A CHURCH verger who died while winding the clock at St Mary's Church, Mildenhall, is to be remembered by parishioners with the installation of an automatic winder.
Earlier this month, 80-year-old Jack Sturgeon fell from his ladder while winding the clock. After being treated for severe head injuries, the pensioner later died of a heart attack.
Before his fall, the former Queensway resident had been bell-ring
ing at the wedding of Forest Heath councillor and retained firefighter Brian Keane and Kelly Brown.
Now church members are hoping to raise £5,000 for the installation of the new system, which would be located in the church tower at St Mary's.
Mr Sturgeon wound the clock up three times a week, but plans were already being discussed to instal the new system prior to the accident.
A statement from St Mary's Parochial Church Council said: "The church family of St Mary's, Mildenhall, has been devastated by the recent death of Jack Sturgeon who served the church in many capacities over many years.
"We would like to acknowledge his years of service and have decided that to fit an electric auto-wind system would be a fitting memorial for him."
Speaking after his death, his brother Peter Sturgeon, of Kingsway, said: "During the course of his life, Jack became an active member of St Mary's parish church as a verger, a position he held for more than 40 years.
"With his natural talents, he maintained the electrical and heating systems as well as the maintenance of the bell mechanisms. He was also an active bellringer.
"He took care of the church clock, which had to be regularly wound by hand. He was supported in his duties as verger by his wife Beryl.
"He spent endless hours attending to these duties as well as preparations for the normal services and special occasions.
"A caring and true servant of the church, well known and liked by many, he will be sorely missed."
It is hoped by those at the church that members of the community will make contributions to the cost as the clock is widely used by people in the town.
Anyone who wishes to make a contribution to the fund can send donations to the Rev Sue Leathley, The Vicarage, 8 Church Walk, Mildenhall, Suffolk.
Cheques should be made payable to the Preservation Trust of St Mary's Mildenhall.
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