The year 2016 turned into a momentous one for the windmill – on December 14 the Trust was granted Listed Building Consent (LBC). This is key to taking active steps to bring the structure to a stable and weatherproof state for its long-term preservation.
The state of the trestle upon which the whole structure depends is of primary concern. Millwrights have been commissioned to construct and fit restraining irons and plans are in hand to repair, protect and paint the woodwork after which we can perhaps relax a little during winter storms. At present, the whole mill moves sufficiently to give concern that it could rock itself off the supports and collapse.
The LBC also covers removing weatherboards covering the main side supporting timbers (the side girts) that are known to have damage and rot. This will involve erecting scaffolding which may be extended to the roofline so that the lost weatherboards can be replaced and the tarpaulin permanently removed.
Another major turning point was active encouragement from Historic England. The Head of the Buildings at Risk section and his Senior Surveyor met with the Trust on December 21 and gave very encouraging advice on seeking funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund (Resilient Heritage grants) and the Architectural Heritage Fund (Project Development grants). These specifically address the problems that charities have in creating a broad-based committee structure and a working method connecting with the community and education needs of the district.
The major grant funders do not consider preservation of the structure itself a charitable cause in its own right – the heritage site must take a meaningful place in the education and recreation of the community. The Trust therefore seeks to engage actively with schools, community groups and parish activities to create a self-sufficient amenity for the benefit of all.
The Great Chishill Windmill Trust has a lease on the mill until 2139. Clearly, laying the foundation of an organisation with the necessary objectives and such an horizon is no mean feat. We need more people to join the committee to take it into this next phase – people with good ideas who are prepared to give a little of their time to establish strong courses of action. In particular, we are looking for those who could help build links to schools and the National Curriculum; anyone who could liaise with funding organisations; and someone to oversee the actual work programme.
If you think you could help, in whatever way, to make this fabulous piece of our rural past an active amenity for the local community please contact the Secretary of the Trust – David McKeown, 838087 or dm@greatchishillwindmill.com, who would be pleased to explain further. More information on the Great Chishill Windmill website.