National Mills Weekend 2008
Friends of Letheringsett Mills Tour
Thrigby Postmill and Thurne Windpump
11th May 2008
A group of Friends of Letheringsett members met at Thrigby postmill to be welcomed by Peter Gillett. Peter, the new owner of the mill gave us an informative and interesting tour of the mill assisted by his family.
Thrigby postmill - sails in the sun |
The roundhouse, buck and steps |
Inside the roundhouse of the mill was a photographic display and details of previous millers and owners along with a millstone and various milling implements and tools.
A unique artistic canvas book giving an impression of Thrigby mill in drawings, charcoal and verse was also there to browse through.
Outside the mill, one of the canvas sails used to cover the wooden sails to catch the wind to turn the sails was on view. Although the sails are able to turn, there was insufficient wind on the day of our visit.
Milling exhibits in the roundhouse |
The brakewheel |
The steep climb up the steps into the mill led to an even steeper climb up nearly vertical ladders to the top,where the brakewheel and other machinery were visible and the very last short climb gave spectacular views over the surrounding countryside.
The steep descent |
George Jeffries & Emily - tea in the sun |
Tea, coffee and homemade cakes were enjoyed in the garden as we relaxed in the sun whilst we waited for all members to complete their exploration of the mill.
Members of Friends of Letheringsett mill on the steps of Thrigby postmill, with Peter Gillett, the owner of Thrigby postmill in the blue hard hat |
The Friends of Letheringsett members continued on to The Lion at Thurne for lunch. It was then just a short stroll along Thurne dyke to Thurne drainage pump. Thurne drainage pump was open to celebrate the life of Bob Morse who saved it from dereliction and to thank The Norfolk Windmill Trust and Vincent Pargeter, a local millwright, for their help in restoring it to working condition.
Phil, Marion & Mike at lunch at the Lion |
Thurne drainage pump |
The open afternoon at Thurne drainage pump was very well attended. The mill was open to inspection and we were able to climb right up and out on to the fantail platform. St Benets level drainage pump across the River Ant was clearly visible as was the wherry Maud moored below which also open to board and view.
Dirk fine tunes the fantail |
Drainage drive shaft at Thurne mill |
Thurne mill has been recently restored to working order and is now capable of pumping water to drain the marshes. Although there was a breeze, it was not quite strong enough to catch the sails. Great efforts were made to start the sails by turning them manually and to ensure they were turned directly into the wind but with no luck.
Main drive shaft at Thurne mill |
Visitors at Thurne drainage pump |
A great day was enjoyed by all members with special thanks to Peter Gillett and his family at Thrigby postmill and to Debra Nicholson and the Friends of Norfolk Mills group at Thurne drainage pump for their hospitality and making us all feel very welcome.
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