Evening Telegraph, Monday, March 24, 1986

Timely rise for Peter

RUSHDEN'S official time-keeper, Peter White, has stepped up the wage scale — with grateful thanks from town councillors.

East Northants Council's Rushden members have given Peter an increase in wages for the duty — looking after St Mary's Church clock — from the £175 set five years ago to £250. The job has to be carried out every other day — and involves climbing more than 60 steps.

Peter said: I've never actually counted, but I have been told there are 66. My hobby is mountain climbing so this helps me to keep fit for it."

He took on the job in 1952 when extensive work was carried out on the church spire and an extra face was added to the clock, which dominates the town centre.

A charge nurse at Rushden Hospital, Peter used to be helped with the clock winding job by his father. Now, his son Christopher helps out when Peter is away.

Peter said: "The clock was made in 1879 and has been refurbished. It is very reliable, but the pendulum is made of wood and has to be regulated depending on the weather.

"The wood shrinks in the dry weather and makes the clock go faster — so it has to be compensated," said Peter.