Skidby mill restoration progress 🌍

The iconic sails are returning to Skidby Mill, or rather there is some progress towards that goal. The sails were removed in 2019 after rot was discovered in the supporting beams, and the mill closed in 2020 for restoration. The restoration has been delayed due to finding more cap damage, and the busy schedule of the millwright (Tim Whiting), but the sails are due back this year. The cap has been lifted to the ground, and a replacment tailbeam will be installed, together with more weatherproofing. 3 bearings have failed, and need to be fabricated. Once the cap is repaired, inspected and repainted, it will be replaced, and the sails reinstated. Perhaps rather short-sightedly the reinstated sails will be static, without shutters, not allowed to turn. Turning sails would generally prolong their life, since it helps prevent weather ingress building up.