, on Saturday after being given a new lease of life in a £270,000 renovation project.
Organised by the Oakwood Traders’ And Residents’ Association (OTRA), which spearheaded the two-year fundraising campaign, the celebrations boasted live music, local artisan stalls and food and ran from noon to 9pm.
Guests also had the chance to leave their memories of the clock in a visitors’ book and a time capsule was buried at the base of the clock by the first chairman of OTRA, Roger Williams.
The capsule contained contributions from the local community and schools and will not be opened until 2112.
Also unveiled on the day were the engraved paving slabs, which residents sponsored to help pay for the clock’s renovation.
Iain Macniven, of OTRA, said: “We are so grateful to the many people who have contributed to the success of this project. There are far too many names to mention individually, however I would like to give special mention to Marilyn Stowe for her very generous donation, to the late Martin Plimley for his role in securing the Heritage Lottery grant and to Jack Barstow who, at 102 years old, was in attendance on Saturday to celebrate the restoration of the clock which was erected in Oakwood in the year after he was born.”
Alexis Keech, OTRA’s chair, said: “Everyone who has been involved should feel proud of what they have achieved. It is a privilege to be part of such a vibrant and engaged community.”
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Tue 5 May 2015