A 100 year old clock is being returned back to Gwent Police after years of being passed down family generations in Blaenau Gwent.
The clock was originally presented to Inspector John Price by the Justices and Police of Tredegar division upon his retirement from the Monmouthshire constabulary after 40 years service in 1911 – 3 years before female policing was introduced and 26 years before the introduction of 999.
The timepiece has since been handed down the family generations and now daughter of Inspector John Price, 85 year old Bettie Lewis, who resides at the Rookery Care Home in Ebbw Vale, has decided to return the clock to the Blaenau Gwent Local Policing Unit.
Bettie Lewis explains: “Returning this clock back to Gwent Police gives me piece of mind that it will always be in safe hands. Officers will now get the opportunity to see a piece of history – a clock that has stood the test of time and actually still works!
“This has been part of my family for years and has been very well looked after. I’d like to think that the clock, which has meant so much to us all will continue to be as important to Gwent Police as it has to my family.”
Superintendent for Blaenau Gwent Local Policing Unit, Mark Warrender said: “I was delighted when Councillor Mostyn Lewis brought this story to my attention and it was a fantastic opportunity to go and meet Bettie Lewis to personally thank her for this kind gesture and spend some time sharing the fond memories of the clock.
“The clock will now take pride of place in Ebbw Vale station – along with some other pieces of Policing memorabilia from the past. It will be very well looked after and appreciated back in Ebbw Vale station.
“We’re privileged to have this piece of history within our working environment.”
