WITTERSHAM, STOCKS WINDMILL RESTORATION
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Summary of the recent restoration work, 2002 - Peter Cobley In 1980, the mill was transferred to KCC and a local 'Friends of Stocks Mill' group established to help preserve the mill and open it to the public. The mill is at Wittersham on the Isle of Oxney, and is surrounded by the private gardens of Stocks Mill House, the original, now extended C16 mill house, listed Grade II. Work is now under way; the mill has been coated with traditional lead and linseed oil paint. The previous lead coating has lasted very well and once the powdering top coat had been removed, further protective coats have been easily applied. Two new sweeps are under construction. The original mill floor, badly damaged by wet rot will be revealed under a modern timber floor. It will be recorded before removal and replacement by sound boarding. Internal furniture will be replaced and the spindle beam relocated in its correct position to properly align with the stones below. It is also hoped to thin and prune trees that are overhanging the mill and damaging the paint finish.
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The photograph above shows some members of the restoration team together with volunteers from the Friends of Stocks Mill. Left to right: Peter Cobley, KCC Conservation Architect; Mildred Cookson, HLF Monitor; Anthony Hole, millwright; two members of the Friends of Stocks Mill; and a lady involved in a survey of the mill to establish whether it provided a nesting place for bats. |
