Tarrant Group undertakes clock face restoration at St Mary’s, Pulborough

Tarrant Group is proud to announce the successful completion of a truly unique project restoring the historic clock faces at St Mary's Church in Pulborough. This landmark structure has stood proudly for centuries, with its clock faces serving not only as a timekeeping tool but also as a cherished part of the town's identity. Restoring them required not only technical skill, but also sensitivity to heritage, meticulous planning, and seamless collaboration.

The project began with a detailed evaluation of how best to approach the clock’s disconnection without compromising the historic structure or the delicate mechanism. The process had to be carried out in perfect synchrony to avoid any damage, and the margin for error was extremely narrow.

To carry out this specialist task, Tarrant Group worked alongside the expertise of Smith of Derby, world-renowned clockmakers with a long history of working on heritage timepieces. Their team oversaw the disconnection of the clock systems and carefully removed the hands for rebalancing, ensuring they would continue to function with precision for years to come.

On-site, the team from Tarrant's took on the challenging work of removing the clock faces using traditional steeplejack techniques. Working at height on such a prominent and historic building requires skill, patience, and an eye for detail all of which the Tarrant operatives demonstrated throughout the project. Each clock face was handled with care, removed safely, and later reinstated with the same attention to craftsmanship.

The project also saw collaboration with Good Directions, a specialist in clock dials and architectural features. Their involvement helped ensure the restored components retained their historical accuracy whilst meeting modern standards of durability.

What stood out in this project was the synergy between all three companies –Tarrant Group, Smith of Derby, and Good Directions-each bringing its own set of skills to the table. Together, they delivered a seamless and respectful restoration that honours both the tradition and the technical demands of such a structure.

David Bull of Tarrant Group summed it up in his own humble way, saying, “Just another day in the office.” But for the community of Pulborough and those who appreciate the preservation of local heritage, it was anything but ordinary.

This project is a shining example of what can be achieved when experienced professionals come together with a shared goal: to preserve and enhance historic landmarks for future generations.

Our people, our partners

Preserving the Past: Working with Lee Evans Partnership

Lee Evans Partnership (LEP) has long been a name synonymous with architectural excellence – not only in new design, but in the respectful, thoughtful preservation of our built heritage. With studios based in Canterbury and London, their award-winning practice blends creative vision with a deep understanding of conservation, breathing new life into historical structures across the UK.

It was a great opportunity to collaborate with Senior Partner Nicholas Lee Evans and Conservation Architect John Minter, two of the leading figures behind LEP’s heritage work. Both bring a wealth of experience and passion for protecting the character and significance of historic buildings.

One standout collaboration was at Bishop Hannington Church, where we worked together to replace the church's 90-year-old cross. The project required a sensitive approach, balancing respect for the original design with the practical needs of modern-day installation. John Minter's efficiency, knowledge, and professionalism throughout made the process seamless – a true pleasure to work with from start to finish.

Nicholas, as a Senior Partner, leads with a clear philosophy: that our historic buildings are an irreplaceable resource. His vision and dedication to high-quality, conservation-led design were evident in every aspect of the project. It was an honour to work not only with him, but with the entire team at Lee Evans Partnership – a company that truly understands the importance of heritage and the value of collaboration.

Whether it’s converting a centuries-old site for community use or enhancing listed homes with subtle, modern touches, LEP’s work is consistently intelligent and respectful. Every element – from material choice to spatial flow – is handled with care, ensuring the essence of a building's story remains intact.

Working alongside Nicholas, John, and the wider LEP team was a rewarding and inspiring experience. Their commitment to excellence continues to set the standard in heritage-led architecture.

Craftsmanship That Stands the Test of Time: Working with Good Directions Ltd

Good Directions Ltd has been a hallmark of British craftsmanship since its inception in 1988. Specialising in the design and manufacturing and refurbishment of existing exterior clocks, clock towers, roof turrets, weathervanes, and GRP structures, the family-owned business has left its mark on historic buildings across the UK – and beyond.

We have had the pleasure of working with Good Directions on a number of heritage projects over the years, including St Mary’s Church in Pulborough and St John the Evangelist Church in Burgess Hill.

From the very beginning, their team demonstrated professionalism, efficiency, and a true passion for traditional British manufacturing. With 95% of their products made in-house using locally sourced materials, their commitment to quality and heritage preservation is second to none.

Each time we've partnered with Good Directions, the experience has been seamless. Their attention to detail, collaborative spirit, and understanding of the unique challenges posed by heritage buildings, has made them a trusted name in our field.

Working with them is not just about getting the job done – it'’s about doing it right, with craftsmanship and care that honours the past while securing the future.

It’s been a pleasure to work with such a skilled and dedicated team, and we look forward to many more successful collaborations.

For further information visit www.tarrantgroup.co.uk