AVONCROFT Museum’s Danzey Green windmill was sailing again on Saturday after six years of inactivity, writes Hannah Taylor.
The much-loved attraction was given an official relaunch, complete with ribbon-cutting, following tireless work by a team of volunteers.
The ceremony began with some words from members of the team, including lead volunteer Graham Macro, museum director Zoe Williems, and collections and interpretations manager Steven Hearn.
Mr Hearn said: “Restored once again as a working exhibit, the windmill embodies the museum’s ethos of bringing history to life, delivering informative and engaging experiences for audiences of all ages.
“And as the sails turn once again, they do more than reconnect people with the past.
“They also encourage reflection and debate on the challenges we face today, including in relation to climate change and sustainability, helping to ensure our collections remain deeply relevant to our audiences.”
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Volunteers and supporters were thanked with gifts of wine and flowers, acknowledging their invaluable effort and dedication.
Original restorer Mike Field, who is also a millwright and miller, was in attendance, marking a full-circle moment in the mill’s history.
Following the ceremonial ribbon cutting, the team prepared to complete the sailing.
Despite the stubborn wind, the sailing was remarkable to watch.
It was a commemoration of the constant journey to restore and maintain the oldest working post mill in Britain.
Then, guests were offered a chance to go inside and explore the mill, learning about its history and mechanics.
Whilst the mill has been restored to a condition where it can safely operate, work is not yet finished on this incredible structure.
Picture by Hannah Taylor. s
Ms Williems said: “It’s a continuous process but you have to keep rescuing it.”
The repairs to the windmill were made possible, thanks to the generous financial support from Bromsgrove Court Leet, Bromsgrove Rotary Club, Droitwich Preservation Trust and the Midlands Mills Group. plus, donations from member and the public.
To ensure the windmill continues to operate long into the future, the milling team has reformed and together with new volunteers is being trained to safely sail the mill, preserving the centuries-old skills required to harness wind power and grind grain. Under Mike Field’s expert supervision, these volunteers will soon be demonstrating the windmill in action to the public — continuing the living heritage approach that makes Avoncroft Museum so distinctive.
Danzey Green Windmill will be sailing every Saturday from now until the end of August at Avoncroft Museum.
Visit: avoncroft.org.uk for more information on the museum and its events and attractions.
