These notes are not intended as Minutes and do not report on each Meeting held. The aim is to give an observer's view of significant points as progress is made.
December 2016
On December 14th the Trust was granted Listed Building Consent (LBC). This is key to taking active steps to bring the structure to a stable and weatherproof state for its long-term preservation. The state of the trestle upon which the whole structure depends is of primary concern. Millwrights have been commissioned to construct and fit restraining irons and plans are in hand to repair, protect and paint the woodwork after which we can perhaps relax a little during winter storms.
The LBC also covers removing weatherboards covering the main side supporting timbers (the side girts) that are known to have damage and rot. This will involve erecting scaffolding which may be extended to the roofline so that the lost weatherboards can be replaced and the tarpaulin permanently removed.
Another major turning point was active encouragement from Historic England. The Head of the Buildings at Risk section and his Senior Surveyor met with the Trust on December 21st and gave very encouraging advice on seeking funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund (Resilient Heritage grants) and the Architectural Heritage Fund (Project Development grants). These specifically address the problems that charities have in creating a broad-based committee structure and a working method connecting with the community and education needs of the district. The major grant funders do not consider preservation of the structure itself a charitable cause in its own right - the heritage site must take a meaningful place in the education and recreation of the community. The Trust therefore seeks to engage actively with schools, community groups and parish activities to create a self-sufficient amenity for the benefit of all.
The Great Chishill Windmill Trust has a lease on the mill until 2139. Clearly, laying the foundation of an organisation with the necessary objectives and such an horizon is no mean feat. We need more people to join the committee to take it into this next phase - people with good ideas who are prepared to give a little of their time to establish strong courses of action. In particular, we are looking for those who could help build links to schools and the National Curriculum; anyone who could liaise with funding organisations; and someone to oversee the actual work programme. If you think you could help, in whatever way, to make this fabulous piece of our rural past an active amenity for the local community please contact the Secretary of the Trust - David McKeown, dm@greatchishillwindmill.com, who would be pleased to explain further.
December 2016
Recipe Book sells out!
The annual Crafts in the Barn event took place in Great Chishill's Lynchetts Farm on December 3rd with over 30 stalls selling a wide variety of handmade products. The success of the event raised money for both the windmill and St Swithun's church restoration funds. The final copies of our recipe book were also sold and the initiative has raised £1000 for the Trust. Excellent work by our Trustee, Hazel!
Recipe Book sells out!
The annual Crafts in the Barn event took place in Great Chishill's Lynchetts Farm on December 3rd with over 30 stalls selling a wide variety of handmade products. The success of the event raised money for both the windmill and St Swithun's church restoration funds. The final copies of our recipe book were also sold and the initiative has raised £1000 for the Trust. Excellent work by our Trustee, Hazel!
14 Nov 2016
The bank balance stood at £20,267.95, though an invoice for the bat survey at £2,136 remained outstanding. Further receipts of £150 from sale of recipe books had been received.
A notice declaring our application for Listed Building Consent had been posted on the fence of windmill. The outcome was therefore anticipated to be declared around the month end.
A site meeting had been held with the Historic England 'Buildings at Risk' Surveyor, who viewed the project with favour and made several suggestions for assisting our approach.
The Committee decided that current effort should concentrate on bringing the mill to a stable and sustainable state of conservation. The larger project of restoration of the machinery could be addressed after that.
Work had been completed on uncovering of the tail track thanks to the efforts of Saffron Walden Rotary Club and the tarpaulin protecting the damaged roof had been repositioned and tied so that the end did not flap noisily. The lower floor of the buck had been cleaned but the steps to the door needed to have algae removed to reduce the risk of slipping. Committee Members agreed to carry this out.
The Committee decided to seek a local carpenter to undertake repairs to the doorframe as soon as possible.
The Technical Adviser reported that the recommended paint for protecting the mill was Kreidezeit, a three-pack system that would cost around £250 for painting the trestle. He was also awaiting a quotation for aluminium covers for the trestle quarter beams.
The ecologists had found a lone long-eared brown bat during the night survey. They did not see the need for a licence to work and recommended seeking planning agreement to a method of operation statement.
Fund raising continued. Around 30 copies of the recipe book; dance lesson had raised about £250 to date; changes had been made to the PayPal contributions button to take advantage of the ‘send money’ system between friends.
The bank balance stood at £20,267.95, though an invoice for the bat survey at £2,136 remained outstanding. Further receipts of £150 from sale of recipe books had been received.
A notice declaring our application for Listed Building Consent had been posted on the fence of windmill. The outcome was therefore anticipated to be declared around the month end.
A site meeting had been held with the Historic England 'Buildings at Risk' Surveyor, who viewed the project with favour and made several suggestions for assisting our approach.
