Break In At Heage Windmill!
We were horrified this morning to find that persons or person unknown had broken into our much loved 220 year old Grade 2* listed six sail windmill!
The heavy west door of the mill had been forced open and damaged and there were various pieces of evidence of mindless damage, both in the mill itself and in the Undercroft where there are various mill displays used to explain the story of the mill. Access to this area had been gained through a trap door in the floor of the mill used to provide additional ventilation. An earlier attempt to force the East door had obviously failed- so they really wanted to gain access.
Our important weather station- used to determine if conditions are suitable for milling, was broken. Most distressing is the theft of a 150 year old mill bill, used to sharpen the millstones, which was already attached to the structure by a chain, since these are almost irreplaceable. It is also, unfortunately, represents a potential deadly weapon, one reason why it was chained down*. The wanton nature of the culprits was demonstrated when we found they had even scrawled in the visitor book!
The mill, which by its very nature is quite isolated, and since restoration in 2002 has previously been subject to external damage to the sails ( which cost about £10K each.) Steps have already been made to secure the property and further steps will be in hand to protect this important piece of our heritage. We find it incredible that anyone even considers damaging such an ancient monument and any information leading to the culprits will be appreciated –the police have already been on site.
The mill will open as usual on Saturday at 11-00am and on Sunday, at a similar time, we will receive a visit of various vintage American cars and trucks.
The windmill will be open during 2017 (11-00am to 4-00pm) every weekend from
April 1st until the end of October.
Admission Charges for 2017
Adults £4-00 Concessions, including Gold Cards £3-50, Children (5-16) £2-00 (parents can buy one and get one free for children in the same age group) Children under 5 are free.
Organised Adult parties of up to 10 people -£50-00. For each additional person £5-00 is payable).
School Parties and other children's groups Standard charge of £40.00 for up to 28 people (contact Lynn on 01773 715177)
See web site for more information www.heagewindmill.org.uk
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