Sails of 200-year-old windmill turning once more
Avoncroft Museum, in Bromsgrove, said the sails of Danzey Green Windmill would turn once more.
The historic structure has been located at the museum since it was saved from demolition in the late 1960s. It had been transported from Warwickshire, where it stood since 1820.
But it has been still for six years, as £70,000 in repairs were needed to keep it structurally sound.
On Saturday, Mike Field will cut a ceremonial ribbon, welcoming the windmill back to its "operational glory".
The experienced millwright led the original reconstruction of the windmill more than five decades ago.
Zoe Willems, museum director, told BBC Hereford & Worcester it remained the only working post mill in the West Midlands, using wind power to turn grain into flour.
"I think she's an amazing survivor," Ms Willems said.
"It's thanks to Avoncroft Museum existing to preserve these things, but also generations of people, volunteers especially, who have given their skills, their time and their passion to keep her in working order."
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Museum restores 200-year-old windmill
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Miami Herald
a day ago
- Miami Herald
‘Remarkable' 320-year-old warship explored as shifting sands reveal new sections
In November 1703, the wind over the northern Atlantic Ocean took a turn. The winds grew strong and battered the coast of the United Kingdom. Over the next two weeks, a freak storm with hurricane-force winds would grow to become one of the most devastating in recorded history. More than 10,000 people were killed, and the strength of the British Royal Navy was depleted as hundreds of ships were pulled to the bottom of the sea. One of these was the Northumberland, a 70-gun warship built in 1679 and part of the fleet of Queen Anne, the last Stuart monarch. It would be centuries before the wreck of the Northumberland would be discovered off the coast of Kent, but now, shifting sands and strong currents along the coast are bringing more details of the ship to light. Recent dives on the 320-year-old wreck have found 'that a remarkably large section of the warship may survive intact on the seabed,' according to a July 31 news release from Historic England. Research diver Dan Pascoe, licensed to explore the wreck, found 'organic material such as wooden decks, wooden chests — some including cannon balls and the ship's rope — have survived particularly well,' according to the release. 'This is due to being covered by sand and seabed sediments for hundreds of years,' Historic England said. Divers have been able to see more of the wreck than ever before with shifting seafloor sand and marine organisms boring into the wreck, but it also leaves it in fragile condition, according to the release. The ship was designated part of the Heritage at Risk Register in 2017, but has been part of the shipwreck registry since 1981. Surveys of the wreck previously found an 'extensive hull structure' with the frame of the ship, 'much more than previously thought,' Historic England said. There were also wooden decks, coils of rope, chests (sealed and open), iron cannons, a wooden gun carriage, swords, muskets and copper cauldrons, according to the release. 'The completeness of the Northumberland wreck site is remarkable. Historic England's diving work is so important to ensure we continue to record what we can of this site. It is a race against time as more of the Northumberland wreck becomes exposed,' Paul Jeffery, marine team leader of Historic England, said in the release. The ship sank on Nov. 26, 1703, as part of the navy lost in the 'Great Storm,' and is one of four warships known to be caught in the winds off the coast of Kent, Historic England said. Two others, the Restoration and the Stirling Castle, were discovered in 1981 and 1980 respectively. The third, named the Mary, has yet to be found. All of the ships were commissioned during Queen Anne's reign between 1702 and 1714, and were the last group of ships built in the Stuart style, according to Historic England. 'The Northumberland has the potential to be one of the best-preserved wooden warships in the UK,' Pascoe said in the release. 'However, at (65 feet) underwater and 9 miles offshore it is out of sight and mind to most people.' Kent is a county in southeastern England on the coast of the English Channel just outside London.


