Sails set to go back on historic mill
The £400,000 revamp of an iconic Sunderland windmill will finally be complete next week after being delayed by the weather.
Fulwell Mill will finally get its sails in the major repair scheme, which was launched after years of damage caused by bad weather.
Ironically the refurbishment was hampered by the recent winter weather causing difficulties for the country’s only specialist millwrights.
Traditional craftsmen and millwrights from Owlsworth IJP will finally be able to transport the heavy crane to Sunderland next week, to lift the final main sails onto the cap of the building to complete the restoration of the windmill.
Work is expected to last two days, after which Fulwell Mill will be handed over by Sunderland City Council to Sunderland North Community Business Centre (SNCBC), which will manage and maintain this historical heritage attraction.
Sunderland City Council Assistant Head of Service (Museums, Heritage and Arts), Trina Murphy said: “First it was heavy winds then it was heavy snow which delayed us, but now finally we’re able to get the specialist craftsmen and machinery we need on site at the same time to complete this fantastic restoration project.
“The complete set of sails is now being installed as the final piece in the historic jigsaw at Fulwell Mill, which will help restore one of our most well-known local historic landmarks and iconic part of Sunderland’s skyline to its former glory.”
Volunteer recruitment is starting now and SNCBC is keen to hear from anyone who can support it in ensuring the historic windmill is maintained for future generations to enjoy.
A training session is being delivered on Tuesday, April, 24, from 9amto 1pm, to give people an insight into the traditional skills required to maintain the mill, including areas such as inspection of the sails and machinery, maintenance and operating equipment .
If you are interested in taking part in the training or becoming a volunteer at Fulwell Mill then please contact SNCBC 0191 537 3231 9am-5pm (Please note places on the traditional skills training on April 24 must, be booked as places are limited).