Latest news with #windmill
BBC News
3 days ago
- General
- BBC News
Cambourne men's group restore replica of ancient Bourn windmill
An 80-year-old replica of one of the oldest surviving windmills in the UK has been restored by a community group that supports men's mental model of Bourn Windmill, near Cambourne, Cambridgeshire, was created by Michael Dunn in his workshop in Bristol in the 1940s, but had fallen into disrepair. Cambourne Men's Shed stripped paint, repaired sails, replaced damaged parts and repainted the miniature building, as part of the "challenging but enjoyable project".The fully working model will go on display alongside the original during the windmill's open days in the summer. Greg Thompson, who runs Cambourne Men's Shed, said "restoration of the replica has been a challenging but enjoyable project and many different Shedders have contributed over the past months after work began in October 2024".The organisation is part of a UK network "providing inclusive, welcoming spaces where men can connect and contribute to local causes while supporting their own wellbeing", he added. Mr Dunn was a lifelong windmill enthusiast, who photographed mills across the UK from the 1930s to 1970s, leaving behind a vast archive now held by the Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings."We are very pleased that it has been accepted as part of the museum and are delighted that it has now been restored by the local Men's Shed," his daughter Jennifer said. Bourn Windmill, a Grade I listed ancient monument, is an open trestle post mill which dates back about 500 years and is owned by local charity Cambridge Past, Present & manager Allan Scott Davies said the "model is more than just a charming garden feature, it tells a story of craftsmanship, family legacy, and community spirit". Follow Cambridgeshire news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.
Yahoo
24-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Restoration plans revealed for 'iconic' windmill
An "iconic" windmill dating back to the early 19th Century is set to be restored to full working order after a charity stepped in to fund its repairs. The windmill, on Cambridge Road, Fulbourn, Cambridgeshire, was built in 1808 and became derelict after it ceased being used to grind grain in 1937. Ian Harrison, its owner since 2006, has rebuilt its sails, but said the discovery of "fairly significant structural weaknesses" made the full restoration unaffordable. Village charity, the Wright's Clock Land Fund, agreed to pay for the work, provided it could manage the mill. Mr Harrison and his wife were "very happy and very pleased" to lease the mill to the charity for 99 years, the Local Democracy Reporting Service wrote. "We also have to recognise that it sits in our garden and we won't be living in the house for the next 99 years, so we have got to think about looking after the interests of future generations as well," he said. Fulbourn Windmill was "just left to go derelict" after it fell out of use until a local group began the restoration of its exterior from the 1970s onwards. After taking ownership, the Harrisons had hoped to restore it to full working order, but discovered its frame had distorted over time. This meant the fantail - the mechanism at the top of the mill which allows the cap to turn and grain to be milled - was unable to move. Mr Harrison said: "We realised it was going to take a lot of money [to restore], which my wife and I didn't have the resources to cover." The Wright's Clock Fund, which paid for a condition report on the windmill, agreed to award a "substantial" grant to completely restore it. An application has been submitted to South Cambridgeshire District Council to begin the restoration. If granted, Mr Harrison believes the necessary work will take about two years. Follow Cambridgeshire news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X. Watermill revives traditional flour production X marks the spot as five medieval windmills found Repaired 500-year-old windmill reopens to public The Wright's Clock Land Fund Local Democracy Reporting Service
Yahoo
24-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Restoration plans revealed for 'iconic' windmill
An "iconic" windmill dating back to the early 19th Century is set to be restored to full working order after a charity stepped in to fund its repairs. The windmill, on Cambridge Road, Fulbourn, Cambridgeshire, was built in 1808 and became derelict after it ceased being used to grind grain in 1937. Ian Harrison, its owner since 2006, has rebuilt its sails, but said the discovery of "fairly significant structural weaknesses" made the full restoration unaffordable. Village charity, the Wright's Clock Land Fund, agreed to pay for the work, provided it could manage the mill. Mr Harrison and his wife were "very happy and very pleased" to lease the mill to the charity for 99 years, the Local Democracy Reporting Service wrote. "We also have to recognise that it sits in our garden and we won't be living in the house for the next 99 years, so we have got to think about looking after the interests of future generations as well," he said. Fulbourn Windmill was "just left to go derelict" after it fell out of use until a local group began the restoration of its exterior from the 1970s onwards. After taking ownership, the Harrisons had hoped to restore it to full working order, but discovered its frame had distorted over time. This meant the fantail - the mechanism at the top of the mill which allows the cap to turn and grain to be milled - was unable to move. Mr Harrison said: "We realised it was going to take a lot of money [to restore], which my wife and I didn't have the resources to cover." The Wright's Clock Fund, which paid for a condition report on the windmill, agreed to award a "substantial" grant to completely restore it. An application has been submitted to South Cambridgeshire District Council to begin the restoration. If granted, Mr Harrison believes the necessary work will take about two years. Follow Cambridgeshire news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X. Watermill revives traditional flour production X marks the spot as five medieval windmills found Repaired 500-year-old windmill reopens to public The Wright's Clock Land Fund Local Democracy Reporting Service
BBC News
24-05-2025
- General
- BBC News
Plans made for restoration of Fulbourn's 'iconic' windmill
An "iconic" windmill dating back to the early 19th Century is set to be restored to full working order after a charity stepped in to fund its repairs. The windmill, on Cambridge Road, Fulbourn, Cambridgeshire, was built in 1808 and became derelict after it ceased being used to grind grain in 1937. Ian Harrison, its owner since 2006, has rebuilt its sails, but said the discovery of "fairly significant structural weaknesses" made the full restoration charity, the Wright's Clock Land Fund, agreed to pay for the work, provided it could manage the mill. Mr Harrison and his wife were "very happy and very pleased" to lease the mill to the charity for 99 years, the Local Democracy Reporting Service wrote. "We also have to recognise that it sits in our garden and we won't be living in the house for the next 99 years, so we have got to think about looking after the interests of future generations as well," he said. Fulbourn Windmill was "just left to go derelict" after it fell out of use until a local group began the restoration of its exterior from the 1970s onwards. After taking ownership, the Harrisons had hoped to restore it to full working order, but discovered its frame had distorted over meant the fantail - the mechanism at the top of the mill which allows the cap to turn and grain to be milled - was unable to move. Mr Harrison said: "We realised it was going to take a lot of money [to restore], which my wife and I didn't have the resources to cover."The Wright's Clock Fund, which paid for a condition report on the windmill, agreed to award a "substantial" grant to completely restore application has been submitted to South Cambridgeshire District Council to begin the restoration. If granted, Mr Harrison believes the necessary work will take about two years. Follow Cambridgeshire news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.
