LOCAL MAN MAKES WORKING MODEL OF BEMBRIDGE WINDMILL
Although Bembridge Windmill contains most of its original machinery dating back to the 1700s, it is no longer in working order and it can be difficult to understand how all the intricate cogs, wheels and other pieces fit together to make a machine capable of grinding flour. The National Trust
is therefore delighted to have obtained a working model of the actual mill, complete with little sacks and a wooden spade, which is now on display on the ground floor. By turning a handle visitors can make the parts move, showing how they interact together. The money for it was raised over several years by donations and from the sale of raffle tickets and the model (which is encased in Perspex) was made by Island model maker Tony Saunders. National Trust Assistant Property Manager Heather Bradshaw said ‘we are delighted with the model which we have wanted to have for years. It is a wonderful addition to the windmill and we’re sure that it will really add to our visitors’ enjoyment and understanding of the mill’.
www.nationaltrust.org/uk/isleofwight
