As local charity, the Chiltern Society, starts major repair works to restore the historic Lacey Green Windmill, Trustee, Jane Hervé, looks at its importance, and vulnerability.

I consider myself lucky to be a resident of the Chilterns, a place where traces of our rich past can be seen all around us. It is special, and worth protecting. Industry has thrived in our woodlands, on our waterways and on our hilltops for thousands of years. At the Chiltern Society we care for several significant sites, including the Lacey Green Windmill, which is the oldest surviving smock mill in England (named due its resemblance an old man wearing a smock) with machinery dating back to 1650.

Mills were among the first machines, with windmills replacing the need for man, animal, or water to grind grain. Their slow decline, mainly because of the development of steam power to both grind wheat and transport it, lasted for decades. Our Lacey Green mill was producing flour until 1915. The machinery is now too fragile and precious to use, but every year hundreds of visitors climb its four floors to view the mechanism which allowed a single miller to manage the whole process of grinding the grain. Faced with collapse before – and saved by our volunteers – we are now faced with another challenge, as experts once again identified that major works are critical.

This spring we launched a major campaign to raise the £53,000 needed to replace the rotten stocks, fix internal mechanisms and restore the whole wooden exterior. We have been overwhelmed by the hugely generous support of the public and local organisations.  It is testament to past renovation works and the unfailing dedication of volunteers, that the mill has stood the test of time, and once again the passionate people of the Chilterns have stepped up to help us tackle the challenges ahead.

Our charity will be busy with the project at the Mill over the summer and still need your help to raise money for its upkeep and repairs, or get stuck in painting the sails.

Follow the charity on social media or find out more how to get involved, donate or visit the mill on our website.