Hardley Mill: If the cap fits....

DON'T forget that next weekend is the first chance to see the newly-restored Hardley Mill. This picture from Richard Rockley shows the moment when the cap was gingerly put into place last month. By next week the sails will be on too. It's an amazing achievement by the small but indefatigable team behind the project. So that's May 9th and May 10th.
* Read the latest on the restoration here and get more on the open day
on the team's own website.

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.