window.dotcom = window.dotcom || { cmd: [] }; window.dotcom.ads = window.dotcom.ads || { resolves: {enabled: [], getAdTag: []}, enabled: () => new Promise(r => window.dotcom.ads.resolves.enabled.push(r)), getAdTag: () => new Promise(r => window.dotcom.ads.resolves.getAdTag.push(r)) }; setTimeout(() => { if(window.dotcom.ads.resolves){ window.dotcom.ads.resolves.enabled.forEach(r => r(false)); window.dotcom.ads.resolves.getAdTag.forEach(r => r("")); window.dotcom.ads.enabled = () => new Promise(r => r(false)); window.dotcom.ads.getAdTag = () => new Promise(r => r("")); console.error("NGAS load timeout"); } }, 5000)
Skip to content

Men's Shed group restore 1940s replica windmill

Katy Prickett
BBC News, Cambridgeshire
Cambridge Past, Present and Future Greg Thompson from Cambourne Men’s Shed & Allan Scott Davies shaking hands. Greg on the left is wearing a black jacket over blue jumper and Allan Scott Davies is wearing a brown fleece. Behind them is the white body of the replica mill. They are standing in a field. Cambridge Past, Present and Future
Greg Thompson from Cambourne Men's Shed (left) said the project had been "challenging but enjoyable"

An 80-year-old replica of one of the oldest surviving windmills in the UK has been restored by a community group that s men's mental health.

The model of Bourn Windmill, near Cambourne, Cambridgeshire, was created by Michael Dunn in his workshop in Bristol in the 1940s, but had fallen into disrepair.

Cambourne Men's Shed stripped paint, repaired sails, replaced damaged parts and repainted the miniature building, as part of the "challenging but enjoyable project".

The fully working model will go on display alongside the original during the windmill's open days in the summer.

Cambridge Past, Present and Future Two wooden mills. The one in the background if a full size black-bodied wooden mill, sideways on with its white sails open in an X shape. The one in front is a white miniature replica, resting on a table. The mills are in fields under white clouds and blue sky. Cambridge Past, Present and Future
Michael Dunn used slats from venetian blinds to make the mini mill in his basement workshop in Bristol in the 1940s

Greg Thompson, who runs Cambourne Men's Shed, said "restoration of the replica has been a challenging but enjoyable project and many different Shedders have contributed over the past months after work began in October 2024".

The organisation is part of a UK network "providing inclusive, welcoming spaces where men can connect and contribute to local causes while ing their own wellbeing", he added.

Cambridge Past, Present and Future A white replica of Bourn Windmill. It has white sails in an X-shape attached to its peaked roof. It has a white slatted body and is resting on a white X-shaped base on a pallet. Behind the model is grass and trees. Cambridge Past, Present and Future
Volunteers Andrew Young, Tung Hau, Chris Smith, John Panrucker and Robert Thompson were able to reuse some of the original slats in their restoration

Mr Dunn was a lifelong windmill enthusiast, who photographed mills across the UK from the 1930s to 1970s, leaving behind a vast archive now held by the Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings.

"We are very pleased that it has been accepted as part of the museum and are delighted that it has now been restored by the local Men's Shed," his daughter Jennifer said.

Bourn Windmill, a Grade I listed ancient monument, is an open trestle post mill which dates back about 500 years and is owned by local charity Cambridge Past, Present & Future.

Estate manager Allan Scott Davies said the "model is more than just a charming garden feature, it tells a story of craftsmanship, family legacy, and community spirit".

Ant Saddington/BBC A black-bodied wooden mill in 2023, with its white sails open in an X shape. In front of it is a yellow sign saying 'mill open today'Ant Saddington/BBC
The replica and Bourn Windmill can be visited on 15 June, 13 July, 17 August and 14 September

Follow Cambridgeshire news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.

More on this story
Related internet links