Local West End History Restored
07 June, 2007
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West End history will once again ring out across Boundary Street when the historic Clock Tower Bells chime next Wednesday.
The West End Library Clock tower Chimes were originally installed in 1929 in memory of fallen soldiers, local Councillor (Dutton Park) Helen Abrahams said.
“On 2nd February of that year, the Brisbane Courier reported that the Kurilpa War Memorial Ladies’ Committee collected money for several years to buy a clock with Westminster Chimes,” she said.
The St Andrews’ Church of England in Lutwyche was the only other chiming clock in Brisbane at the time.
“I am delighted to announce the historic Clock Tower bells will chime again from Wednesday,” she said.
“New technology incorporated into the historic chimes restricts the chiming hours.
“The computer will allow the bells to chime on the hour from 9am to 6pm on weekdays and 10am to 6pm on weekends.
“The bell which tolls the number of hours has been deleted from the cycle -this was important in balancing the romance of the chimes with concerns of local residents.
“I climbed the bell tower while the chimes were being tested to ensure the sound from each strike of the bell was at the lowest intensity.
“Local residents surveyed supported the reinstatement of the chimes if they operated for limited hours.
“I respect these wishes and as a result we have investigated and installed the new technology – while also restoring a small part of the history of the area,” she said.
Local resident can witness the recommissioning of the chiming bells at the West End Library at 9:30am, Wednesday 13 June.