Time was fast running out for a clock at Ascot Racecourse in 1978, but luckily, local firm Mumford and Canning, were on hand to make sure the iconic timepiece was accurate for the Royal meeting. The massive clock, with weights of 4 cwt. each, was given a service and Leslie Mumford told the Bracknell News: “We give it a thorough maintenance every year and a good greasing and polish, outside of Windsor Castle it’s the finest turret clock in the area and should keep going for a few years yet.” Cordes Hall Spring Fayre, organised by the Quince Players, invited the Queen’s celebrated dressmaker, Sir Norman Hartnell, to officially open the festivities.