Cereal clock lovers rejoice at new landmark

Thanks to the enterprise of Bexhill in Bloom chairman Sandra Melvin, the town is getting the Shredded Wheat Clock.

The novel timepiece created out of the breakfast cereal and modelled on Big Ben, stands 2.5 metres across and five-metres high.

Shredded Wheat have told Sandra the timepiece should withstand at least a year's Bexhill wind and rain.

Sandra contacted Shredded Wheat immediately she heard that the firm had commissioned cereal models representing eight UK regions. She asked if Bexhill could have their representation of the Palace of Westminster's famous clocktower (correctly, it is only the clock's main bell which is called Big Ben).

The model was sculpted by artist Michelle Reader.

Sandra said of her coup: "It's exciting! I think it's a wonderful opportunity for Bexhill.

"Hopefully, it will attract visitors."

The model will be erected in front of the Cooden Beach Hotel, by permission of owner James Kimber.

For Town Mayor and Bexhill In Bloom worker Cllr Paul Lendon, declaring the Shredded Wheat clock operational at a ceremony next month will add a new dimension to one of the guided walks he organises for the public.

His current historic clocks walk includes such landmarks as the West Parade Clocktower and takes in a dozen town clocks.

Soon this will be 13.

The addition of the Shredded Wheat Clock to the town's attractions follows a move by the Bexhill In Bloom Committee, on advice, to enter in the Coastal Class for South and South East In Bloom this year rather than the Large Towns Class.

This pits Bexhill against the likes of Littlehampton and Bognor and gives judges the ability to take into consideration factors like the town's exposure to strong south-west winds and salt spray when marking its floral efforts.