Mill project due to set sail
Burwell Windmill
Major work, as part of a project to restore Burwell’s historic windmill, is due to get under way later this month.
The mill’s cap and sails are to be lifted off by a 65-ton mobile crane as part of the £420,000 Heritage Lottery-funded Fresh Wind in Our Sails restoration project.
The work will take place on Tuesday January 29, when the mill’s two sails and its six- ton cap will be lifted off. A temporary flat roof will be installed to protect the mill from rain while repairs are being carried out.
The project aims to restore the Grade II listed, four-storey tower mill which was built around 1820, to working order so its milling machinery using sails and windpower can be accessed by the public.
Two of the windmill’s four sails are missing and new ones will be built at the millwright’s workshop near Alford in Lincolnshire.
The existing sails need extensive repair before they can turn again and project volunteers have the mammoth task of re-making and painting 192 adjustable shutters to fit into the four sails.
The windmill can work with two sails, but 40 per cent of its potential power would be lost.
It is hoped that the mill should be returned to full working condition by the spring of 2014,
Alongside the restoration works will be a reinterpretation of the mill’s museum to integrate the windmill into the displays, and a volunteer programme to involve local people and create new activities, events and learning resources to appeal to children, families and others.
Project manager Jane Phillimore said: “This is a historic event in the life of the village and Burwell residents, museum volunteers, friends and local supporters will be watching and recording the events of the day as they happen.
“The museum will be open from 10am and refreshments will be available. All are welcome.”
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Weather for Newmarket
Sunday 19 May 2013
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: 9 C to 18 C
Wind Speed: 15 mph
Wind direction: North
Tomorrow
Cloudy
Temperature: 9 C to 15 C
Wind Speed: 18 mph
Wind direction: North
