The Mayor of Ipswich, Councillor Roger Fern, has dedicated a stunning memorial tribute to Dr John Blatchly.
Dr Blatchly, who died in 2015, was a former head teacher of Ipswich School, a renowned historian and Honorary Professor of History at the University of Suffolk. He was also a scientist, author, musician and a passionate advocate for the heritage of churches in Ipswich and Suffolk.
An armillary sphere sundial, which adorned the rock gardens in the Lower Arboretum up until the 1920s, has now been restored in the great man’s honour by the Friends of Christchurch Park and put back to its rightful place after an absence of nearly 100 years. The Mayor said: “This is a remarkable installation which celebrates the life of a lovely man."
Ipswich Borough Council’s Central Area Committee part-funded the restoration with a grant of £500. Councillor Julian Gibbs, who chairs the Committee, said: This is a memorable tribute to a memorable man. We are proud to support the Friends in their project to renovate this sundial, which will form a lasting attraction to visitors to the park.”
Picture by Friends of Christchurch Park
