D’MOUTH AT WORK


William Lloyd Attree Jewellers, Duke Street, Dartmouth watch will always need servicing.


Attree, who has just celebrated 60 years of business in Dartmouth. He kindly invited By The Dart into his hallowed workshop at the back of the shop to the sound of ticks and chimes of the many clocks which adorn the walls.


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Does your family come from Dartmouth? I was born in North Devon. My family is related to the Lloyd Attree & Smith silk importers. I was working in Barnstaple and after marrying and seeing my brother move to Kingsbridge we moved to Dartmouth in 1954. We started a business in Newcomen Road, where we still live and then moved to these premises in 1987. Did you always want to be a clockmaker? I wanted to be a racing driver and my father didn’t think that mending motor cars would be very successful so he got me a job with the watchmaker in Yeovil when I was 16. I’ve been one ever since, it’s my life. Where did you train? I trained in Yeovil and London as a clockmaker and watchmaker during the war with 7 years of training before being conscripted to the Navy. Has the job/business changed much? There’s not so many of us (clockmakers) around anymore. Times have changed and things have changed – it’s easier and cheaper to replace parts rather than mend them and I don’t do so much practical work making bits and pieces. In times gone by, we had to make everything but now many of the replacement parts and movements are mass produced in China. Things don’t need so much servicing nowadays but a lot of people prize their watch and a good mechanical


ne of, and if not, Dartmouth’s oldest working residents (a mere 87) is Mr Attree from Lloyd


Your most important piece of equipment? Watchmaker’s loop – I wear that most of the day. (we also spotted the vital upturned wine glasses protecting small bits of mechanics and watches from the dust and dirt).


What’s the most interesting item you have worked on? I have worked on a number of chronometers – not long ago, I sold a pocket-watch chronometer at auction which had been made originally for the Duke of Sussex. What’s your favourite bit of Dartmouth? The River and Slapton – the view of the Ley and that length of road takes a lot of beating. Your ambition? My great ambition is to get rid of the pile on my desk! Will you retire? Hopefully soon. Favourite watch/clock? Anything of good quality How many clocks here in the workshop? A lot, mostly ones belonging to other people.


Dart Vale Veterinary Group


Companion, farm & equine services from moor to sea The Old Mews, Roseville Street,Dartmouth,TQ6 9QH


01803 832422 www.dartvalevets.co.uk


Surgeries by Appointment Mon - Fri, 1.00pm - 2.30pm Saturday, 11.00am - 12 Noon


24 hour Emergency Phone Number - 01803 862142


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