the wind has torn some new clematis growth

[Ponders]

it's only a littleish one, growing in a pot, & at least 2 of the stems have been half-torn off the main part - is it worth trying to stick 'em back with tape, to see if they'll heal?

They're unlikely to heal, and in the meantime disease may get into the plant through the torn stem. Clematis is very susceptible to something called clematis wilt. It'll be better, I think, to tidy up the stems so that there are neat cuts rather than ragged tears - at this time of year clematis grows quickly so as long as there are still some buds, it should recover.

What maud says. Cut them back to just above a pair of buds, it will catch up in no time and grow two separate stems out of the two buds so you will end up with a bushier plant too.

oh dear - thank you, both - I'll execute the poor things later then

It's not an exucution - just a bit of plastic surgery.

(I'll tell it you said that before I snip)

Tell it you're Doing It For Its Own Good.

when I went out to do the deed I discovered that the one with the worst damage had committed suicide

& I can't find the other one

so now - I'll look again tomorrow!