Windmill Repair Appeal Sails Past Target

Thanks to the generosity of Wimbledon and Putney Commons Friends and supporters, our Windmill Emergency Repair Appeal, launched in August, raised an amazing 130% of its £13,000 target - a total of more than £20,000, including Gift Aid!

Thank you so much to everyone who made a donation to protect this cherished landmark in our community. Your support meant we could immediately instruct the millwright to carry out the work this summer. This swift action has helped preserve the Windmill.

The crane returned this morning to reinstall the fantail, which now includes new bronze bearings that have been designed to improve its performance – the addition of grooves inside will allow the necessary grease to be able to move around the bearings and shaft preventing it from wearing away. The previous bearings were likely from the 1970’s so we expect these new bearings to last some time!

The excess funds raised will be dedicated to the future maintenance of the Windmill.

About the lightning strike and the repairs

The Grade II* listed Wimbledon Windmill was struck by lightning during the storms on 6 July 2025, damaging one of the sails and the internal electrics.

Thankfully, we had already installed lightning protection, and this prevented much more serious damage - or the total loss of the Windmill - as the electric strike was dissipated into the ground and no one was hurt.

The sail that took the brunt of the strike, and saved the Windmill, did get damaged.  Following inspection, we were advised that repairing the timber sail alone would cost nearly £2,000.

Repairing the fantail

To ensure that the sails are positioned best to capture the wind, a fantail mounted at the back of the cap (the structure that carries the sails) uses a series of gears to turn the cap into the wind.  This mechanism needs repairs, specifically the bearings that support it.  Due to the material used, the height of the fantail, and the need for a crane to remove it, repairing the fantail will cost more than £11,000.

Earlier this Spring, WPCC and the Wimbledon Windmill Museum had begun turning the sails for the enjoyment of visitors and we are looking forward to seeing the windmill in full sail again soon!