News

Sundial blog post updates

Once again the regular one-day BSS meeting will be held at Sutton Hall, Stockcross, Newbury RG20 8LN on Saturday 23rd. September from 10:00 until 4:00. There will be exhibits of dials and related material, talks and a bookstall.

Thanks as ever to David Pawley for organising the event. There is no need to book, just turn up on the day. Guests are welcome, as are long-standing members and first-time visitors. Do come along to this highly popular event, and have a most enjoyable and relaxing day out.

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The world famous Trafalgar Memorial Sundial has recently been taken down from its prominent position high above Railway Street, Chatham, Kent.

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The dial was designed by Chris Daniel, now the Society’s President. Frank King, on behalf of the trustees, has been in touch with Chris. The Society’s trustees have written to Medway Council seeking reassurance that the dial’s disappearance from public view is temporary.

Further information can be found at http://www.kentonline.co.uk/medway/news/sundial-taken-down-121957/

A group in Washington State in America, with an appropriately-named coordinator, has launched a sundial mural competition and would welcome entries from visitors to this site. They write:

We are a small group in Bellingham, WA. that have created an exciting mural competition for a very large two story wall in our historic downtown. We are reaching out to a multitude of international communities in pursuit of receiving submissions for a visually striking mural that also acts as a sundial. This multi purpose art project is not limited to people who specialize in the field of gnomonics, those without previous experience may bring some fresh ideas to the table to this ancient art form.

We understand that some people may want to submit a design and do not have the ability to create the final product. If that is the case, there is a monetary award for the winning design. However, if someone wishes to install their design we are accepting budget proposals to accompany the submission so that you have control over the final product.

Bellingham is a hidden jewel of Washington State filled with people who are forward thinking and enjoy the outdoors. Protected by the North Cascade mountains and bumped right up to the bay, our views are speckled with island’s, volcanic mountains, numerous lakes, thick mossy forests, and are surrounded by small farms. Our city thrives on small businesses which fill our brick buildings thanks to our community which encourages handmade and locally sourced goods. Bellingham is very unique, and we hope for the designs to reflect this vibe.

For all the information regarding this competition as well as submission forms, visit our web page here:

http://www.alliedarts.org/sundial-mural-competition/

Thanks for your time and the best of luck,
Sky Rockenbach
Coordinator
The NW Sun Works

The Results!

These are the results of the judging by Liverpool conference delegates – congratulations to the top ten and all the winners and particularly to Ian Butson, the overall winner.

The Winners


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We are taking a break from publishing Dials of the Month and instead plan a new, occasional feature describing members’ dials. Thanks to Julian Lush for providing the first example, which he made astonishingly quickly!

Further informal descriptions and pictures of dials by members are very welcome – please send to webmaster@sundialsoc.org.uk.

Thursday: Plumb-line in water and board to mark solar noon and wall declination…53deg East of south

Friday: Select and prepare a composite oak board 55 x 45 cms, 4 cms thick

Weekend: Design on Shadows Pro to correct size and declination.
Choose a gnomon height (140 mm) for the design to fill the board.

Monday: Transfer design print-out to board using carbon paper.
Select an oak piece 6mm thick and cut gnomon with base to give accurate height.
Route out all lines, including gnomon base slot.

Tuesday/Wenesday: Use soldering iron to scorch out all lines (except half hours)

Thursday: Ladder and pulley to position sundial above front door with long retaining screws.

Friday: Brilliant sunshine…. ECCE SUNDIAL

If you would like to share details of a dial you’ve made with an international audience of enthusiasts, please send pictures and a brief description go webmaster@sundialsoc.org.uk.