The trustees paid for a detailed Condition Report on the state of Fulbourn Windmill.

As a result of this Condition Report the existing Windmill Trust ( not registered with the Charity Commission) approached us to see if we would consider funding the report’s recommended option:- to achieve full operation by temporarily dismantling the cap and sails and extensively repairing the smock tower. ( Option D ). If no work were done on the windmill it is likely it would collapse within a few years.

Our response was that we would support the windmill restoration as per Option D of the Condition Report, provided that the following detailed conditions were met:

1] A Charitable Trust be set up, registered with the Charity Commission, this Trust to take on the lease of the Mill and be the body legally responsible for all aspects of the Mill’s repair, use (including visits) maintenance etc. The Constitution of this Trust to be agreed by Wright’s Trustees. (Wright’s to fund setting up this Trust)

2] The above Charitable Trust to take every opportunity to minimise costs to Wright’s e.g. seeking VAT refund, seeking financial grants from other bodies/organisations.

3] A 99 year lease to be agreed between the current owner and the new Windmill Trust (see 1 above). The details of this lease to be agreed by Wright’s Trustees.  (Wright’s to fund setting up this lease)

4] Wright’s Trustees to meet the proposed “Community Champion” and agree to their appointment

5] Wright’s to have the right to employ their own architect/surveyor/etc to independently verify and approve all works and costings

6] Wright’s Trustees to see and approve every stage of the restoration program and to have the right to withdraw support at any stage. In the event of Wright’s pulling out they would fund any necessary consequent works to secure the safety of the building.

7] Wright’s financial contribution to be limited to £1million. (But see 2 and 6 above)

8] After restoration is complete the Windmill be available for visiting (general visitors or school parties) on at least 100 days per year

9] After restoration and return to corn grinding capability, a visitor friendly museum be set up in the base of the Windmill