The Committee decided that current effort should concentrate on bringing the mill to a stable and sustainable state of conservation. The larger project of restoration of the machinery could be addressed after that.
Work had been completed on uncovering of the tail track thanks to the efforts of Saffron Walden Rotary Club and the tarpaulin protecting the damaged roof had been repositioned and tied so that the end did not flap noisily. The lower floor of the buck had been cleaned but the steps to the door needed to have algae removed to reduce the risk of slipping. Committee Members agreed to carry this out.
The Committee decided to seek a local carpenter to undertake repairs to the doorframe as soon as possible.
The Technical Adviser reported that the recommended paint for protecting the mill was Kreidezeit, a three-pack system that would cost around £250 for painting the trestle. He was also awaiting a quotation for aluminium covers for the trestle quarter beams.
The ecologists had found a lone long-eared brown bat during the night survey. They did not see the need for a licence to work and recommended seeking planning agreement to a method of operation statement.
Fund raising continued. Around 30 copies of the recipe book; dance lesson had raised about £250 to date; changes had been made to the PayPal contributions button to take advantage of the ‘send money’ system between friends.
October 2016
Work Begins!
A team of Rotary Club volunteers, from Saffron Walden and Royston, cut turves at the windmill site this week marking the start of restoration of the landmark.
The main aim of the Great Chishill Windmill Trust is to preserve the mill in a stable and weather-proof condition for future generations to enjoy. A second phase seeks to make it fit to turn into the wind to allow the restoration of the sails without risk of overstressing the structure.
Whilst permission must be gained for work on the Grade II listed building itself, the committee decided to start visible work on the site by uncovering the fantail track. This is the circular track on which the tail assembly wheels travelled as the mill turned into wind around its central post.
David Telford, President of the Saffron Walden Rotary Club said: “We were happy to help out on such a lovely day with a glorious view and passing interests. Hopefully the exposure of the tail track will add momentum to the restoration project.”
Everyone greatly appreciates their splendid work which has brought us a step closer to seeing this icon move with a purpose once more.
Work Begins!
A team of Rotary Club volunteers, from Saffron Walden and Royston, cut turves at the windmill site this week marking the start of restoration of the landmark.
The main aim of the Great Chishill Windmill Trust is to preserve the mill in a stable and weather-proof condition for future generations to enjoy. A second phase seeks to make it fit to turn into the wind to allow the restoration of the sails without risk of overstressing the structure.
Whilst permission must be gained for work on the Grade II listed building itself, the committee decided to start visible work on the site by uncovering the fantail track. This is the circular track on which the tail assembly wheels travelled as the mill turned into wind around its central post.
David Telford, President of the Saffron Walden Rotary Club said: “We were happy to help out on such a lovely day with a glorious view and passing interests. Hopefully the exposure of the tail track will add momentum to the restoration project.”
Everyone greatly appreciates their splendid work which has brought us a step closer to seeing this icon move with a purpose once more.
28 Sept 2016
The bank balance stood at £20,155.45. The Music Night resulted in a contribution of £732.50. The Church Restoration Fund benefitted similarly. Recipe books showed a net contribution of £649 and the 45 remaining to be sold should bring the total to more than £1000. The PayPal donation button on the website had realised £105.86 to date.
The application for Listed Building Consent (LBC) is with SCDC Planning Department but had not been validated within the expected 10-day period. The Committee was seeking ways to expedite the matter.
Some repairs were believed not to require LBC:
Filling of shakes (splits) in the crosstrees and quarter beams with epoxy resin.
Painting the trestle with an approved protective paint.
Uncovering the tail assembly track.
Replacing damaged weatherboards.
A rota had been arranged for airing the buck and this was working well.
It was also decided to box and store the ancillary equipment currently inside the mill then clean down the visible wood and metalwork.
The night-time bat survey showed no roosting colony but a lone bat was detected. This should not affect the restoration plans.
Funds for Phase 1 of the restoration were mostly in place so grant seeking and fund raising would be geared to achieving the completion of this Phase rather than looking for large grants for the whole project. A Craft Fair was being organised with proceeds going to both the Church Fund and the Windmill Trust. The Windmill Dance Group had started another series of lessons with a target of £500 for the fund.
The website continued to attract around 20 unique visitors per day viewing from 50 to 60 pages
The bank balance stood at £20,155.45. The Music Night resulted in a contribution of £732.50. The Church Restoration Fund benefitted similarly. Recipe books showed a net contribution of £649 and the 45 remaining to be sold should bring the total to more than £1000. The PayPal donation button on the website had realised £105.86 to date.
The application for Listed Building Consent (LBC) is with SCDC Planning Department but had not been validated within the expected 10-day period. The Committee was seeking ways to expedite the matter.
