A Memorable Day Back to homepage
On 2nd February 2007 the mill was restored to its former glory by Nick and Catherine Edwards
when a new cap was lifted into place. The skyline now looks as it did over 100 years ago. The
design of the cap was based on that of Marsh Mill and was built by Neil Medcalf, a traditional
millwright from Lincolnshire. The oak beams and galvanised iron collar were made in Lincolnshire
and brought up to Pilling to be assembled in a field opposite the mill. The process took several
weeks in September and October 2006. The oak frame is covered in Cedar boarding and painted with
tar to weatherproof it. Then the wait began. Perfect weather was needed for the lift. The crane
arrived at 9.00 am and it took two hours to prepare and carry out the lift. The cap weighed 2.7
tonnes and stands 18 feet high. The two primary schools and many other villagers turned out to
watch. It was a fantastic day, bright and sunny and the crane operators made the lift look easy.
The cap has been designed so that it can be lifted off to be repaired and repainted.
The cap being built in Lincolnshire The cap parts being delivered Assembly begins
The cladding is applied The lead flashing is applied The cap is painted with tar
The lift begins Inside the cap as it is lifted into place Will it fit?
There was even a fly past!! :D The school children came to watch The result!
More photographs can be seen in the photograph section