CNET
3 days ago
- CNET
This Is the Only Window AC I Can Count On to Cool My Two-Story Home All Summer Long
CNET's key takeaways The Windmill AC normally starts at $349 for 6,000 BTUs, but you can often find it on sale at Windmill's website Amazon Home Depot Not only is the Windmill AC the easiest unit I've ever installed, it's the only AC unit I've tried that effectively kept my older and not well-insulated home cool during a heat wave. Bonus: It's actually stylish. Although, I still would have paid for an ugly one that works. I'm a sucker for an old home. My current rental -- a 100-year old row home with original 1920s art deco tile -- lured me in with its character and tall ceilings. But it also came with a tough trade-off: no central air conditioning. With record-breaking heat waves regularly hitting in my area, I needed to find window ACs that could cool my poorly insulated 2,500 square foot home. I hunted for the right one for years. Every summer I'd buy and test out new window air conditioners, only to feel frustrated by how poorly they worked. I'd sell them at the end of the season, and restart the cycle again the following year. Finally, after years of sweating through sweltering three-digit temperatures and overbearing humidity, I found it: the Windmill WhisperTech window air conditioner. This innovative powerhouse was so effective at cooling my oversized master bedroom, that I eventually bought two more. These three AC units effectively cool my 2,500-square-foot Philadelphia row home even during intense heat waves. And they look great while they do it. The Windmill AC isn't the cheapest option on the market, but for me, it was well worth every cent. If you're also fed up with sweating indoors, here's why you need to try this game-changing AC. I've had the 12,000 BTU Windmill WhisperTech air conditioner for three years, and it keeps our master bedroom comfortable during intense temperatures. (It's stylish, too!) Courtney Johnston/CNET My experience with the Windmill air conditioner I was skeptical about the Windmill window air conditioner when it first arrived. It was lighter than other units I'd tried out (I could pick it up myself), so I panicked, thinking there was no way this one could cool our south-facing 350 plus square foot bedroom. But within minutes, my partner and I had the unit installed and running. Only a few hours later, our bedroom felt less like a sauna and dropped to 68 degrees Fahrenheit -- a feat that hadn't happened with prior ACs. The humidity, which often jumped up to 65% or higher on humid days also dropped to below 50%. I was equally impressed by how well it maintained its set temperature, too. Especially during intense heat waves. The very next day, I ordered a second unit for the other end of our house. Note: CNET does scientific testing on window ACs at our Louisville testing labs. We will be testing the Windmill AC unit there this summer to see how fast it can cool a heated 92 degree Fahrenheit room and how well it can maintain 68 degrees Fahrenheit -- a tough test many AC units fail at. What makes the Windmill AC different? Windmill air conditioners have a few unique features, but what prompted me to add one to my cart was the unit's cooling design. Windmill ACs push cool air out of the top of the unit at a 45 degree angle for better cooling. After trying several big name window ACs that pushed air out horizontally, I was excited to find that this feature actually cooled a second-story room with a tall ceiling; the air seemed to circulate better since the unit pushes the cold air up, rather than out and down. No more hiding the ugly AC units I'd deal with an ugly air conditioner as long as it cooled my home. But I'm glad I don't have to. The Windmill air conditioner has a sleek, minimal design that many of my friends and family have commented on. The unit has an attractive front panel design that hides its air filter and houses tiny buttons that are nearly hidden at the top of the panel. The LED display lights automatically dim, so you don't have to worry about any visual disruptions at night. It also comes with side panel covers that offer extra insulation and a seamless look. Windmill also offers colorful magnetic panel fronts to add some whimsy to your window, if you're into that kind of thing. It's the quietest AC I've ever owned Although it wasn't a main selling point for me, I'm now a huge fan of Windmill's Whispertech quiet cooling technology. My first priority was an air conditioner that made my house feel comfortable; I just assumed that would come with some noise. The specs list it as 42 decibels -- softer than the average household refrigerator. I found my Windmill units comfortably quiet, even after regularly using two for almost three years. My partner and I are able to watch TV at a normal volume, talk to each other from other