Parts of windmill being sold to raise much needed cash

Stafford construction and renovation expert Richard Weals is selling certificates with a genuine one inch piece of the oak flooring from the town's Broad Eye Windmill fastened to it.

Mr Weals is helping to restore the windmill, which dates back more than 200 years, along with a team of dedicated volunteers.

Mr Weals said: "We thought this would be a good way of helping to raise the money needed.

"People just love owning a piece of history.

"I want to give people a chance to obtain their own piece of history."

He added: "The certificates will cost people £9.95 each. I have 1,000 of them to sell.

"Hopefully interest will grow and we can sell even more."

Around £100,000 is needed to fund the restoration of the windmill and convert it into a heritage and education centre.

It is hoped the cash can be raised and spent on returning the windmill back to its iconic 1920s appearance.

New flooring needs to be fitted as well as structural changes to ensure it is safe.

Stafford Radio is based at the windmill and broadcasts programmes from the building.

Broad Eye Windmill was built in 1796 with stone from Shire Hall by John Wright, a banker. The mill had two pairs of common sails.

In 1919 the lower part of the windmill was converted into a shop. The first occupiers were the Brandon Brothers. From the early 1920's until 1931 it was a butcher's shop trading under then name of Geaorge Foster.

In 1966 the Friends of Broad Eye Windmill was formed to care for the mill with the intention of returning it to its former glory.

Open days are held at the windmill several times a year.

Anyone interested in buying a bit of history should call Mr Weals on 07979 692920 or go to richardweals.co.uk/windmill