Some repairs were believed not to require LBC:
Filling of shakes (splits) in the crosstrees and quarter beams with epoxy resin.
Painting the trestle with an approved protective paint.
Uncovering the tail assembly track.
Replacing damaged weatherboards.
A rota had been arranged for airing the buck and this was working well.
It was also decided to box and store the ancillary equipment currently inside the mill then clean down the visible wood and metalwork.
The night-time bat survey showed no roosting colony but a lone bat was detected. This should not affect the restoration plans.
Funds for Phase 1 of the restoration were mostly in place so grant seeking and fund raising would be geared to achieving the completion of this Phase rather than looking for large grants for the whole project. A Craft Fair was being organised with proceeds going to both the Church Fund and the Windmill Trust. The Windmill Dance Group had started another series of lessons with a target of £500 for the fund.
The website continued to attract around 20 unique visitors per day viewing from 50 to 60 pages
August 2016
Re-fitting the Cover
Our fixing of a new cover in May this year needed adjustment to stop the noise of a flapping end that was most annoying to our neighbours. So we organised a group to carry out a re-fit with a drawstring rope through eyelets on the offending end.
This involved:
Lowering the cover to one side;
much positioning and holding of a ladder;
plus threading and pulling of ropes.
It was a lot of hard work so thanks go to all those who gave up their Saturday morning to help. We achieved the objective and hope that this solves the problem:
August 2016
An Update and an Opportunity
As we near the end of summer the Trust is still struggling with officialdom and the need for paperwork. We have completed the bat survey which confirmed local knowledge that the mill is not used by bats. The one dead bat found in 2014 was clearly a loner. We do still have to receive the experts' report and append it to the application for Listed Building Consent, but at least we can see that happening in the very near future. Then will start the real work of strengthening the trestle and making the mill safe.
In the meantime we are planning to re-establish the circular path round which the tail assembly ran to turn the mill into wind. The Rotary Clubs of Saffron Walden and Royston are collaborating to carry out this project that we are hoping will be completed in October.
The Windmill Cookbook
We’ve brought together 52 of our Friends’ favourite recipes and created a colourful, handy Cookbook. With spiral binding, each page lays flat and stays open. Coated pages are wipe clean making it ideal for any kitchen. So it is no surprise that it is proving to be very popular: over half of the first print run has been sold already. Several customers have bought multiple copies to use as presents for friends and family. (It’s never too early to think of Christmas!)
If you would like a copy or two, please contact Hazel Hayden on hrhandmaj@btinternet.com or 01763 838254. The Cookbook is £7.50 per copy - cash or cheques please and Hazel can pack and post for £1.35 (within the UK) if this is more convenient.
Friends' Email Addresses
We are very grateful to those of you who have joined our list of Friends and we try to keep you informed, both through this website and with occasional emails. People do move and change their email provider though and we have no way of following such moves so our list of valid addresses diminishes with time. If you have changed your email in the past couple of years but would still like to receive our sporadic notes, please let us know your new address by using the 'Contact Us' form. Thank you.
An Update and an Opportunity
As we near the end of summer the Trust is still struggling with officialdom and the need for paperwork. We have completed the bat survey which confirmed local knowledge that the mill is not used by bats. The one dead bat found in 2014 was clearly a loner. We do still have to receive the experts' report and append it to the application for Listed Building Consent, but at least we can see that happening in the very near future. Then will start the real work of strengthening the trestle and making the mill safe.
In the meantime we are planning to re-establish the circular path round which the tail assembly ran to turn the mill into wind. The Rotary Clubs of Saffron Walden and Royston are collaborating to carry out this project that we are hoping will be completed in October.
The Windmill Cookbook
We’ve brought together 52 of our Friends’ favourite recipes and created a colourful, handy Cookbook. With spiral binding, each page lays flat and stays open. Coated pages are wipe clean making it ideal for any kitchen. So it is no surprise that it is proving to be very popular: over half of the first print run has been sold already. Several customers have bought multiple copies to use as presents for friends and family. (It’s never too early to think of Christmas!)
If you would like a copy or two, please contact Hazel Hayden on hrhandmaj@btinternet.com or 01763 838254. The Cookbook is £7.50 per copy - cash or cheques please and Hazel can pack and post for £1.35 (within the UK) if this is more convenient.
Friends' Email Addresses
We are very grateful to those of you who have joined our list of Friends and we try to keep you informed, both through this website and with occasional emails. People do move and change their email provider though and we have no way of following such moves so our list of valid addresses diminishes with time. If you have changed your email in the past couple of years but would still like to receive our sporadic notes, please let us know your new address by using the 'Contact Us' form. Thank you.
