Sadly, three weeks ago the iconic Wilton windmill lost two sails. The windmill team were milling successfully when they heard a loud crack, followed by splinters of wood. Charles Baxter told Marlborough.news, “We immediately stopped milling. One of the sails had dropped out of place from the central iron cross. Luckily it was wedged in position by the straps and didn’t fall further. Last week Paul Sellwood, our millwright, and his team came out and took both sails down.
There appears to be a rotten section that has finally given way. The other three sails should be checked. We are awaiting his quotes for repair. You can see the lower right hand sail has dropped out of line. The sails are now on the ground awaiting being taken away for repair.
Apologies to those who have wanted to help with milling. We have actually been able to mill very few times this year and the wind forecasts have been unreliable. We don’t advertise widely if the wind is not guaranteed.”
However, if you would like to be involved the Wilton Windmill society are looking for helpers for the End of Season Clear up Session. The session will take place on Sunday 3rd of November, starting at 10.00 and hopefully finishing before 12.30 in time for a pint at The Swan. Teas, coffees and cakes around 11.00. Please contact charles.baxter4321@gmail.com if you are available to help. No expertise is needed and the jobs to be done are clearing, cobwebbing, window cleaning, removing TV’s and dismantling and cleaning the millstones.
Gardening well-being group at Greatwood, Marlborough
