The old church clock of the Kercem parish church in Gozo, has good prospects to start ticking again, after it had stopped doing so for the past thirty years. The restoration process was given a start today, when the clockwork machinery was dismounted in order for it to be repaired and restored in a project which is expected to take about a year.

This project has been undertaken by the Wistin Camilleri Gozo Centre for Arts and Crafts (WCGCAC) through an initiative supported by the Ministry for Gozo. All the works will be executed at the WCGCAC by the teachers and participants in the 'Mechanical Clock Repair and Restoration Course' presenting them with a unique hands-on experience, where they are going to be involved throughout the restoration process, from dismounting to remounting after the restoration is completed. Works will be supervised by two of the teachers who conduct the relative course at the Gozitan centre, one of whom is a clock repairer while the other is a mechanical engineer. These inctructors have also contributed in the preparatory and planning stage of the restoration programme.

The Minister for Gozo, Giovanna Debono, made an on-site visit while works on the dismounting of the old clock machinery were being carried out. She stated that through its support of this project the Ministry for Gozo will be addressing two aims: that of safeguarding an important patrimonial masterpiece while giving Gozitan artisans a worthy opportunity to practice their skills. Historical and cultural heritage as well as the development of its human resources, including those involved in the continuation of old traditional crafts, form an intrinsic part of Gozo's distinctive characteristics. The Ministry for Gozo is committed to continue in its endeavours towards the conservation and preservation of these historical treasures and traditions.

The clock, originally made by Gananton Tanti in 1764, was acquired by the Kercem parish many years later. The story which has been handed over from father to son along the years, relates that the clock was brought over to Gozo from Isla. The restoration works will ensure that all the existing original parts will be maintained while those which have been lost or extensively damaged will be replaced.

It is projected that the clock will be remounted in about a year's time, in order that it might start ticking away the seconds again in time for the celebration of the village feast dedicated to Our Lady of Perpetual Help.