The timepiece has been installed at the Church of St Nicholas in Withernsea, East Riding of Yorkshire, to honour all members of HM Coastguard who are ready to turn out 24/7 for emergencies.
The project was achieved with the help of Humber Coastguard Association which assists serving and former coastguards and their families in times of need as well as being involved in the local community with various projects.
A ceremony in September marked the unveiling of the memorial by East Yorkshire Deputy Lieutenant Colonel David Fuller OBE, a former Principal Surveyor with the MCA.
We are privileged and honoured to receive this memorial
The clock has been installed on a specially built section of brickwork adorned with commemorative plaques of HM Coastguard and the Humber Coastguard Association.
There is a Coastguard Rescue Team (CRT) based at Withernsea as well as at other nearby communities including Hornsea, Hull and Cleethorpes.
Withernsea CRT Station Officer John Hickey said: “Withernsea has had a Coastguard Rescue Team for over 120 years, and we are privileged and honoured to receive this memorial dedicated to the past and present members.”
The story of the memorial clock, built by Potts of Leeds, began in the early 1960s at Withernsea’s outdoor swimming pool.
When the pool closed the clock was saved from demolition by former Coastguard Rescue Officer Terry Bearpark, changing hands as it was partially restored.
Its last holder was Syd Rollinson, a stalwart lifesaver who had been a member both of HM Coastguard and Humber lifeboat crew.
When Syd died in 2021 it was proposed the clock should find a home in the town – an ambition which was achieved in a joint effort between Humber Coastguard Association and Friends of St Nicholas Withernsea.
Main picture: Withernsea CRT with East Yorkshire Deputy Lieutenant Colonel David Fuller (photo: Rachel Watkinson)