July 2016
Music Night
We had a fantastic evening in Gt Chishill Village Hall on the 16th. We were treated to a reunion of Jim, our Chairman, and a friend he last played with 50 years ago. The duo were an immediate hit - it was hard to believe that they were celebrating their 70th birthdays!
We also had Jim's son, Simon playing and singing in a duo and "Out of the Blue' from Liverpool. Both acts sang songs that the audience knew and, as the wine flowed, vigorously joined in with.
The Elderly Brothers concluded the evening with their usual polished performance. A special feature highlight was our vicar and his wife giving their last public performance for the village before leaving for well-earned retirement.
What great entertainment.
Music Night
We had a fantastic evening in Gt Chishill Village Hall on the 16th. We were treated to a reunion of Jim, our Chairman, and a friend he last played with 50 years ago. The duo were an immediate hit - it was hard to believe that they were celebrating their 70th birthdays!
We also had Jim's son, Simon playing and singing in a duo and "Out of the Blue' from Liverpool. Both acts sang songs that the audience knew and, as the wine flowed, vigorously joined in with.
The Elderly Brothers concluded the evening with their usual polished performance. A special feature highlight was our vicar and his wife giving their last public performance for the village before leaving for well-earned retirement.
What great entertainment.
13 Jun 2016
The bank balance stood at a little over £19,800, though invoices for printing of the recipe book and for Public Liability Insurance were outstanding.
The application for Listed Building Consent was still awaiting assembly of modified drawings of the trestle and restraining straps, but post meeting Cambridgeshire Windmill Consultancy completed and forwarded them in a form appropriate for the application document.
At a previous meeting, the Trustees had agreed that the door-frame should be repaired without the requirement of LBC. Post meeting Cambridgeshire Windmill Consultancy suggested a simple rot treatment leaving timber replacement to be made during the main restoration programme.
A second investigation of the structure of the circular path around which the tail assembly wheels travel had been completed. The structure of the bed appeared to be sound so that the top-dressing
of small stones could be lifted, renovated and replaced relatively easily.
A new tarpaulin had been purchased and fitted without the need for working at height.
Two quotes has been received, both for a little over £2,000, for carry out the required bat night survey to check if the mill was used for breeding. The Trustees agreed that the work should be commissioned as soon as possible.
The Directors/Trustees met on 5th April and elected an additional Director, a new Trustee and two Members.
It was not appropriate to pursue the Heritage Lottery Fund application until LBC had been received and a clear plan of work to be done was available, so this is currently on hold. Whilst the South Cambs Community Chest gives relatively small grants, it could help with funding the bat survey so the Committee agreed that an application should be made.
Tickets had been printed for the Music Night on July 16 and marketing would start immediately.
A production print run of 200 had arrived and the Committee were pleased with the quality and finish. It was agreed that marketing and sales should begin as soon as possible.
The date set for the Village Fete was Sunday July 17th. The Committee agreed to set up a stall as last year with the windmill feature for children and sweets as prizes.
It had been suggested that the buck should be opened at least monthly and preferably every two
weeks. The Committee members present agreed that they could set up a rota to achieve this.
The bank balance stood at a little over £19,800, though invoices for printing of the recipe book and for Public Liability Insurance were outstanding.
The application for Listed Building Consent was still awaiting assembly of modified drawings of the trestle and restraining straps, but post meeting Cambridgeshire Windmill Consultancy completed and forwarded them in a form appropriate for the application document.
At a previous meeting, the Trustees had agreed that the door-frame should be repaired without the requirement of LBC. Post meeting Cambridgeshire Windmill Consultancy suggested a simple rot treatment leaving timber replacement to be made during the main restoration programme.
A second investigation of the structure of the circular path around which the tail assembly wheels travel had been completed. The structure of the bed appeared to be sound so that the top-dressing
of small stones could be lifted, renovated and replaced relatively easily.
A new tarpaulin had been purchased and fitted without the need for working at height.
Two quotes has been received, both for a little over £2,000, for carry out the required bat night survey to check if the mill was used for breeding. The Trustees agreed that the work should be commissioned as soon as possible.
The Directors/Trustees met on 5th April and elected an additional Director, a new Trustee and two Members.
It was not appropriate to pursue the Heritage Lottery Fund application until LBC had been received and a clear plan of work to be done was available, so this is currently on hold. Whilst the South Cambs Community Chest gives relatively small grants, it could help with funding the bat survey so the Committee agreed that an application should be made.
Tickets had been printed for the Music Night on July 16 and marketing would start immediately.
A production print run of 200 had arrived and the Committee were pleased with the quality and finish. It was agreed that marketing and sales should begin as soon as possible.
