The message
from "Paul C" contains these words:

Moved into house 2 weeks ago. There is a switch inside next to the front
door for an outside light. It has a flap that slides down and has a rotary
dial with 0,2,4,6 and 8 around it and a turnable knob saying 'Early'
one way
and 'Late' the other.

Probably a day/night sensor with a delay.

--
Skipweasel
Pay no attention to that man behind the curtain.