During recent routine maintenance, millwrights at Heage Windmill discovered severe wet rot in some major structural components of the mill. This means that the sails can’t turn again over Nether Heage until the repairs have been carried out.
A ‘Trouble at the Mill’ appeal has therefore been launched by the Heage Windmill Society to raise the £90,000 needed to carry out the essential repairs.
I recently visited the attraction to see the problems for myself and discuss fundraising ideas and activities. I’m thankful to experienced miller Brian Naylor for his insightful and interesting tour of the mill, and I know that Brian and the rest of the Society are working very hard to secure the essential repairs can be carried out. I’m delighted that more than £17,000 has already been raised, and you can follow the progress of the campaign and details of fundraising events here.
I hope that the desperately needed repairs to this iconic and loved landmark can be started soon, to enable flour to be milled and the sails to turn again next season!