Bardwell Windmill
has been celebrating the replacement, at last, of two
of the sails lost in the gales of 1987
(Basil Hunt reports). Hampshire Mills
Group was among many sponsors of the vanes during the Norfolk Mills Trip in
2006. The Wheeler family, who own the
mill, are now looking forward to again milling flour for their own on-site
bakery. Further funds to complete the
restoration were raised at the fourth annual Steam Threshing Day held on 15th August
,which featured the Wheeler-owned 1920 Ruston traction engine ‘Oliver’
driving an aged Marshall machine, threshing wheat cut in the field
opposite the windmill. If you are in the
vicinity of Bury St Edmunds this autumn,- or next summer -
why not call in to Bardwell and try some of Mrs Wheeler’s home baked
delights. Tel. 01539 251331 for details.
On the other hand, the only eight-sailed working windmill in Western Europe has ceased
operating after it was found that most of its eight sails have rotted to a point
which is considered unsafe. The unique
Heckington Windmill
at Sleaford, was inspected by millwrights who reported that at least
six of the sails were decaying.
Lincolnshire County Council, who own the mill,
commissioned a structural engineer and timber preservation expert to
carry out detailed tests on all the sails and the full extent of the damage was
revealed. As current council funds are
low, it is not known when new sails can be afforded.
Sibsey Trader Windmill is helping out by milling Heckington’s grain thus
enabling them to keep their customers satisfied.
The mill remains open for guided tours and teas.
More windmill news but in book form:
Luke Bonwick was the man responsible for overseeing the recent
restoration and repairs to
Brill Windmill
in Buckinghamshire
and his book, detailing the history of the mill, has just been printed.
Available from the Mills Archive at
£12, see their website:
www.millsarchive.com.
Pre-publication news has been received by Lyn Peet
from the author of
Much Wenlock Windmill,
M. J. Norrey,
who will send you a copy for £12.50 plus £2.50 p&p.
Contact: M. J .Norrey, Bringewood, Farley Road, Much Wennlock,
Shropshire. TF13 6NB.
Ever vigilant HMG member, Michael Carden, captured
this mill remnant to share with us whilst on holiday in Gandria on the shores of
Lake Lugano:
