I drafted this post against the unfamiliar rhythmic, sonorous, ticking of a proper, analogue, wall clock that was more or less silenced by the various moves after leaving Sutherland Place in 2009. Martin Fairhurst of Dials Antique Clocks has done a grand job of restoring the timepiece to the condition it enjoyed when Michael bought it for Jessica and me about 35 years ago. Not new then, Mr Fairhurst tells me that the movement is American. I suspect that, should anyone other than Scooby, who is now rather hard of hearing, attempt to sleep in our sitting room, they may benefit from a set of ear plugs. You never know, it might help me to keep awake for an entire TV programme.
As I have shown previously, Dials lies at the foot of the exquisitely cobbled Quay Street in Lymington. Jackie drove me there this afternoon, but, it being Saturday, and market day, the car parks were full, so she had to park some distance away,
and I walked round The Quay and up the cobbled slope to the shop, which lies
diagonally opposite Karina’s colourful miniature emporium.
The day was overcast and there had been some rain, but not on my promenade.
Apart from the modern grandfather clock to the left of this browser,
Dials is a treasure trove of attractive antiques,
including a centrally placed telescope.
No self respecting horologist would be without a box of intriguing keys.
Pub food in this country is streets ahead of that of my youth, which was either non existent or not much cop (the food, not my youth). Steak and ale pie is one of the staples. Good as this generally is, it cannot hold a candle to Jackie’s steak and mushroom pie in red wine that she served up this evening with roast potatoes and parsnips, cauliflower cheese, crisp carrots and Brussels sprouts, followed by Co-op laced profiteroles. I enjoyed making a start on Montemajone chianti classico 2011, given to me for Christmas by Helen and Bill.
I’ve always loved grandfather clocks. My parents have a large assortment of wall clocks and a grandfather clock. I love those cobble stone streets, Derrick!
Thank you, Jill
Old clocks intrigued my father, he would have loved to go into that shop! Me, I like all antiques!
Me too, GP. Thanks
My son is desperate to own a grandfather clock; I will do well not to show him Dials when we next visit!
Not unless you have a few grand going spare. Thanks, Geoff
That’s what I thought!
If those clocks could speak…
Yes, Cynthia. Thanks
The clocks are wonderful! I have a clock that ‘tick-tocks’ annoyingly loudly when everything else is silent. It’s interesting that most of the time I tune it out though. I am intrigued by the dessert. Is it ‘co-op laced’ profiteroles or co-op ‘laced profiteroles’ and in either case, what is the lace or lacing?
Brandy, applied by the Co-op store, Pauline. 🙂 Thanks
I was going to ask if Co-op is a brand of cream or ice-cream in England. So now I know.
Thanks, Mary.
Ah…. Yum!!
My friend told me that her daughter was so incensed by her grandfather clock so she put a finger on the hand to get ‘a minute of peace’. 🙂
Thanks, again, Mary
Excuse bad English – that came from correcting the first part of the sentence without changing the second part. Sigh
Not that bad, Mary 🙂
I have the kitchen clock that occupied my paternal grandparent’s kitchen from 1906 to the late 1990’s when my uncle died. It makes a lovely ticking noise that I notice only part of the time. When I first got it, I was afraid my neighbors would hear the hourly and half hourly chime, but sometimes now I don’t hear it myself, so I bet you’ll get used to your clock but appreciate its presence.
Reminds me of this – one of my favourite songs when I was a child.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eWwTNQBRLxw
Me too! Thanks for linking to the Roush version. I had not heard the song for a while.
Thank you, Becky. Lovely video
Wow ! That bought a tear to my eye, Grandad used to sing that to me when I was little. Loved it but also thought it mildly spooky!
You are right, Lisa. Many thanks. If you look back at this post you will see that our clock has a charmed life: http://derrickjknight.com/2012/10/25/the-rosewood-wine-table/
Stolen and regained! Goodness. I remember the more recent post when you dropped the clock off for repair. Glad you have it back and that it’s ticking in your home.
Thanks, Lisa. Still ticking as I type
I have a grandfather clock and your photos and commentary are fascinating as always.
Many thanks, Bruce
I always feel at peace in antique shops and bookshops. Great post.
Thank you, Quercus
A timely analysis, Derrick. You have clocked all the relevant points. The commentary ticked along nicely.
Thanks, Ian. I’m pleased you took a minute for that
Oh you two! Very droll. The Goons would be proud of you (What Time is it Eccles?) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-tjHlFPTwVk
Wonderful clip, Gwen. Thanks
I think you might have missed this one, Gwen: http://derrickjknight.com/2016/01/18/a-day-of-two-casseroles/
Ah yes, you are right Derrick! I was side-tracked with grandchildren visit and other busy January things. Thank you so much! a very sensitive review. I have added that other book to my Goodreads pile also. Would you mind if I re-blogged your post, or, if that not appropriate – cut and paste the relevant part on to my blog with credit to you? best, Gwen
I’m more than happy for you to re-blog, and I hope it is useful
Time was, my greatest ambition was to own a cuckoo clock. I got a month’s hospitality work in Switzerland, and spent most of my wages on realising that goal. Had it for many years, but it went in a ruthless downsizing. Had to stop the movement every bedtime. How wonderful you still have this beautiful timepiece, and the place to show it off. I have a vague memory of being in Lymington on an overseas trip – but I may be confusing that with Lynton&Lynmouth which is hours away!!!! LOL
Thanks, Gwen
The last image of ‘stuff’ made me smile. Starting at the tender age of three, my oldest has a fascination with old keys. She’s found rather unique ones in Paris, Athens, Córdoba, Florence… But her favorite is a skeleton key taken from her great grandmother’s bathroom door. ?
Thank you, Joanne. Your daughter has a fascinating interest.
Another beautiful promenade, Derrick 🙂 I liked also your visit among old clocks, I like old clocks. It makes me feel in another era.
Thank you, Monica. That is the appeal of old clocks.
I love clock shops Derrick, the soothing sound of tick/tick/tick and gongs going off. It’s magic to my ears, especially antique clocks.
Yes, it is Mary. Thanks
I absolutely love old clocks. There’s something intriguing about the thought that they outlive their owners and keep ticking the time away.
Yes. Thanks pagedogs
Such lovely adventures you have. Explorations of places, foods, beverages, and history.
I like the photo of the keys, and of course your repaired clock is great, too.
You’ll get used to the tick tock in no time (I hope)!
Thank you, Laurie. The ticking is now part of the furniture
What a lovely shop. I love clocks.
Thank you, Micheline