ends of the house and jump on work calls without the noise bothering us. I actually enjoy the white noise effect it offers in our bedroom at night. I do sometimes find the running noise distracting when I'm on work calls, but that would happen with any AC since my window is right next to my desk. This typically only happens if it's on high or medium, so I just switch it to low or eco-mode to solve this problem. You can install it in minutes (really) I've installed three of these units in multiple homes and windows, and it only takes me five to ten minutes to set up. That's because this unit comes pre-assembled. There's no attaching panels or screwing brackets onto the base before installing it. All you have to do is add the window foam to the sides of your windows, set the unit onto your window pane, expand the side panels, shut your window, then secure it with screws. If you can't drill into your window panes or if you rent (like me) and don't want to, you can secure it to a block of wood. I usually have my partner help me install this (one of us lifts while the other opens and lowers the window), but I've successfully installed it on my own in the past. It comes with a smart app and voice control Windmill will send a remote with your window AC, but if you have multiple units to control, I highly recommend using Windmill's smart app. It takes just a few minutes to install and register your device (they send a QR code you can use to make set up even easier). The Windmill app makes it easy to control settings for multiple window air conditioners in one spot. Screenshot by Courtney Johnston The app's easy to use and helpful if you leave the house and forget to adjust the temperature before you go. It does occasionally show the wrong temperatures, though. I had an issue with my office AC's temperature on the app showing as 61 degrees when it clearly wasn't, but a quick reset of the AC solved that. Similar to a smart thermostat, you can create automations to lower or raise the temperature, speed or even shut the unit off at certain times of day. It's a great tool if you want to raise the temperature while you're at work or away for a weekend. I don't use the voice control with Alexa feature, but if you're into that, it seems easy to set up. Eco mode keeps my energy bill low Since I have gas heat, my electric bill tends to go up in the summer when I'm running the AC. While that's still the case, I don't worry about large energy bill surges anymore. Windmill's eco-mode helps my rooms stay cool without causing a surprise electric bill. Windmill air conditioners are Energy Star rated, with up to a 15 Combined Energy Efficiency Ratio rating. To earn an Energy Star rating, air conditioners need a CEER rating of 12 or higher. Solves the storage dilemma I'm lucky to have a basement where I can store my air conditioners when I'm not using them. But if you don't have an extra closet or garage to house these units during the winter, Windmill sells winter covers that will protect your unit, keep your house insulated, and add a pop of color (if you choose) to your window. I like this idea, although the current options are fairly limited and I don't personally love any of the color schemes they offer. The specs 6,000, 8,000, 10,000 and 12,000 BTU units available. Pre-assembled for easy installation WhisperTech quiet technology The 6,000 BTU unit is 42 decibels Comes with side panel covers for extra insulation and a seamless finish Airflow at a 45 degree angle Auto-dimming LED lights Three cooling options Three fan speeds Eco-mode Remote control Smart app and voice control One-year limited warranty The 6,000 BTU unit retails for $350, but we usually see it on sale for $340. The 12,000 BTU retails for $629 and often on sale for $589. This 12,000 BTU Windmill air conditioner was installed in our dining room and cools our entire downstairs. Courtney Johnston/CNET CNET's buying advice I recommend Windmill window air conditioners to everyone I know who's looking for one. My experience with three units I own has been nothing but positive. They've outperformed GE and Midea air conditioners I've tried in the past and work well to keep my humid row house cool and comfortable. The biggest drawback of the Windmill air conditioner is its price. While the cost is on par with competitors like July (yes, they're an AC company named after one of the hottest months of the year) and Midea, you can find more affordable options. Paying $630 for a 12,000 BTU window air conditioner is a steep price, but you can frequently find them on sale at Windmill's website or at Amazon, Home Depot, Lowes, P.C. Richards and Costco. If a Windmill AC isn't in your budget, don't go into debt to buy one. Instead consider the GE 5,000 BTU mechanical window air conditioner, CNET's best budget pick, the GE AHEC05AC window AC for around $160-170.


