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New floral clock is jewel in Whitby's crown

A new floral clock which celebrates the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee has been unveiled in Whitby’s Pannett Park.

Designed in the shape of a crown with the timepiece at its centre, the clock features the words “Pannett Park, Whitby” and includes a reference to the Queen’s 60 years on the throne.

It has been installed by Scarborough Borough Council parks staff in partnership with volunteers from the Friends of Pannett Park and sponsored by Kebbell Homes which has prestigious development of luxurious apartments opposite called Caedmon’s Prospect.

Kebbell Homes was delighted to host the ceremony unveiling the clock from its show apartment which has uninterrupted views of the floral tribute and Pannett Park.

Council Parks Officer Chris Roe said: “The clock was installed in the park in 1953 to celebrate the Queen’s Coronation, so it’s very fitting we have been able to remodel the design to celebrate her Diamond Jubilee.

“It has been planted with marigolds, begonias and petunias which are set to explode in colour in the next couple of weeks and when they do it will be a show-stopping display.

“I want to thank our friends’ group and particularly Bob Bennett who created the technical drawings which we used and Kebbell Homes for their generous sponsorship – without them this would not have been possible.”

Linda Tillisch, Northern Sales Manager for Kebbell Homes added: “We are delighted to sponsor the Pannett Park floral clock which is a beautiful landmark on Chubb Hill. Residents at our development are able to enjoy glorious views across to it. In fact the park itself is of great appeal to our customers who enjoy having it so close to home.”

After it was installed in 1953, Pannett Park’s floral clock and the floral displays incorporated into the design was for many years a much loved feature of the park and Whitby.

Each year a different theme was chosen and the planting depicted various logos and pictures. At one time a water fountain even circled the clock.

Unfortunately by 1979 the clock had fallen into disrepair, its hands were removed and the planting reverted to a normal flowerbed. It remained like this for 27 years until in 2006 the Friends of Pannett Park secured grants and sponsorship to reinstate the clock, create the Whitby Time Line, and carry out landscaping improvements to the surrounds.