Robert watchmaking robin

New BHI vice chair out to broaden watchmaker training

Watchmaker Robert Loomes has been named as the vice chair of The British Horological Institute.

Appointed under the chair of Stella Haward of Norwich, herself a working clockmaker, the role of vice chair is a deputy and stand in for the chair, typically for public speaking and events.

With a large donation from the Heritage Lottery Fund, work has begun on the £8.5m, Saving Time Project, at Upton Hall. This will see the conversion of an old dilapidated stable block into two state-of-the-art classrooms for apprentices.

Loomes, a well-known independent watchmaker and employer, said: “This is an outstanding opportunity to widen the training for next generation watchmakers. The Heritage Lottery Fund project will eventually double the number of teaching hours the Institute can provide.”

The British Horological Institute represents businesses that make, repair, restore, collect and sell clocks, watches and other timepieces. First established in 1858, it still fulfils the original functions for which it was set up.

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