FOR as long as anyone can remember the hands on a clock that thousands of tourists look at in Avebury every year have stood at four o’clock.

But that is all set to change when the clock over the Alexander Keiller Museum in the heart of the village is removed for repairs on Wednesday.

Meg Sims, the historic properties assistant for the National Trust in Avebury, said the stand-still clock always brought some wry comments from visitors. “It’s always time for tea in Avebury they say,” she said.

On Wednesday clock expert Peter Watkinson from Somerset will begin the delicate task of removing the 18th century turret clock from its casing and taking it away for repairs. “The clock will be off-site for about a year undergoing repair before being returned to its rightful place,” said Ms Sims.

“All this has been made possible by generous donations from the Kennet Valley National Trust Association, the efforts of National Trust volunteers who sold raffle tickets and the visitors who bought them.”

The removal of the clock will coincide with the launch of the 2009 Circles in Time competition run by the NT, which wants one photograph for every month to represent the changing aspects of Avebury through the year.

The 12 best photographs will be exhibited in the Circles Restaurant next year.

Entries should be submitted to circlesintime@nationaltrust.org.uk There will be sundial workshops in the Study Centre on April 15, from 10.30am to 12.30pm and 1.30pm to 3.30pm, at which people can learn how to make and use sundials. Places have to be booked on (01672) 539250 and will cost £4 for adults and £3.50 for children.

On April 25, at 11am in the Study Centre, there will be a talk on the Curiosities of Turret Clocks by leading horologists Chris McKay. Again places have to be booked on (01672) 539250 and cost 35.