Workshop Insight Visit (morning)

Workshop Insight Visit: new sails for Kibworth Harcourt windmill

22 July 2021, 10:30 - 12:30 (BST)
Dorothea Restorations, Unit 15 Bristol Vale Trading Estate, Hartcliffe Way, Bristol, BS3 5RJ 
£35 pp 

CANCELLED

This year the SPAB is carrying out repairs to its historic windmill at Kibworth Harcourt in Leicestershire, which was gifted to the Society in 1936 by Merton College, Oxford to ensure its preservation for the future. The mill had ceased to grind flour by around 1920 and by the 1930s had become seriously dilapidated. Whilst in SPAB’s custodianship, it has been repaired a number of times. However, following partial failure of one of the mill’s sails in 2016, all four were removed for safety reasons. The repair project underway this year aims to return the mill to working condition and includes construction and installation of a new set of sails. 

This visit will combine an introductory talk by the specialist contractors for the project, Dorothea Restorations, with access to the workshop floor to see work in progress. It will give participants the opportunity to hear more about the Kibworth Harcourt repairs, the need for new sails, their design and specification, and sourcing materials to build them. Participants will learn about the difference between common, spring and patent sails and have a rare opportunity to see the partially completed sails close-up and discuss construction techniques. 

This event will appeal to professionals with a role in commissioning or specifying specialist timber work and craftspeople in timber trades or with an interest in millwrighting skills, but also to anyone with an interest in historic windmills and their care and repair. The SPAB is an IHBC recognised CPD provider and attendance certificates for CPD are available on request. The visit capacity will be limited to allow for a small group size.

Refreshments provided (tea/coffee).

Places on an afternoon (14:30 - 16:30) workshop visit are available here.

Location: Dorothea Restorations, Unit 15 Bristol Vale Trading Estate, Hartcliffe Way, Bristol, BS3 5RJ .

The closest railway station is Parson Street (request stop - no facilities) OR a taxi ride from Bristol Temple Meads. There is limited car parking available – delegates should let us know by 19 July if they wish to reserve a space: first come, first served.

PPE: This visit will take place in workshop conditions. Delegates should wear suitable clothing and sturdy footwear.

Covid Safety: Face masks to be worn (unless a delegate has an exemption); hand sanitiser provided; group size limited to allow for social distancing. 

Accessibility: The meeting room is on the ground floor.  Workshops are on the first floor, up a flight of stairs, then level.  WCs are up another flight of stairs.  No fully-accessible WC available. Please contact the SPAB before booking to discuss any special access requirements.

Booking Terms & Conditions
 

Image credit: Dorothea Restorations