Bitterne Park ‘revellers’ will be able to celebrate ‘midnight’ whenever they like at the Triangle on New Year’s Eve, as a fault means 12 o’clock (or thereabouts) is the only time that’s currently displayed on the clock tower.
• Read more to play 12 Triangle bongs whenever and wherever most convenient
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The clock’s been out of action for about a month, we understand because of a "burnt out motor" or movement after 50 years of solid service.
Specialists Smith of Derby are apparently going to make a new mechanism, but we’re told this “may take some time”.
Pigeons
Bitterne Parkers may remember Triangle time also standing still in 2013 after six pigeons took up residence in the tower and laid eggs amongst the works. Problems restarting the clock followed due to a build up of pigeon poo.
Confusion
And in 2014 there was time confusion as the clock started chiming two hours behind actual time.
The clock was bequeathed to Southampton by Henrietta Sayers in 1889, and is sometimes known as the Sayer's Monument. It originally stood on the corner of Above Bar Street and New Road, and served as a drinking fountain as well as a timepiece.
1935
It was moved to the Triangle in 1935 as it was an obstruction to traffic.
Back to the present, however, and if you fancy celebrating but would really prefer an early night – or if you want to go to the clock tower and remember how it used to sound at midnight – here’s a recording of 12 Triangle clock bongs we made earlier: play them whenever, and wherever you like!
No player? Try this link Duration: about 30 seconds