Boston Globe
4 days ago
- Boston Globe
Tomato Caesar-esque Salad
6. Add the basil and transfer the salad to a bowl or platter. Garnish with extra anchovies, Parmesan, and a generous sprinkle of pepper. 4. Finely chop the anchovies, mashing them with the side of the knife, until they form a paste. Transfer to another bowl. Whisk in the lemon juice, mustard, Worcestershire, vinegar, garlic, 1/2 cup Parmesan, and a generous sprinkle of pepper. Whisk in the olive oil. 3. In a bowl large enough to hold all the ingredients, toss the tomatoes gently with a generous pinch of salt. Let them sit for 5 minutes. 2. Tear or cut the bread into 1-inch pieces. Spread them on the baking sheet. Sprinkle them with a small spoonful of oil from the can of anchovies. Add a sprinkle of olive oil and toss well. Spread in one layer. Transfer to the oven and bake for 15 minutes, turning once or twice, or until they are golden and crisp. If the bread is very fresh or dense, toasting may take up to 5 minutes longer. From the cookbook ''Craveable: All I Want to Eat'' by London-based Seema Pankhania, who cooked in one of celebrity chef Gordon Ramsey's restaurants, this divine salad is loaded with anchovies. If you love them, you'll go crazy. ''Think of it like panzanella meets Caesar salad,'' writes Pankhania. First toast torn-up crusty bread to make big croutons, then toss them with ripe tomatoes, Parmesan, and an anchovy dressing. Add basil, more anchovies, and more Parmesan before serving. The croutons soak up the dressing and honestly, you can't get enough of them. Pankhania adds bacon and says to skip anchovies if you don't like them, but they do make the dish. If you've ever wondered what the word ''umami'' means, this salad has it in spades. Serves 6 From the cookbook ''Craveable: All I Want to Eat'' by London-based Seema Pankhania, who cooked in one of celebrity chef Gordon Ramsey's restaurants, this divine salad is loaded with anchovies. If you love them, you'll go crazy. ''Think of it like panzanella meets Caesar salad,'' writes Pankhania. First toast torn-up crusty bread to make big croutons, then toss them with ripe tomatoes, Parmesan, and an anchovy dressing. Add basil, more anchovies, and more Parmesan before serving. The croutons soak up the dressing and honestly, you can't get enough of them. Pankhania adds bacon and says to skip anchovies if you don't like them, but they do make the dish. If you've ever wondered what the word ''umami'' means, this salad has it in spades. ½ loaf (1/2 pound) crusty, stale bread, such as sourdough or ciabatta 4 flat anchovies in oil (with extra oil from the can) Olive oil (for sprinkling) 4 large tomatoes, cored and cut into 2-inch pieces Salt and pepper, to taste Juice of 1 lemon 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar or white wine vinegar 2 cloves garlic, grated ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese ¼ cup olive oil 1 large handful fresh basil Extra anchovies (for garnish) Extra freshly grated Parmesan (for garnish) 1. Set the oven at 375 degrees. Have on hand a rimmed baking sheet. 2. Tear or cut the bread into 1-inch pieces. Spread them on the baking sheet. Sprinkle them with a small spoonful of oil from the can of anchovies. Add a sprinkle of olive oil and toss well. Spread in one layer. Transfer to the oven and bake for 15 minutes, turning once or twice, or until they are golden and crisp. If the bread is very fresh or dense, toasting may take up to 5 minutes longer. 3. In a bowl large enough to hold all the ingredients, toss the tomatoes gently with a generous pinch of salt. Let them sit for 5 minutes. 4. Finely chop the anchovies, mashing them with the side of the knife, until they form a paste. Transfer to another bowl. Whisk in the lemon juice, mustard, Worcestershire, vinegar, garlic, 1/2 cup Parmesan, and a generous sprinkle of pepper. Whisk in the olive oil. 5. Add the anchovy dressing to the tomatoes. Add the croutons and mix again.