To view Archived ‘Stop Press’ entries, Click here

Dr Carter (Chairman of Waltham Windmill Preservation Society) has written this technical report:

At the start of the year, before the mill was opened, two major repairs were carried out, the interior of the mill was painted, and the electric wiring was replaced. The painting involved limewashing every floor - the interior walls were wire-brushed before the limewash was applied - two coats of a special lime and tallow mix were applied with a brush. A local firm was used for this work, but in the future the Miller hopes to do the work himself, but only two floors out of six each year in rotation.

The wiring work consisted of replacing all the interior electrics. Each floor now has a bulkhead light and double electrical socket. Extra sockets were placed in the ground floor for further lighting and computer supply.

October 2003 Report:

Early in the year there was trouble with one of the cap centring wheels. The steel tyre on the wheel slipped and fouled one of the anchor bolts. The result was that the centring wheel spindle was badly bent. This was straightened, and the tyre refixed and tack welded to prevent it slipping again. In June the mill had its annual inspect by Norwell Millwrights - the report was satisfactory apart from minor damage due to water ingress early in the year. It was recommended that ventilation should be encouraged by opening windows on dry days.
Throughout the year the Miller carried out regular lubrication and minor repairs. In October he replaced the wooden bearing at the tail end of the windshaft.
Milling was carried out on a small scale during the summer, so there was a regular supply of 750gm bags of stoneground wholemeal flour for sale to the public who visit the mill.
Looking ahead to next year, the Preservation Society hopes to fund repainting of the external woodwork and retarring of the walls.
Brief report of events:
We have had another successful season of car boot sales in support of the mill’s ongoing maintenance/repairs. The site saw a very successful RAF Open Day, a 3-day model engineering exhibition, two Classic Car Rally, Heritage Open Days, an RAF Memorial Day etc. Still to come in 2003 are the Fireworks organised by the Waltham Windmill Trust and scheduled for 1 November, and the Race Night to be held at the British Legion, Barnoldby Road, Waltham on 28 November