The Advertiser investigates the case of the missing hare and tortoise clock (again)

The Advertiser has been made aware of residents showing renewed interest in the mystery of Rugby's beloved hare and tortoise clock.

In 2017 the removal of the clock from the Clock Towers shopping centre caused uproar among residents, many having fond memories of watching the clock through the years.

It was removed and replaced with a huge television screen when the centre underwent a refurbishment which saw its name changed to Rugby Central.

Residents contacted the Advertiser with concerns that Rugby's prized clock had met an unceremonious end in a skip.

We contacted CT Properties, the owners of the shopping centre, who told us that the clock had been safely put in storage while a proper use for it was decided.

Now residents are once again again interested in the fate of the clock we have contacted Rugby Central and we are waiting for a response.

The clock's (rather interesting) history

As we await the results of our query, we have scoured the Advertiser's archives to give you a little more information on the clocks rather interesting history - which involves Coronation Street star Barbara Knox (who plays Rita Sullivan), a six-year-old boy from Rugby and two clowns.

The clock, which depicts a hare and tortoise following each other around the clock face, was installed on February 20, 1995 alongside a second giant clock in the centre.

It was part of a refurbishment that saw the shopping mall change its name from Rugby Centre to the Clock Towers

At the time we reported: “The crowds came out to welcome Coronation Street star Barbara Knox to Rugby on Monday. The actress who plays Rita Sullivan was in town to officially open the Clock Towers shopping centre.

“She was led by the Delta New Orleans Brass Band and dancers through the streets of the town in a horse-drawn coach before cutting the ribbon at the Market Mall entrance.

“The crowds were two or three deep around the town centre and hundreds more in the centre, clamouring to talk to Barbara and ask for her autograph.

“Three hopeful young men each presented the Street star with a red rose.

“Five shops in the centre gave her presents to take back to fellow Street characters, including budgie seed for Mavis from Wilkinsons and a box of chocolates from Thornton’s for herself.”

Barbara – who gave a rendition of Oh You Beautiful Doll – said: “I thought it was absolutely charming. You could not buy a reception like that!

“It’s very heartening to know that people stand there waiting in the cold and are so pleased to meet you. They all ask about Mavis wherever I go.”

As part of the opening of the renamed centre, the two themed clocks were unveiled by six-year-old Ben Fawcett from Westfield First School.

One harked back to Rugby’s history as a major railway centre with railway sounds, lights and whistle.

The second depicted the story of a race between the hare and the tortoise.