WORK towards the installation of a unique art project is continuing as the organisers are in the midst of a final push to ensure it is finished in time.
The Time and Tide Bell in Harwich is set be installed on the promenade by Low Lighthouse and organisers for residents help to secure funds in time for the Harwich Shanty Festival in October.
The bell arrived has arrived in Harwich and is being stored by Trinity House with plans to inaugurate it on the morning of Saturday, October 8, as part of the festival.
A special shanty has been written for the occasion and will be performed at the inauguration.
Libby Scarfe, co-ordinator of the project, said: “We’re very nearly there and it’s been a great community effort with lots of support from residents, Harwich Town Council, Tendring Council and businesses.
“We are still very much in need of financial support with are final total not quite reached yet.
“We have our fingers crossed that more will be donated or one of the grants we have applied for will come to fruition.”
Once installed the bell will be a piece of public art that harmonises with its environment and collaborates with it surrounding, ringing when the high tide collides with it.
The Bells have a unique position as public artworks - they are not commissions and no individual, developer, local authority or other institution has paid the artist, Marcus Vergette, to make them for particular locations.
The artwork will also be a focus for community activity and education as pupils from schools in Harwich and around the country where other bells are situated will be recording and monitoring coastal erosion and sea levels over time and reporting on changes.
Recent fundraising efforts have included a screening of The Rocky Horror Picture Show at the Electric Palace. A final fundraising push is needed to ensure there is enough to install the bell.
To donate to the Time and Tide Bell Harwich project visit bit.ly/3B8rBqc.
For more information contact Libby Scarfe on 07941 028174 or Julie Hewitt on 07803 143150.
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