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Page 11

 

Newsletter 90, Autumn 2010 © Hampshire Mills Group

 

 
Tail Race ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

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:

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