The problem facing Glenda (left) and the Town Council was that the Council is treated as a local authority and as such fares less favourably in the funding bid stakes, presumably because potential funders think that the money could be raised through the Council Tax. However, the Council has a responsibility to keep Machynlleth’s portion of Council Tax as low as possible: Heaven knows Council Tax is a burden to many people. The precept from Powys County Council would not begin to address the issues surrounding the Clock. Similarly, a loan would place a huge and long-lasting burden on the townspeople.

CADW have promised to get on board and there are smaller amounts to be had from Powys Council’s rural town initiatives. One of the big hopes is a bid to the Heritage Lottery Fund. They have been very helpful, but they also have to consider the thousands of other requests they receive each year. Any bid to HLF will have to be spot on and meet every criteria. - Meanwhile, Glenda and her committee soldier on; ever on the lookout for ideas to promote the appeal.

Mayor, Cllr. Bob Dunn & Deputy Mayor, Cllr. Sylvia Rowlands unveil Save Our Clock banners around the site, summer 2006

Update, 1st September 2007:-
THE TOWN CLOCK restoration fund continues its steady growth and much credit should go to Cllr. Glenda Jenkins for her tireless efforts. Glenda, in turn, thanks everyone for their continued support.
The Town Clock booklet, written by Cllr. Dai Wyn Davies, is selling well and is good value at only £1.50 a copy. Cllrs. Bob Dunn, Dai Wyn Davies, Glenda Jenkins, Sylvia Rowlands and Michael Williams have all taken turns in selling the booklet on the street and it remains on sale at Royal House, The Tabernacle, Coch y Bonddu and Kelvin Jenkins.
Local businessman Ian Snow has offered to produce jute shopping bags with a Town Clock logo on them and to donate about a third of their costs to the fund. The artwork is done, so watch out for these items in the autumn, and remember, every bag you buy, and use for your shopping, is one less plastic bag to pollute our landfill sites.
Despite the valiant and generous efforts of everyone who has contributed to the fund, it remains a fact that a large lump of funding will have to be accessed if the Council is to reach its target. This means persuading the Heritage Lottery Fund to stump up for the Clock. Much work has been done on this and the Council is currently awaiting the structural survey that is required by HLF. Our latest information is that this survey will take place in September, after which a meeting will be sought with HLF, CADW and Powys CC.

Update, 1st April 2008:-
The structural survey has been completed and although extensive renovation is needed both externally and internally the clock tower was found to be in a stable condition.  The vegetation which was removed at the time of the survey was removed by a local contractor free of charge.  The architect has been instructed to draw up a revised schedule of works and when this is received a meeting will be arranged with Powys County Council and C.A.D.W. thereafter a meeting with a representative from Heritage Lottery.  Once again many thanks to everyone for their support and donations."  Cllr.Glenda Jenkins Chair.

Among the appeal’s staunchest supporters is The Cambrian News
Do You Want to contribute?  You can, at any of the Town’s 3 banks.