By definition, an Armillary is an object of models in the sky, consisting of rings centred on the Sun or Earth that represents astronomically important features.
So why is there one in Sutton?
In Sutton High Street, directly in front of Waterstones, is the Millennium Dial Armillary which was placed in Sutton appropriately, during the millennium in 2000.
It has three purposes, firstly, and probably the most obvious, is to simply to tell the time, also, it was established to commemorate time through different engravings and messages including the motto of the Rotary, "Service Above Self" and distances to nearby areas such as Kingston upon Thames; and furthermore, it commemorates and recognises the work of which the Rotary Club has done itself.
In the late 1990s, the local council had plans to place new time-related projects, especially as the whole world was moving towards the new millennium. The Rotary Club, which “consist of members from different from countries, cultures, and occupations and these leaders of society are taking action to enhance health, empower youth, promote peace, and advance their community, all round the world”, acknowledged this, and the members of Sutton and Cheam both planned and funded to have the Armillary placed in the High Street.
The Armillary had changed position since 2011, due to the repaving of the High Street, and since then it has been fixed just next to Sutton Square, directly in front of Waterstones.
The Armillary is a respected piece of art in the Borough, with residents saying that it is a “true centrepiece of the High Street”. It will be remembered for both the marking turn of the new millennium, as well as marking all the contributions the Rotary Club has provided for the area.
By Natasha Kalesha-Kangwa, Nonsuch High School For Girls
