Suffolk clock enthusiast prepares to change 52 timepieces at home

BBC News

30-03-2025

Many people may have been cursing their outdated clocks on Sunday, as the nation sprung forward into British Summer Time (BST).But for clock enthusiast David Abbott, it marked the eagerly-anticipated chance to update all 52 in his collection at home in Hadleigh, Suffolk.The retired police officer's treasure trove was built-up over the past 20 years, amassed from timepieces discarded by others.Taking about 45 minutes to update all of his clocks, the 75-year-old joked his wife, Pat, was "a very understanding lady".
"All my clocks are mechanical clocks and they have to be put forward," Mr Abbott explained."I like it - I know spring is here, I put all my clocks forward and I'm a happy bunny."
The enthusiast, who has been married to Mrs Abbott for 53 years, planned to wake up at 05:00 BST and begin his time-consuming task.It was a job he much preferred in the spring, saying the transition from BST to Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) was more arduous."All of them have to be stopped, because you can't wind these clocks backwards," Mr Abbott explained."It's a pain as that takes longer."There is just one clock that is spared his dutiful hands - the electronic weather station that takes pride of place on the centre of his living room wall.Clocks have been a passion of Mr Abbott's since he was 15, and took over his life post-retirement 20 years ago.But that love is also shared with Mrs Abbott, who he affectionately nicknames "meerkat".Mr Abbott said: "She's a very understanding lady and I'm very lucky to have her."
Follow Suffolk news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.