St Andrew’s church clock in Corbridge is to be stopped for three days to fit automatic winding units, bringing an end to the 125-year practice of manual winding.

The current mechanism in the 7th Century Saxon church was installed to celebrate Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee in 1897. It had two faces, but only one hour hand and the minute hand was added in 1861.

Replacing them will be mains-powered electric automatic winders.

Jean Wills, churchwarden at St Andrew’s, said: “Everyone has welcomed the automation of the clock, especially the volunteers who have been winding it, although one of them told us how much he has enjoyed performing such a traditional task, and the feeling of being part of history.

“Until now, the clock has been wound manually, three or times a week, by a team of volunteers working on a rota.

“It means a regular commitment and a lot of work for them.

“The volunteer on duty has to climb, and then descend, 15 stone steps and 45 steep wooden ship’s-ladder steps, all with single handrail.

“They then have to use a heavy lever to turn three separate winders in turn (controlling the time, hour chime and quarter chime); all of which require strenuous effort. “

“This, along with the regular commitment, makes it difficult to recruit new volunteers.”

Although it is sad to see the end of an era, Jean added: “Last year it was agreed that we should automate the clock, so we asked for funding from village organisations and from charitable trusts.

“Although the stairs, steps and handrails are in good order, the climb and the effort of winding are a potential safety hazard for our volunteers, and one which we have been eager to avoid.”

The project has cost around £7,000, funded by Corbridge Parish Council, Corbridge WI, Corbridge Village Trust, the Allchurches Trust, Catherine Cookson Charitable Trust and the Ecclesiastical Trust.”

Work by the Cumbria Clock Company began yesterday and should be complete by Saturday.