A SUNDIAL and bird bath were unveiled at an historic row of houses in Basingstoke to commemorate The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee.

Councillor Martin Biermann, Mayor of Basingstoke and Deane, revealed the new feature in the gardens of the almshouses, by pulling away a Union flag. The £200 sundial, which is surrounded by water, was paid for by Basingstoke Charities, which manages the almshouses, in London Street.

The eight houses have been at Top of The Town for around 400 years, and are given to people to live in for a minimal rent. David Ball, treasurer of Basingstoke Charities, said: “The trustees decided that they wanted to celebrate The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee so put in a sundial in the gardens of the almshouses.

“The mayor came along and unveiled it. The almshouses are an important historical feature of the town and we do try to commemorate events such as this.”

The 52-year-old, from Tadley, added: “The sundial looks great. The residents like having the birds visiting in the garden.”