Dr John Blatchly memorial armillary sphere sundial unveiling

Photograph by Tim Leggett

Thursday January 5 saw an impressive gathering in even more impressive sunshine in the Christchurch Park Butterfly Garden to officially ‘open' the beautifully restored armillary sphere sundial (see our last issue) which is dedicated to the memory of Dr John Blatchly MBE.

David Miller, Chair of the Friends of Christchurch Park, introduced the event and the main speaker, John Field, paid tribute to John Blatchly's many contributions to the town and its history. John Blatchly was, of course, a good friend to the Society. Dr John Davis of the British Sundial Society gave information about the structure and its function (not a simple sundial!).

Finally, the Mayor of Ipswich, Roger Fern, added his own words of praise and, ‘from one Headmaster to another', cut the red ribbon to officially add this fine feature to the park. There is an excellent information board mounted nearby and the garden setting of the restored sundial will no doubt mature and beautify the location.

R.G.