How it all began:
We've all thought it, if only I'd made that choice instead of that one, what would I be doing now? Well, if you've ever seriously thought about making that move and changing career or perhaps circumstances have altered, read on and discover what doors were opened when Cathy McAnespie made the right move
It can safely be said that, had Cathy McAnespie decided to turn left down a corridor in St Loye's College in Exeter, Devon - during an open day in early 1996 - instead of breaking away from the assembled crowd and turning right, into the horology department, she probably wouldn't be where she is today, proprietor of a highly respected, successful business.
Cathy was an energetic, athletic woman, enjoying her job as a dental nurse in Weston-Super-Mare, until an accident sustained whilst taking part in aerobics, radically changed her life forever. It would have been so easy for her, following the back injury to retreat from circulation generally and opt for a safe, innocuous course at St Loye's, like the ones offered down the left hand side of the corridor. However, Cathy decided to go for the unorthodox and more challenging option - horology was there for the taking! With no previous knowledge or practice whatsoever, she picked up the welding glove and took up the challenge!
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A year later and Cathy had completed the intensive course, under the patient tutelage, exemplary guidance and friendship of horologist/engineer Pete Mitchell, and the late and much missed Mick Watters, horologist and author. Since the inception of the college some 70 years ago, Cathy was astonished to discover that she was one of the very few female horologists to have successfully completed the course.
Upon completion, Cathy immediately went into the trade, spending some valuable time with a local repairer, eventually setting up her own thriving business, 'PrimeTime of Exeter'.
Cathy endeavoured to build a reputation that would reflect the quality of training she had received from Mick and Pete. This required adherence to a high standard and consistent quality of work and after care service, something about which she feels passionately. This came to the attention of the staff back at St Loye's and needing an extra pair of suitably qualified hands, were eager to get her on board. Offering Cathy the post of instructor in horology, she was humbled and proud to take up the post.
Cathy - being ever keen to raise the profile of horology generally - began to think of ways of publicising the profession. Why shouldn't there be a little spot on the radio, a sort of, clock clinic or horology advice spot? Consequently, she approached the esteemed Judi Spiers of BBC Radio Devon with this idea. It was not too long before Cathy was on the afternoon show with her own spot. As Cathy attends and provides remedial work for ailing timepieces, the title 'Clock Doctor' was clearly appropriate.
Clocks on the radio, along with ventriloquism, bird watching, even art on the radio, all programming concepts that at first thought, may be destined for the 'thank you for bringing this to my attention but file'. However, as with any media concept, it is how it is presented ultimately, and Cathy seemed to have hit upon a successful formula, delivered by her 'gut line and brass' northern accent, slicing through the airwaves. Cathy recalls one of the most enjoyable moments, was when she had the opportunity to interview Michael Aspel, Richard Price (the clock expert on the show) and Bunny Campione, amongst other experts from the Antiques Roadshow.
Other than historical inertia, It is difficult to ascertain any convincing reason why more women, given their usual manual dexterity, do not enter the horology profession. Successive television series', such as 'Inside Antiques', frequently portray the male perspective. This prompted Cathy to contact the likes of Lars (Antiques Roadshow) Tharp, about this omission of female input. He agreed that Cathy would have made an interesting contribution, especially at the point where a certain participant from 'Christies' auctioneers, referred to clocks as being, 'boys' toys' and 'an obsession to be tolerated by their wives'! At this juncture, Lars agreed that it would have been fun to insert Cathy's input to redress the balance. Hopefully, we can look forward to more considered - but equally excellent projects in the future.
Cathy initially presented her case about lack of funding for the industry, during a filmed piece about her achievements on 'ITV Westcountry News' and more recently on BBC Spotlight. According to Cathy: 'If we don't get more attention and certainly funding, this ancient and personally rewarding science of horology will go the way of so many eminent, traditional British industries and disappear forever. I for one find that very sad'.
During an interview with Richard Price from the Antiques Roadshow, I informed him that I instructed at St Loye's and that my trainees upon returning to their respective Home areas, are finding that there are fewer and fewer opportunities to take up work or apprenticeships. Richard replied with equal passion: 'it bothers me very much that within the next 10-15 years, who we tend to refer to as 'the old boys' will have left the business and what's happening is that people who have left a job at say 50-55 years of age are going to West Dean and taking a horology course but this of course means that there aren't that many youngsters which is a great shame'.
Applying Cathy's example, choosing horology as a profession, need not necessarily mean one's entire time is spent stereotypically labouring intensively on clocks and watches. Horology, no different to other noble professions, can open many doors to people and if desired, be utilized as a vehicle for development and diversification.
Possibly, others reading this may identify with Cathy's philosophy, and the situation in which she found herself some years ago, and as a consequence find some inspiration to join this rewarding profession. Cathy has recently been honoured to receive the congratulations, agreement and full support of Her Royal Highness, The Princess Royal for her work in this area.
Cathy has clearly turned adversity to advantage, disability to opportunity and demonstrated all that should be commended in people, who may find themselves in a similar position, potentially making the wrong choice and metaphorically turning left down that corridor. However, following Cathy's example, let's hope more of us make the 'right' choice and in Cathy's words: 'Make that move - it's always the right time'! P.H. AVERY.
