Great Chishill Windmill will be marking National Mills Weekend on Sunday 11th May, coinciding with one of its regular open days. Visitors can look forward to a special display showcasing the windmill’s rich history, along with complimentary tea, coffee, and biscuits to enjoy during their visit.
The mill is steeped in heritage, and the dedicated team behind it is not only focused on preserving the past but also looking firmly to the future. Chair of Trustees, Nigel Parslow, shared their ambitious next steps:
“Since the Trust was formed in 2011, we’ve made the mill weatherproof and structurally sound. Now, we’re planning the next stage – enabling the sails to rotate in the wind. It sounds simple, but it’s a major project. We need to replace the sails and repair or replace the windshaft bearings. We expect the work to take three to four years and cost around £200,000. But the end result will be spectacular – rotating sails for all to admire on select days.”
To help bring this vision to life, the Trust is reaching out to the wider community. With a newly launched website and strong local support, they are now seeking extra help with areas such as social media, planning permission, fundraising, guiding visitors on open days, and site maintenance. Whether it’s a few hours a year or something more regular, any support is appreciated.
If you are interested in volunteering or finding out more, email: info@greatchishillwindmill.com
The windmill is open 10am–4pm on the second and fourth Sundays of the month until the end of September. Guided tours are available free of charge, with donations always welcome.
2025 Open Days:
11th & 25th May
8th & 22nd June
13th & 27th July
10th & 24th August
14th & 28th September
For more information: www.greatchishillwindmill.com
Barley Rd, Great Chishill, Royston SG8 8SD