The date set for the Village Fete was Sunday July 17th. The Committee agreed to set up a stall as last year with the windmill feature for children and sweets as prizes.
It had been suggested that the buck should be opened at least monthly and preferably every two
weeks. The Committee members present agreed that they could set up a rota to achieve this.
20 May 2016
Report to the Annual Parish Meeting
Summary
Progress on physical work has been frustratingly slow, but project planning and Listed Building Consent application are well in hand. Fundraising has continued throughout the year and just under £20,000 is held in the bank account with a further £15,000 reserved and held by the Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings. A grant was received from the Parish Council for which the committee is very grateful. Grant applications, particularly for the National Lottery Heritage Fund, are being prepared.
Listed Building Consent (LBC)
Communication with South Cambs Planning Department has been difficult due to staffing problems but there is now a nominated person with whom we are in contact.
We have established that LBC is not granted without full detail of work, procedure and materials so is best sought for small defined pieces of work. Our consultants, Cambridgeshire Windmills Consultancy, have prepared a plan covering repair, protection and strengthening of the trestle and are working on drawings to accompany the application.
A Long-Eared Brown Bat has been found in the windmill in recent times so we must carry out a survey to see if it is being used as a breeding roost. This can only be carried out between May and September.
No work can start on the building before LBC is granted, other than clear maintenance and any resulting like-for-like replacement. We are planning to uncover the circular track around which the tail assembly rolls in the next few weeks.
Fundraising Initiatives
A ‘Windmill Day’ was held in the Village Hall on 13 June, the Trust took part in the Village Fun Day on 30 August and a Christmas Craft Fair donated part of its proceeds. Almost £600 was raised at these events.
Dance lessons were run from September until March and these raised £1000 for the Trust.
A recipe book with proceeds destined for the fund has been printed and is about to be promoted.
A Music Night is being planned for June in conjunction with the Church Restoration Group.
Grants and Applications
A grant of £2000 was received from the Parish Council,
Our GLCPC Liaison Representative is kindly co-ordinating an approach to the National Lottery Heritage Fund. The Church Restoration Group is giving assistance in the detail required and how best to present our case.
Protection Work
The building was covered with heavy duty plastic to make it watertight. This suffered badly in the storms last winter and a new cover has been purchased and fitted.
Report to the Annual Parish Meeting
Summary
Progress on physical work has been frustratingly slow, but project planning and Listed Building Consent application are well in hand. Fundraising has continued throughout the year and just under £20,000 is held in the bank account with a further £15,000 reserved and held by the Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings. A grant was received from the Parish Council for which the committee is very grateful. Grant applications, particularly for the National Lottery Heritage Fund, are being prepared.
Listed Building Consent (LBC)
Communication with South Cambs Planning Department has been difficult due to staffing problems but there is now a nominated person with whom we are in contact.
We have established that LBC is not granted without full detail of work, procedure and materials so is best sought for small defined pieces of work. Our consultants, Cambridgeshire Windmills Consultancy, have prepared a plan covering repair, protection and strengthening of the trestle and are working on drawings to accompany the application.
A Long-Eared Brown Bat has been found in the windmill in recent times so we must carry out a survey to see if it is being used as a breeding roost. This can only be carried out between May and September.
No work can start on the building before LBC is granted, other than clear maintenance and any resulting like-for-like replacement. We are planning to uncover the circular track around which the tail assembly rolls in the next few weeks.
Fundraising Initiatives
A ‘Windmill Day’ was held in the Village Hall on 13 June, the Trust took part in the Village Fun Day on 30 August and a Christmas Craft Fair donated part of its proceeds. Almost £600 was raised at these events.
Dance lessons were run from September until March and these raised £1000 for the Trust.
A recipe book with proceeds destined for the fund has been printed and is about to be promoted.
A Music Night is being planned for June in conjunction with the Church Restoration Group.
Grants and Applications
A grant of £2000 was received from the Parish Council,
Our GLCPC Liaison Representative is kindly co-ordinating an approach to the National Lottery Heritage Fund. The Church Restoration Group is giving assistance in the detail required and how best to present our case.
Protection Work
The building was covered with heavy duty plastic to make it watertight. This suffered badly in the storms last winter and a new cover has been purchased and fitted.
May 2016
New Cover for Our Weather-worn Mill
We have had to cover the mill to stop rain damage to the internal timbers for quite some time now and the wind has taken its toll of the heavy plastic tarpaulin. So much so that only a few of the fourteen eyelets remained. In high winds the cover was in danger of being ripped off completely.
So on Sunday May 8th a band of willing helpers manoeuvred a new cover over the top whilst removing the old one.
