An Update on the Mill

The final report from the contractors, Mortons, along with the costings, has now been received and is with the owners of the mill, NFDC.

 

This is an extract from a summary report:

 

Morton’s suggest that overall, the condition of the Mill is reasonable.

 

‘Structurally it can be considered to be in good condition but there are some areas of vulnerability. One area specified relates to the roof coverings – which are considered to be nearing the end of their life. It is suggested that re-roofing will be required within the next five years.’

 

The report asserts that ‘the external walls are generally in sound condition, but with areas of re-pointing and local repair necessary. Similarly, the windows and doors are in reasonable condition, but do need replacement of glazing putty with general cleaning and maintenance to the timber by re-oiling.

 

Internally, the structure is generally sound’. The consultants recommend that ‘the built in ends of the timbers are checked with micro-drilling with a specialist timber decay consultant. This will provide information on the timber and if repairs are needed. This includes exposed timber plates on the North gable of both the Bin Loft and the Stone Floor as well as the bearings on the ground floor (Hurst Floor).’

 

The Mill was operated as part of the inspection. The principal gearing was test run and carried out with the millstones engaged, but with the runner stone wound up as high as possible so no contact with the bed stone was made. The gearing was therefore not subjected to full working loads as would be experienced when milling corn, but under sufficient load for its general performance to be assessed.

 

A number of issues were identified which the consultants suggest need attention. ‘The timber bearing beams for the north waterwheel are in moderate to poor condition. However, it is asserted that a temporary intervention, compared with a full replacement, should allow the mill to return to operation.

A temporary concrete plate to fill the voiding of the undercut timber bearing beam and a spliced timber block to the east end of the north bearing beam should be adequate.

 

The short terms measures could be undertaken in the near future (subject to consent if required) and would allow the mill to be ‘idled’ for demonstration purposes. Further design development would be required on the infill between the two decayed foundation beams, the exact nature of packing materials and grout below (to allow some water flow through).’

 

In light of the above, the consultants have proposed and costed immediate (2025), medium term (the following 18 months) and long term (beyond a further two years).

 

The work planned for next year still needs funding agreed.  NFDC members of the ETME board have put the mill in the top priorities list for finding from NFDC. This will go for approval approx. February 2025 and hopefully will be approved so Morton’s can start the work to get us to at least demonstration level.

 

I will keep you updated.

 

With kind regards

 

Alison Foster

ETME Manager