As the nation shifted into British Summer Time (BST) on Sunday, many individuals may have found themselves frustrated by their outdated clocks. However, for clock enthusiast David Abbott of Hadleigh, Suffolk, this was an eagerly anticipated opportunity to update the 52 timepieces in his collection. Over the past 20 years, the retired police officer has amassed a treasure trove of clocks discarded by others.
It took David Abbott approximately 45 minutes to adjust all of his mechanical clocks to reflect the time change. The 75-year-old humorously remarked that his wife, Pat, is “a very understanding lady” for tolerating his clock-updating ritual. Mr. Abbott expressed his enjoyment of the routine, signaling the arrival of spring when he sets his clocks forward, making him “a happy bunny.”
His love for clocks dates back to his teenage years, and post-retirement 20 years ago, it became a central focus in his life. Mr. Abbott, who has been married to Mrs. Abbott for 53 years, shared that he planned to wake up at 05:00 BST to commence the task. While he finds adjusting the clocks in the spring enjoyable, the transition from BST to Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) is more tedious as all clocks must be stopped since they cannot be wound backwards. The only exception to his clock-updating routine is an electronic weather station that adorns the center of his living room wall.
Mr. Abbott affectionately refers to his wife as “meerkat” and appreciates her understanding of his passion for clocks. He expressed gratitude for having such a supportive partner, acknowledging that he is fortunate to have her. The dedication and love he has for his clock collection is evident in the meticulous care he takes in ensuring each timepiece reflects the correct time, marking the changing seasons and the passage of time in his home
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