New Cover for Our Weather-worn Mill
We have had to cover the mill to stop rain damage to the internal timbers for quite some time now and the wind has taken its toll of the heavy plastic tarpaulin. So much so that only a few of the fourteen eyelets remained. In high winds the cover was in danger of being ripped off completely.
So on Sunday May 8th a band of willing helpers manoeuvred a new cover over the top whilst removing the old one.
|
It is sad that we need to make such temporary measures but the route to gaining permission for making permanent repair to the weatherboards is a slow and tortuous one. Here's hoping that we will reporting positive news in the near future. |
May 2016
Article in local magazine
The Listing is a magazine for Royston, Herts with a further edition for the "SG8" postcode village of which Great Chishill is one. We provided an article for their 'Spotlight on ...' series which was published in the May editions of both the town and villages versions. Please visit their website: https://issuu.com/thelisting/docs/1605_the_listing_sg8_villages_as_pu?e=6169894/35173044
to see the published version or read on below. The story centres on carved initials of earlier millers at Great Chishill.
Carved with Pride at Great Chishill Windmill
We usually think of people who carve their initials in buildings as vandals but Great Chishill windmill has some from 300 years ago that were carefully cut with workmanship and obvious pride.
JS in 1712 is presumed to have been one of the Soame family who owned the mill along with much of Great and Little Chishill. But we see right beside this, another set of initials: HA 1715. This we know to be Henry Andrews, the first in a long line of Andrews who ran the mill for close to two hundred years. Henry actually began renting the mill in 1721, so we suppose he was working for another miller when he found the time, and the need, to add his initials six years earlier. Did he add to the structure just three years after the efforts of JS or did he perhaps feel aggrieved that JS had laid claim to modification that was rightly his?
Interestingly these carvings are on a small piece of wood that was attached to the main structure when it was completely rebuilt around 1819. The 19th century workmen obviously had respect for the earlier builders and preserved their names and association with the mill.
Article in local magazine
The Listing is a magazine for Royston, Herts with a further edition for the "SG8" postcode village of which Great Chishill is one. We provided an article for their 'Spotlight on ...' series which was published in the May editions of both the town and villages versions. Please visit their website: https://issuu.com/thelisting/docs/1605_the_listing_sg8_villages_as_pu?e=6169894/35173044
to see the published version or read on below. The story centres on carved initials of earlier millers at Great Chishill.
Carved with Pride at Great Chishill Windmill
We usually think of people who carve their initials in buildings as vandals but Great Chishill windmill has some from 300 years ago that were carefully cut with workmanship and obvious pride.
JS in 1712 is presumed to have been one of the Soame family who owned the mill along with much of Great and Little Chishill. But we see right beside this, another set of initials: HA 1715. This we know to be Henry Andrews, the first in a long line of Andrews who ran the mill for close to two hundred years. Henry actually began renting the mill in 1721, so we suppose he was working for another miller when he found the time, and the need, to add his initials six years earlier. Did he add to the structure just three years after the efforts of JS or did he perhaps feel aggrieved that JS had laid claim to modification that was rightly his?
Interestingly these carvings are on a small piece of wood that was attached to the main structure when it was completely rebuilt around 1819. The 19th century workmen obviously had respect for the earlier builders and preserved their names and association with the mill.
A main beam of the present mill has a further set of initials: HA 1821. This is another Henry Andrews, great grandson of the earlier one, who may have been recording the completion of the rebuilding of the mill or his own accession to the role of miller.
Whilst the mill has had many modifications since the early 19th century, the basic structure dates from this time. It is an open trestle post mill, one of only five that still exist in the country so of huge importance to our local history.
The trestle is the structure beneath the body of the mill that supports the whole thing. It consists of wooden cross beams with quarter bars angled from the ends of the cross beams to the central post where it passes through the floor of the building. This is completely open to the elements and, without maintenance, the wood splits. If movement then occurs in the main joints, the building is in danger of collapse under the force of the wind. Unfortunately, as can been seen in the photograph, Chishill mill’s trestle is in a poor way.
The mill was still working in 1950 but then passed into the care of Cambridgeshire County Council. Over the years the budget for upkeep was ever more squeezed leading to the Council wishing to dispose of the building. A group of villagers formed the Great Chishill Windmill Trust and negotiated a 125-year lease. The Trust intends, not only to save the structure but, to renovate the sails and equipment with a view to getting the mill grinding once more. There is, however, a long way and much fundraising to go.
If you are interested in helping, please make contact with us.
The mill was still working in 1950 but then passed into the care of Cambridgeshire County Council. Over the years the budget for upkeep was ever more squeezed leading to the Council wishing to dispose of the building. A group of villagers formed the Great Chishill Windmill Trust and negotiated a 125-year lease. The Trust intends, not only to save the structure but, to renovate the sails and equipment with a view to getting the mill grinding once more. There is, however, a long way and much fundraising to go.
