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September 03, 2014

03/09/2014: New life for an old windmill in the UK

The last surviving eight-sailed windmill has begun production of flour for the first time in four years, report the BBC.

Heckington Windmill, near Boston in Lincolnshire, was one of only seven of its kind ever built and the only one to still work.


http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-lincolnshire-29045377
A giant crane lifted the sails into place during August amid fears high winds would delay the operation

In 2010, the sails were discovered to be rotten and it was feared they would drop off, forcing production to stop.

In June all eight sails were taken down to be replaced in August and milling of flour began this week.

"In July 2010 we knew one of the sails was poorly," manager Jim Bailey said.

"All the sails were surveyed and it was very clear there was a major problem and of the eight sails, seven were in a really dangerous condition so we had to stop milling there and then."

The Heckington Windmill Trust, which runs the site on behalf of owners Lincolnshire County Council, has also received a grant of £1m from the Heritage Lottery Fund.

This money has been used to buy some of the surrounding buildings and discussions are ongoing about what to do with them.

For the first time this weekend it will mill barley for the neighbouring brewery which will produce the only beer brewed from windmill milled produce.
 


Read more HERE.
 

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