Russell winds up after 30 years
(Story dated: Thursday, September 7, 2006)

Russell Smith, left, who has handed on the job of winding up the Community Centre Clock in Stromness to his friend and former deputy clockwinder, Arnold Firth (72).

After 30 years of winding up the 180 year-old clock at Stromness Community Centre, 78 year old Russell Smith has handed over the task over to a younger man - 72 year-old Arnold Firth.

On behalf of the staff there, community centre steward Anita Park presented him with an Alan Watson print of the Ring of Brodgar, last Thursday.

“Thank you for your unsung work,” Anita said.

“People walking past in the street look up to see the time without knowing who is behind it all.”

She said the staff at the centre hardly ever saw Russell slipping in to deal with the clock - he was like a ghost.

Russell thanked the staff at the centre for their gift and added: “I must say a big thankyou to my friend Arnold for being my standby over the years. Thank you Arnold and thanks to Alan Clouston and his staff for the help they have given when required. I have enjoyed working for the Stromness community.”

Russell, a former boatbuilder and joiner, explained how he became associated with the clock in the former St Peter’s Church.

“In 1976 the clock was not working. I was asked to try and get it going again, which I did, and as I was interested in the clock, I was asked by Alan Clouston if I would consider taking on the clock-winding job.”

This involved a long climb up the tower once a week and numerous turns of a handle to raise the weight which hangs down the old church tower, driving the mechanism of the old pendulum clock, made by James Clark of Edinburgh.

Despite its age, the clock keeps good time and but does require to be adjusted occasionally.

Russell said that even a bird landing on it could affect its accuracy. Warm weather could result in the oil thinning, which also had an effect.

Unable to see the clock face from inside the building, he has been able to check the position of the hands from a “tell tale.” He and Arnold have managed to carry out repairs themselves over the years.