For the past three years, what is believed to be the world’s largest wooden pendulum clock has been ticking away in Nannup clockmaker Kevin Bird’s shed.
Now, the marvel of timber craftsmanship is finally on display in its purpose-built tower on the quaint town’s main street.
Mr Bird began planning the clock in 2004, but in related his fascination with woodwork and clockmaking preceded this.
A retired aircraft engineer, Mr Bird and wife Margie moved to Nannup for a ‘simpler life’. He’d always wanted to build his own house, inspired by the timber towns surroundings, he set out to make it a reality. He became a registered builder, well-known throughout the region for his beautiful timber homes.
Due to the inclement weather sometimes experienced in Nannup, Mr Bird found himself not being able to work. On these ‘wet days’, he would retreat to his shed and tinker.
Clockmaking was an interest he shared with his brother. They would often discuss how clocks kept getting smaller, but not bigger.
Mr Bird’s ‘passion project’ was always something he wanted to share with the community of Nannup.
At one stage the project hit a stall and it didn’t look like it would have a home.
Enter Rob Marshall and Heather Walford. The couple had purchased a commercial premise on the main street. When they heard about Mr Bird’s creation, and that it could possible leave town if no home was found, they jumped at the opportunity to house what will hopefully become a Nannup icon.
Mr Bird said he was very happy, and relieved, that the clock had found a home and was now ready to be enjoyed by the public.
“Some people never believed in the project, they thought I’d gone a bridge too far,” he said.
“I hope it will become an attraction for Nannup, and give a little more financial security to businesses and provide opportunities for the kids of Nannup.”
Mr Bird has reached out to the Guinness World Records, who said there no category for his creation currently existed.
In its years of development, which has played out in the public eye, no one has come forward claiming a bigger creation.
So for now, Mr Bird will take the title. He says he doesn’t know how many hours he spent on the clock or what it is worth. One thing he does know is –
“There were a lot of bits that didn’t work and that has been converted to the world’s most expensive fire wood.”
For more information on The Nannup Clock Tower Experience, visit thenannupclocktower.com.au.