We have not seen much change in the appearance of the windmill over the summer. We needed to gain further Listed Building Consent for work on the tail and for handrails on the stairway. We also had to await the availability of our millwright, Bill Griffiths – a very busy man, as befits such a brilliant professional – but now we are on the final push.
Bill and his assistant, Klaine, will be dismantling the tail assembly during the first week in November. They will take the bottom carriage away to be rebuilt in their workshop over the winter months. We will, however, be looking for volunteers to help with repair and repainting of the superstructure so if you’ve joinery or painting skills we’d love to hear from you.
When the millwrights return in February, they will rebuild the tail including a new fan that will drive the windmill to face the wind and we will complete the track on which the carriage will run. The stairway will also be repaired and have handrails fitted. Finally, in Spring, repairs will be made to the sail stocks (those large arms that you see at the moment) and the sail frames will be re-fitted.
That will be it. Get ready for the Grand Opening on Saturday 8th June,