Heage Windmill to Run With Fewer Sails

Last year the Trust had a report from our millwright that two sails on Heage windmill, which were both over 20 years old, were showing signs of rot. They were deemed to be safe for further immediate use but it was recommended we should initiate a programme to replace them. Enquires to the few millwrights that could undertake the construction of sails indicated that it would be about two years before the work could be started. After a careful investigation we have decided to construct them ourselves!

We have placed an order with Constructional Timber of Barnsley to supply the whip (the main timber) from laminated Siberian larch and a ‘kit of parts’ for wood required for the sail frames. These are due on site at Heage in the week commencing 27th May.

We will be removing the existing two sails, which weigh about 1 ton each, and will then take off the shutters and other fittings which will be fitted to the new sails being assembled alongside. This means the mill will be working for up to 2-3 months with only four sails, the timescale being determined by the availability of our volunteers. We will however still be able to mill flour using a lower power input with the four sails – this being one of the great benefits of having six sails!

by Alan Gifford
Founder Trustee HWS

 

The windmill will be open during 2019 (11-00am to 4-00pm) every weekend from

April 6^th until the end of October. Large, free, car park!

Guided Mill Tours Charges for 2019

Adults £4-00 Concessions, including Gold Cards £3-50, Children (5-16) £2-00 (parents can buy one and get one free for children in the same age group) Children under 5 are free.

Organised Adult parties of up to 10 people – £50-00. For each additional person £5-00 is payable).School Parties and other children’s groups -Standard charge of £40.00 for up to 28 people (contact Lynn on 01773 715177)

See web site for more information www.heagewindmill.org.uk