If you are interested in helping, please make contact with us.
30 Mar 2016
The Windmill Dance Group handed a cheque for a further £500 to the Treasurer. It had raised a total of £1000 from the initiative and was warmly thanked by the Chairman and Committee. This input would raise the cash in the bank account above £20,000. The Chairman had prepared thank you cards featuring photographs and drawings of the windmill and one of these was given to the Dance Group representative.
The millwrights engaged by the Committee had inspected the mill and were pleased that the woodwork had been protected from further water ingress by the temporary tarpaulin cover but it was noted that this had reached the end of its efficacy and would need to be replaced.
The Committee Member responsible for liaison on planning had established that the District Conservation Officer would only visit and offer comment on the proposed work once an application had been submitted. The application should concentrate on the work needed to stabilise the trestle and it was recognised by the millwrights that the original design of the steel straps required modification. The Committee agreed to use the design recently proven at Great Gransden mill.
Remaking the circular track around which the tailstock rolls was seen to be a distinct piece of work that could be commenced in the near future. Interest had been expressed by individuals from Rotary Clubs so the Secretary undertook to contact these Clubs to progress the idea.
The Trustees thought that their number should be increased and agreed on a separate meeting to discuss this and other membership categories.
Quotations for a night bat survey had been received but the Committee Member collecting the data was seeking greater clarification of their deliverables before making a recommendation.
With regard to seeking grant aid, much research and discussion with like organisations had been carried out and the Committee Member leading this initiative thought that it might take 4 to 6 months before a full application for a grant in excess of £100,000 could be submitted, for example to the Heritage Lottery Fund.
The Recipe Book project for fundraising was progressing with the new print company but the first proof had required a number of corrections.
A Committee Member volunteered to meet with representatives of the Church Restoration Committee to organise the Music Night planned for June 16.
The Windmill Dance Group handed a cheque for a further £500 to the Treasurer. It had raised a total of £1000 from the initiative and was warmly thanked by the Chairman and Committee. This input would raise the cash in the bank account above £20,000. The Chairman had prepared thank you cards featuring photographs and drawings of the windmill and one of these was given to the Dance Group representative.
The millwrights engaged by the Committee had inspected the mill and were pleased that the woodwork had been protected from further water ingress by the temporary tarpaulin cover but it was noted that this had reached the end of its efficacy and would need to be replaced.
The Committee Member responsible for liaison on planning had established that the District Conservation Officer would only visit and offer comment on the proposed work once an application had been submitted. The application should concentrate on the work needed to stabilise the trestle and it was recognised by the millwrights that the original design of the steel straps required modification. The Committee agreed to use the design recently proven at Great Gransden mill.
Remaking the circular track around which the tailstock rolls was seen to be a distinct piece of work that could be commenced in the near future. Interest had been expressed by individuals from Rotary Clubs so the Secretary undertook to contact these Clubs to progress the idea.
The Trustees thought that their number should be increased and agreed on a separate meeting to discuss this and other membership categories.
Quotations for a night bat survey had been received but the Committee Member collecting the data was seeking greater clarification of their deliverables before making a recommendation.
With regard to seeking grant aid, much research and discussion with like organisations had been carried out and the Committee Member leading this initiative thought that it might take 4 to 6 months before a full application for a grant in excess of £100,000 could be submitted, for example to the Heritage Lottery Fund.
The Recipe Book project for fundraising was progressing with the new print company but the first proof had required a number of corrections.
A Committee Member volunteered to meet with representatives of the Church Restoration Committee to organise the Music Night planned for June 16.
Mar 2016
Windmill Dance Group
Six months of lessons were put to the test on Friday March 18th when the Group held its first dance in the village hall. All passed with flying colours – in fact one experienced dancer said that she could not identify any obvious beginners!
The dance was open to villagers and others and 34 dancers arrived to enjoy the event. Ballroom and Latin dances were played throughout the evening so having sped round the floor with a quickstep, dancers could catch their breath with a rumba. Waltz and jive were particularly popular. A good time was had by all, one villager remarking that it was refreshing to attend a dance without having disco music blasting at you.
People gave generously to the Trust contributions box and we were able to announce at the end of the night that the whole dance lessons initiative had made £1000 for the fund.
Windmill Dance Group
Six months of lessons were put to the test on Friday March 18th when the Group held its first dance in the village hall. All passed with flying colours – in fact one experienced dancer said that she could not identify any obvious beginners!
The dance was open to villagers and others and 34 dancers arrived to enjoy the event. Ballroom and Latin dances were played throughout the evening so having sped round the floor with a quickstep, dancers could catch their breath with a rumba. Waltz and jive were particularly popular. A good time was had by all, one villager remarking that it was refreshing to attend a dance without having disco music blasting at you.
