Wray Common Windmill Traditional Cache
Long Man: I have made two requests for this cache to be maintained and the listing is still disabled. I feel the owner has had sufficient time to carry out the required maintenance, but has failed to do so.
Because of this I'm archiving the cache.
Andy
Long Man
Volunteer UK Reviewer - Geocaching.com
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Just off the road, can be muddy underfoot
Beware the demon nettles!
The mill, originally of brick construction was built in 1824
At one time it was known as the 'Redhill' windmill even though it has a Reigate postcode.
The Wray common windmill was the last of the Reigate mills to produce flour and stands elegantly 45 ft high overlooking this fine common.
Milling ceased in 1895.
The Cooke family, owners in the late 1800's worked the mill as well as running a bakers in Station Rd. Redhill.
Dummy sails replaced the dilapidated ones in 1928 and the mill was used amongst other things as a home to livestock.
The sails were declared dangerous and fell off in 1980, and when I moved to Reigate in 1995 the mill was a complete ruin.
The local Wray Common Schoollaunched a campaign to get the sails reinstated 27 years ago.
Subsequentely the mill has changed hands [2004] Shere restaurateur Paul Baker and family friend David Bentley bid for the disused building at an auction in Guildford. Theirs was a bid of £326,000.
A full restoration has taken place but the replacement of the sails or sweeps as they are officially known] and fantail have now been completed in December 2007 following L.A grants and a £10,000 public subscription being made available]
The final stage of the resoration work was carried out just before Christmas, with the specially made sweeps [weighing 1,956 lbs]being delivered from Finland .
The projects main carpenter Voyty Krupa pulled out all the stops to ensure the sails were installed before the Polish workforce went home for Christmas !!
Have a look at the porch of the house, a very imaginative use of oak spars.
The mill is now up for sale [£1.4 M ]so what are you waiting for? The viewing details show a very ingenious and well stocked wine cellar underneath the main body of the windmill.[not sure if contents are included in the sale!]
In December 2006 the Windmill was awarded 'best refurbishment' by The Daily Telegraph.
Latest news [Jan 2010] : The windmill is still unsold and the price has been lowered to £950,000 !!
Additional Hints
(Decrypt)
Haqre tvnag snyyra gerr