Bunbury Mill Newsletter

Bunbury Mill Newsletter 17-1 Winter 2016-17

The winter is here, but our work continues:
The mill team has taken the opportunity during the winter off-season to carry out a detailed inspection of the 10-ton water wheel. This involved building a working platform in the 15 ft deep wheel pit to gain safe access.

We were disappointed, but not greatly surprised, to find that many of the wheel timbers are in a very poor state. All are seriously eroded, some are split apart, and one or two have already become detached from the locating slots in the cast iron framework.

There are 36 'buckets', each formed by three timbers- the sole board, the riser, and the ladle board. To keep the mill running, we have taken on the huge task of replacing all 108 boards before we open again to the public on 26th March.

If you would like to see what we're doing, you are welcome to come along; email info@bunburymill.com for times.
You might even like to come and help!
All the ladle boards and risers need replacement, and to remove these involves cutting off three rusted bolts on each of the 36 buckets, working from inside the water wheel. The boards can then be lifted out. Around half of the sole boards also need replacement, and this requires cutting another four rusted bolts on each.

We are replacing the boards with green English oak from a local yard. We have obtained trial samples of the replacements, and we have successfully installed one complete new bucket to establish the required procedures.
The estimated cost of the timber and replacement bolts is around £2500. The amount of work involved is large, and if we had to pay for the labour, it would multiply the cost many times. Fortunately we have a team of enthusiastic volunteers who only require tea and biscuits, and are thoroughly enjoying the challenge and satisfaction of the work.

If you are not already a Friend of Bunbury Mill, please consider signing up. The minimum subscription of £10 for a family gives you free entry for a year- go to www.bunburymill.com for details.

Events at the Mill
Although the mill itself is closed for maintenance during the winter, our Visitor Centre is still in regular use for activities organised by the mill team, and may be hired for private events.
We have also hosted wedding and funeral receptions and birthday parties.

Chris White
We report with sadness the death of our Treasurer Chris White on 25th November 2016. Chris joined the mill team in December 2012 and as well as looking after the mill's general finances, he played a major role in the preparation of grant applications, which led to the funding of a number of substantial improvements to the mill's facilities.
Chris became ill and was diagnosed with lung cancer during 2016, and died after a short sharp battle. He will be sorely missed, both as a contributor to the mill operation and as a valued friend.

New Year's Challenge
REMEMBER
MIL(N)ER BE KIEND VNTO THE POOR
AND OF THE RICH TAKE BVT THY DEV
BESHOOR ' WDM
This sign on the door of the mill was probably put there at the time of the 1977 restoration. It looks like a quotation from a pretty old source, but where does it come from? And who was WDM?

Honorary friendship of Bunbury Mill to the first person providing an authenticated answer!
YOU could have some fun helping us to maintain and run our unique heritage! All forms of help are welcomed.
Contact info@bunburymill.com

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