Old clock gets new life in Muswell Hill Broadway
2:45pm Monday 6th July 2009 in Latest Football News By Elizabeth Pears
MUSWELL Hill celebrated the return of the old Langton Clock on Friday following more than a year of restoration work.
First erected by jeweller E.W. Langton in 1899 to help attract customers, the decorated Edwardian street clock has long been part of Muswell Hill Broadway's backdrop.
But it had stopped working in recent years and was heading to the scrapheap until the Muswell Hill and Fortis Green Association stepped in and fought for the clock to take pride of place again.
The association made the restoration its diamond jubilee project and won funding from Haringey Council's Making The Difference grant with additional funding from the Heritage Trust.
John Hajdu, chairman of the Muswell Hill and Fortis Green association, said: "The Langton Clock has been a well-known and much loved feature of Muswell Hill Broadway.
"It was the association's wish and hope to do something for the benefit of all residents as well as being something to remember as we celebrate our diamond jubilee."
The clock was carefully brought back to life by Fortis Green resident and clock expert John Kendall and, thanks to developing technology, is now run digitally.
Haringey mayor Bernice Vanier joined Muswell Hill councillor Gail Engert and members of the residents association for a tea and cake reception at Maison Blanc cafe to officially welcome the clock home.
Ms Vanier said: "New developments and architecture are wonderful and every era leaves its stamp on the environment. But it is equally important for us to respect the old and protect our heritage.
"Because of the credit crunch, there is not enough money for these kinds of projects, that is why Making the Difference grants are so worthwhile. I am sure the Langton Clock will continue to give a great deal of pleasure and, of course, give good time."
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