Church clock maintenance contracts

[Dickon Love]

Although not really 'bell history', I wonder whether the collective might be able to share some experiences on maintenance contracts in connection with church clocks.

I have taken responsibility of St Magnus church clock following the death of an old boy who used to look after it. It hasn't been touched professionally for years and was stopped throughout the tower works of 2008 and early 2009. It currently seems to be losing 20 mins time a year. A wellknown clock firm has offered its services for an annual service. I am wondering whether annual is too frequent a service to pay for, particularly as this simple clock only turns the hands: there are no chimes on it any more. I guess the service would just clean and oil parts and be a general check up.

What do other people do?

Many thanks.

DrL