Berney Arms Windmill : open at last

AT LAST English Heritage has opened up the Berney Arms windmill. It may only be on Mondays during July and August, but after years of drift and delay it is undoubtedly a start. The best news of all is that English Heritage has teamed up with Steve "Tug" Wilson (see earlier posting) to make the visit possible. Now you get a great view of Breydon Water on board Steve's beautiful Southern Belle followed by what I am sure are spectacular aerial views from the top of the mill's 70-foot tower.

* To book call Steve on 07906 020225. The trips leave every Monday at 11.30am and 2.15pm.

Berney Arms Windmill: will it ever open?

AFTER three years, the restoration of Berney Arms windmill was finally completed in October 2007. So of course English Heritage have since opened it up for all to enjoy. Right? Err, wrong.

A slightly embarrassed English Heritage spokeswoman finally admitted to me this week that it has remained closed ever since the work was finished. Which kind of begs the question of why bother with the restoration work in the first place?

She went on to say however that "partly as a result of your inquiry" a new manager will start to look into the possibility of opening it up on special occasions. And to be fair in this most desolate of spots that is probably all that would be economically viable. ...Just don't hold your breath.