Volunteers repaint sails of historic windmill

A team of volunteers have helped to paint the sails of a historic windmill.

Berkswell Windmill, near Balsall Common, was built in 1826 and it is understood there has been a mill on the site since the 10th century.

More than 25 volunteers helped to repaint the Grade II-listed windmill’s wooden sails this week – a task that needs to be done every five years.

“It’s wonderful to see that it’s going to be protected for another winter and another few years. It’s fantastic,” said Jeanette McGarry, the guardian of Berkswell Windmill.

The volunteers work for BT’s Openreach division, which runs the UK’s broadband infrastructure, and on Friday they used one of the company’s annual volunteering days to help out at the windmill.

They also helped with restoring garden furniture and other tasks on the site.

Muhammud Aaidun, a manager who was leading the volunteers, said he felt “honoured” to help maintain such a historic building.

The windmill is holding open days on the second Saturday of every month until October, where members of the public can visit. The open days are also staffed by volunteers.

“I really encourage people to come here and see the windmill – photos don’t do it any justice,” Mr Aaidun said.

The specialist paint used for the windmill’s sails was imported from Denmark and donated by AVACE, a paint company based in Brierley Hill, Dudley.

Follow BBC Coventry & Warwickshire on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to: [email protected]