A much-loved piece of Walsall’s heritage has been welcomed back to the town centre this week, as the newly restored Three Men in a Boat automaton was officially relaunched by the Mayor of Walsall.
Residents, schoolchildren and community partners gathered in the Bradford Mall atrium at the Saddlers Shopping Centre to witness the first chimes of the iconic clock at 2pm. The moment marked the completion of a major restoration celebrating Walsall-born author Jerome K. Jerome and his world-famous novel Three Men in a Boat.
Pupils from Butts Primary School performed a short piece inspired by the novel, followed by a presentation from members of the Jerome K Jerome Society, who spoke about the author’s legacy and strong connection to the borough.
The Mayor of Walsall, Councillor Louise Harrison, said:
“This clock is far more than a timepiece as it celebrates one of Walsall’s greatest storytellers. Lots of local people have very fond memories of this clock and I know there have been petitions to bring it back, so I hope we have done the people of Walsall proud in bringing back this little piece of our history whilst we regenerate our town centre.
Seeing families, schoolchildren and residents come together today to welcome it home shows just how strongly Walsall values its heritage. I’m proud that we can continue to honour Jerome K Jerome and inspire future generations.”
Saddlers Centre Manager Melvin Glasby also welcomed the automaton’s return:
“We’re delighted to welcome the Three Men in a Boat clock back to the Saddlers Centre. It used to be a highlight for family visits to Walsall, when the men rowed on the hour, and is now a talking point once again for the various generations of families who visited and were taken by grandparent and parents to see it. It is evident people have really missed it, so it’s wonderful to see families, shoppers and schoolchildren gathering to enjoy it once again.
The improvements here are about creating a welcoming and enjoyable experience for everyone who visits the town centre, and the return of the clock brings back both character and heritage into that space.”
The reinstallation of the Three Men in a Boat clock forms part of Walsall Council’s ongoing programme to reinvigorate the town centre, supported by council investment and the Government’s Future High Street Funding. The project sits within the Connected Gateway programme, contributing to the borough’s wider £1.5 billion regeneration.
Speaking about the wider vision for Walsall, the Mayor added:
“This relaunch is part of the wider redevelopment of the Saddlers Centre and sits within our ongoing £1.5 billion regeneration of the borough. We’re also here in the newly refurbished Bradford Mall today, which is another great example of the improvements taking place.
As we make bold changes to transform the town centre in the coming year, it’s important that we don’t lose sight of what makes Walsall unique. This project shows how we can celebrate our history and heritage while moving confidently into the future.”