Sails Removed From Wimbledon Common Windmill

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Fundraising appeal could be launched for repair bill

The skyline on Wimbledon Common has changed again as the sails have been removed from the historic windmill.

Following the recent damage to the roof of the iconic Wimbledon Windmill, caused when a sail sheared off on August 2, the remaining three sails were removed last week, to allow for inspection by millwrights, Owlsworth IJP, of Berkshire.

Repairs to the roof began today (August 19) and the Conservators of Wimbledon and Putney Commons and the Trustees of the Windmill Museum hope the roof repairs and internal decoration will be complete in time to allow the museum to re-open to visitors for the Wimbledon and Putney Commons Open Day on Sunday September 13.

The repair and replacement of the sails on the Grade II* listed structure will commence later in the year, and it's possible there could be a fund-raising appeal to help pay for the work.

Keith Luck, Chairman of the Conservators (Trustees), said: "Once the initial repairs are completed, and the Windmill has been made safe to allow it to reopen to visitors, the Conservators and the Trustees of the Museum will turn their thoughts to how best to fund the repairs to the sails and other necessary renovation. We are currently liaising with our insurers but it is possible that a fund-raising appeal will be launched for this much-loved building."

August 19, 2015