The return of the Windmill’s sails

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On 15th March 2017, the renovated sails came back to Wilton Windmill.

The day started with thick mist, but gradually the sun burned it off, and we had a perfect sunny day - and virtually windless.

There was an early hiatus, as the flatbed truck carrying the restored sails stuck in good Wilton mud, but local farmer, David Lemon, came to our rescue and his huge tractor dragged it out with ease.

Our millwrights, Owlsworth IJP then remounted all four renovated sails during the day.

The Windmill Society had laid on BBQ, beer and cakes, as well as the usual coffee, tea and ice-cream from the shepherds hut. Over 100 people came up to the Windmill to witness the event, which was also extensively covered by our media friends at BBC Wiltshire Radio, The Gazette and Herald, Wiltshire Life and Penny Post.

This renovation project was essential and means that Wilton Windmill can continue to produce flour for our local suppliers, just as it has always done since 1821 (with a bit of a gap in the 20th century!).