THE sun dial at Crediton Parish Church was recently taken down for repainting and where needed, re-gilding.

This sundial, made from Iroko, a tropical hardwood, was dedicated by the then Dean of Exeter Cathedral, Keith Jones, in 2003.

Since 2003 it has been removed once before for repainting in 2009.

This sun dial is thought to be at least the fourth at the Parish Church and replaced the previous one made from walnut, which had sadly deteriorated beyond repair.

The exact date of this previous sun dial is not certain, but it was repaired and repainted in 1949, 1956, 1970 and again in 1990 by local craftsman Jo Mitchell, who used to live in Meadow Gardens and worked for Devon County Council for many years.

The current sun dial was painted and gilded by local retired painter Brian Hill of Victoria Crescent in 2003 and 2009 and Brian is now kindly doing this again.

If any Courier reader is able to help with any information about the previous Parish Church sun dials they should contact Bill Jerman on 01363 772865.