Big Ben set for time change and maintenance this weekend
The Cumbria Clock Company will adjust the iconic clock and service other Westminster landmarks.
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The Cumbria Clock Company will adjust Big Ben to the correct time on Sunday when the UK switches from British Summer Time (BST) to Greenwich Meantime (GMT). The company, responsible for the accurate setting of the timepiece on the Queen Elizabeth Tower, will begin its work at 18:00 BST. This annual task involves turning the clock back one hour.
Maintenance and adjustment process
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The team will switch off the lights and move the clock hands to the 12 o'clock position before commencing work. This period allows for essential maintenance on parts of the clock mechanism that are inaccessible during normal operation. Following the adjustments and servicing, Big Ben will be switched back on at 01:00 GMT. Mark Crangle, from the Cumbria Clock Company, described the work as carrying significant pressure due to the clock's iconic status.
If there's pressure working on one clock it's working on Big Ben. All eyes look towards Big Ben, it's the most iconic clock in the country.
Mark Crangle, Cumbria Clock Company
Mr Crangle noted the particular importance of ensuring accuracy this year, given the proximity of Remembrance Day on 11 November. He shared personal anecdotes about the pressures of clock setting, including a past mistake where a clock was advanced instead of retarded. The company's work on Sunday extends beyond Big Ben, with the team also scheduled to service the clock at Westminster Abbey.
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Questions this report answers
+When will Big Ben be adjusted to Greenwich Meantime?
Big Ben will be adjusted on Sunday morning. The Cumbria Clock Company will begin their work at 18:00 BST on Saturday evening and the clock will be switched back on at 01:00 GMT on Sunday.
+What work will the Cumbria Clock Company be doing?
The company will be turning Big Ben back one hour for the change to Greenwich Meantime. They will also carry out essential maintenance on the clock's mechanism, servicing parts that cannot be reached when the clock is operational.
+Will any other clocks be serviced?
Yes, following their work on Big Ben, the team from the Cumbria Clock Company will also be servicing the clock at Westminster Abbey.
WE FILE
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