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October 1996

The articles link to the specific page in a PDF optimised for speed. If you want a better (but much bigger) verison of the whole issue, you can download it here.
Page 1
Editorial
The editor reflects on changes to the Bulletin's format and the importance of members' contributions, acknowledging the journal's reputation in the dialling world and discussing practical challenges like production costs.
The BSS and Members
Charles K. Aked
Page 2
Portable Dials - Miscellany
A concluding article in a series about portable dials, detailing lesser-known types such as inclining dials, universal dials, compass dials, cube dials, and novelty items like walking stick dials, with historical context and examples.
Dials: Cube, Dials: Portable, Historical Dials
John Moore
Page 6
The Sundial of St. Gregory's Minster
A comprehensive study of the Saxon sundial at St. Gregory’s Minster, Kirkdale, discussing its historical inscriptions, layout, cultural significance, and the tidal time system used in its design.
Dials: Mass Dials, Historical Dials
Charles K. Aked
Page 13
A Polarized Skylight Sundial
A description of constructing a sundial that uses the polarisation of skylight rather than shadows to tell time, explaining the optical principles, historical references, and potential applications.
Dials: Unusual, Sundial Design & Layout, DIY Sundial Projects
David M. Colchester
Page 16
More Thoughts on Moondials
An in-depth examination of moondial designs and historical interpretations, correcting common errors in classical references, and proposing refinements to improve accuracy and aesthetic integration.
Dials: Unusual, Historical Dials
Denis Schneider
Page 20
The Cross Dial at Bramdean, Hampshire
A technical description of a cross-shaped sundial in Bramdean, examining its geometry, alignment, and historical context, including comparisons with other known cross dials.
Historical Dials
Peter Ransom
Page 21
Light Display Sundial
An innovative sundial design that projects light patterns as time indicators, demonstrating a creative approach to dialling aesthetics and function, with principles of optics.
Dials: Unusual, Sundial Design & Layout
Avraham Avitzour
Page 23
Newbury Meeting May 1995
A report on a BSS members' meeting held in Newbury, highlighting talks, exhibits, and member contributions focused on sundial projects and research.
The BSS and Members
James C. Slater
Page 24
Exhibits at Grantley Hall
A summary of sundial exhibits presented at Grantley Hall, describing notable pieces and the educational impact of the display on visitors.
Colin McVean
Page 25
Shepherds' Sundial
An article about simple portable sundials used by shepherds, exploring their historical use, practicality, and variations in design.
Dials: Portable
Michael Lowne
Page 26
Sundial Constructor
A description of a software program developed to assist in sundial design and layout, explaining its capabilities and potential benefits to amateur and professional diallists.
Dialling Tools
David A. Young
Page 27
Albert
A short story explaining some of the principles of sundials.
Colin McVean
Page 28
Dial Makers of Leicestershire
A historical survey of dial makers in Leicestershire, providing names, dates, and details of their craftsmanship and surviving works.
Historical Dials
Walter Wells
Page 29
A Tyneside Shipyard Sundial
An account of a sundial found at a Tyneside shipyard, analysing its design, probable origins, and its place in the maritime and industrial history of the region.
Historical Dials
Charles K. Aked
Page 32
Vertical Dials of the 5th-15th Centuries
A scholarly examination of vertical sundials from the early medieval to late medieval periods, including typologies, geographic distribution, and functional evolution.
Dials: Vertical, Historical Dials
Karlheinz Schaldach
Page 39
The West Dean College Conference - 1996
A report on the BSS conference at West Dean College, summarising lectures, workshops, and notable discussions on dialling topics.
The BSS and Members
Charles K. Aked
Page 44
Sundials on Postcards
An exploration of sundials featured on vintage postcards, considering their role as both functional objects and decorative motifs in popular culture.
Historical Dials, Mottoes
Peter Ransom
Page 48
Compendium
A collection of brief notes, announcements, or small snippets of dialling news, updates, and miscellaneous items.
The BSS and Members
Page 49
Book Review
A review of a recently published sundial-related book, assessing its contribution to the literature and its appeal to Society members.
Book Reviews
Page 50
Readers' Letters
Letters from Society members sharing feedback, observations, or queries about sundial-related topics.
The BSS and Members
Page 52
Sundials the Easy Way
Describes a set of dialling scales produced by Lindisfarne Sundials (a version of the Serle Ruler) to allow the easy laying out of sundials without calculations or measurements of angles.
Sundial Design & Layout, Dialling Tools, DIY Sundial Projects
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