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David A. Young


This section compiles several letters from readers. Michael Lowne provides a complex formula for calculating shadow length from gnomon angle. Chris Williams praises Peter Drinkwater's article on scratch dials, linking them to medieval manuscripts. Peter Drinkwater responds on the transmission of scratch dial technology and the function of water clocks. David Young corrects a historical detail about BSS conference venues.
Dials: Mass Dials, Historical Dials, Mathematics of Dialling, The BSS and Members

Continuation of the society’s early history, covering administrative developments from June 1990 to April 1991, including Andrew Somerville’s death and transition to new leadership.
The BSS and Members

Second part of a historical account of the BSS's origins, early figures, and development as an organisation.
The BSS and Members

This obituary commemorates the life and contributions of Peter Lamont, a member of the British Sundial Society.
The BSS and Members

David Young, a founding member, provides a personal account of the British Sundial Society's formation and early years. He traces the resurgence of interest in sundials, early discussions among key figures like Christopher Daniel and Andrew Somerville, and the eventual decision to form an independent society, detailing the initial planning and membership growth.
The BSS and Members

Design and construction of an electronic equatorial sundial with phototransistors and LED display for remote indication of time.
DIY Sundial Projects, Dials: Equatorial, Dials: Unusual

This technical article presents a method for estimating the declination of vertical sundials, particularly useful for dials high on buildings. Rather than measure the 'substyle distance' (angle between the gnomon and the noon line) one reads off the 'time' on the dial the gnomon is pointing to. This can be looked up in a precalculated table for a given latitude to give the degrees of declination of the dial.
Dialling Tools, Dials: Vertical, Mathematics of Dialling

This review examines 'Making a clock-accurate Sundial customized to your location (for the Northern Hemisphere)' by Sam Muller. Aimed at educators and hobbyists, the booklet provides practical instructions for constructing simple sundials and explains basic concepts, although the reviewers note its lack of theoretical content and a bibliography.
Book Reviews

A tribute to George Higgs, describing the creation and installation of a commemorative engraved glass window in Kirkcudbright’s Tollbooth Art Centre, incorporating sundial designs he worked on during his lifetime.
The BSS and Members

A detailed account of a week-long tour of Northern Ireland by BSS members, visiting historic and modern sundials, gardens, cathedrals, and museums, highlighting the camaraderie and variety of dial-related experiences.
The BSS and Members

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

An account of the life and writings of Margaret Gatty, a 19th-century author and sundial enthusiast. It covers her influence on mottoes and moral reflections expressed in dial inscriptions.
Mottoes

Updated list of contemporary sundial makers for reference and contact.
The BSS and Members

Annotated bibliography of books relevant to sundial enthusiasts and researchers.
Book Reviews

The Secretary reports on the successful nomination of all current and three new council members, avoiding an election. He encourages more members to volunteer for council or sub-committee roles, acknowledging the challenge of geographical spread. The note also announces the AGM as a one-day event and the annual conference in Bath, plus an update on restoration efforts for a Gloucester church dial and the ongoing complexities with the Collyweston dial due to English Heritage involvement.
The BSS and Members

This entry reflects on the British Sundial Society's Council meetings, emphasising their light-hearted yet serious discussions. It also provides an update on the 1992 Annual General Meeting, welcoming new council members like Mr. R.A. Nicholls (Treasurer) and Mr. Robert Sylvester (Membership Secretary), and thanking retiring members for their significant contributions to the Society.
The BSS and Members

This report details a workshop on scratch dials, discussing their origin, enormous variations across regions, and the importance of recording these endangered historical relics. It highlights the need for a specialised recording form and an overall map of existing and known scratch dials across England and Europe due to accelerated damage from atmospheric pollution and vandalism.
Dials: Mass Dials, Historical Dials

This "Secretary's Notebook" entry provides updates on upcoming BSS events for 1993, including the Spring Conference and AGM at Jodrell Bank with a "sundial safari". It also mentions a planned summer meeting at Newbury and an autumn trip to Holland following a Dutch invitation. The section details a past "bring and show" day at Newbury and an exhibition at Jodrell Bank.
The BSS and Members

Explains the Equation of Time and how this variation became apparent with the development of accurate mechanical clocks.
Equation of Time

A planned initiative to install various types of sundials at the Jodrell Bank Science Centre. This project aims to support the National Curriculum for Schools by providing educational displays for visitors and resources for teachers. The collaboration involves a committee including BSS members and the Science Centre staff.


David Young reflects on his ten years in sundial interest and five years since meeting Andrew Somerville, emphasizing the value of personal contact in the field. He encourages members to connect locally and to consider standing for election to the BSS Council. The notebook also includes updates on available back numbers of the BSS Bulletin and a call for member comments on proposed lapel badge designs.
The BSS and Members

This announcement officially opens a memorial fund for the late Chairman, Andrew Somerville, following his tragic death. It solicits contributions from members and invites suggestions for the form the memorial should take, with deliberations to be held at the next BSS Council meeting.
The BSS and Members