People gave generously to the Trust contributions box and we were able to announce at the end of the night that the whole dance lessons initiative had made £1000 for the fund.
Feb 2016
Our technical experts met at the mill this month to make a detailed inspection of areas of the mill needing attention. These include rot of some of the structural beams within the body of the mill and in the supporting trestle.
The main concern is the condition of the base of the trestle itself. Quarter bars stretch from the post where it passes through the floor of the buck (the main wooden structure of the mill) to the extremities of the crosstree (cross beams) of the base. These are exposed to the weather and gradually crack and rot. Once movement can occur at the joint, it is only a matter of time before that joint gives way resulting in the collapse of the structure. The photographs below show that significant cracking has occurred and the joints are showing the first signs of movement.
The main concern is the condition of the base of the trestle itself. Quarter bars stretch from the post where it passes through the floor of the buck (the main wooden structure of the mill) to the extremities of the crosstree (cross beams) of the base. These are exposed to the weather and gradually crack and rot. Once movement can occur at the joint, it is only a matter of time before that joint gives way resulting in the collapse of the structure. The photographs below show that significant cracking has occurred and the joints are showing the first signs of movement.
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The answer is to add steel straps to lock the two pieces together. We have had some made and they were laid in position to show how they will look.
To add such straps to our mill requires Listed Building Consent and an application for this is now being worked on.
18 Feb 2016
Finances stood at just over £19,700 in the bank account with £15,000 held by SPAB. The account had received donations of £500 from the Windmill Dance Group and £211 from the Craft Fair. The Committee expressed its thanks for the contributions and the efforts made by the organisers. An invoice for the initial bat survey (£666) had been paid during the period.
The situation with respect to bat occupancy was debated and it was decided that, as a night survey during the breeding season was recommended, quotations should be obtained and compared prior to summer when the survey would need to be conducted.
The Consultant Mill Restorers had spoken with Historic England and with the Historic Buildings Conservation Officer of South Cambs DC and established that Listed Buildings Consent (LBC) is required when any additional materials are added. Thus the iron straps for reinforcing the trestle did need LBC. The advice also suggested that a series of LBC should be anticipated with each having a small, definable scope. The technical team agreed to meet at the mill later in the month to finalise details for the first LBC application.
The recipe book has been ready for printing since December but the chosen printer has withdrawn the offer of assistance. An alternative has been defined and the print run is awaited.
The Windmill Dance Group was continuing until March 11 and completing the venture with a dance on March 18.
A Music Evening was being arranged for July 16 2016 together with the Church Restoration Appeal.
The Hon Secretary stated that she needed to resign to concentrate on other commitments. She was thanked by the Chairman and the Committee for all of her efforts over the previous four years.
The new Secretary may be contacted at dm@greatchishillwindmill.com
Finances stood at just over £19,700 in the bank account with £15,000 held by SPAB. The account had received donations of £500 from the Windmill Dance Group and £211 from the Craft Fair. The Committee expressed its thanks for the contributions and the efforts made by the organisers. An invoice for the initial bat survey (£666) had been paid during the period.
The situation with respect to bat occupancy was debated and it was decided that, as a night survey during the breeding season was recommended, quotations should be obtained and compared prior to summer when the survey would need to be conducted.
The Consultant Mill Restorers had spoken with Historic England and with the Historic Buildings Conservation Officer of South Cambs DC and established that Listed Buildings Consent (LBC) is required when any additional materials are added. Thus the iron straps for reinforcing the trestle did need LBC. The advice also suggested that a series of LBC should be anticipated with each having a small, definable scope. The technical team agreed to meet at the mill later in the month to finalise details for the first LBC application.
The recipe book has been ready for printing since December but the chosen printer has withdrawn the offer of assistance. An alternative has been defined and the print run is awaited.
The Windmill Dance Group was continuing until March 11 and completing the venture with a dance on March 18.
A Music Evening was being arranged for July 16 2016 together with the Church Restoration Appeal.
The Hon Secretary stated that she needed to resign to concentrate on other commitments. She was thanked by the Chairman and the Committee for all of her efforts over the previous four years.
The new Secretary may be contacted at dm@greatchishillwindmill.com
January 2016
The Windmill Dance Group is an enthusiastic group of novices learning the basic steps of ballroom and latin dances. They began in September 2015 and have just transferred £500 raised from the classes to the Trust. We thank everyone involved in this splendid effort.
The Windmill Dance Group is an enthusiastic group of novices learning the basic steps of ballroom and latin dances. They began in September 2015 and have just transferred £500 raised from the classes to the Trust. We thank everyone involved in this splendid effort.
