Alan Gifford comments: "New oak sub curb timbers were fitted before the refurbished curb and internal rack were refitted. New rollers and link bars were installed. A temporary cap was then fitted to protect the interior."
Alan Gifford comments: "The great spur wheel is all wooden and very old. It was originally fitted with a double row of wooden cogs to drive the stone nuts. These had been removed long ago and replaced with bolt on iron teeth segments. It was decided to retain the gear and to replace the segments but in order to be able to mill flour using it reinforcing plates of custom made SG iron were inserted between the arms."
Alan Gifford comments: "A temporary site work shop was set up to enable the , cap, wooden brake wheel, iron wind shaft and striker gear to be refurbished. New cast iron teeth segments were fitted to the brake wheel."
Alan Gifford comments: "Unusually there are twin drives from the fantail, plus a hand winding facility if so needed. Also visible is one of the truck wheels. All of this was taken off site and refurbished as needed."
Alan Gifford comments: "The cap is being lowered into position on the curb track. There was less than 4" clearance on the diameter of the tower and a great many steadying hands were needed."
Alan Gifford comments: "The original wooden brake wheel was strengthened and fitted with cast iron sectional teeth and new brake band, operated by the old lever mechanism. "
Alan Gifford comments: "The old vat and stone furniture were retained but fitted with a concealed stainless steel lining to satisfy Health and Safety demands."
Alan Gifford comments: "The fantail at Heage operates a pair of twin pinions on the rack inside the top of the tower. A hand cranking mechanism is incorporated, to be used if the wind direction has changed significantly since last in use. This entire system was completely overhauled by the contractors."
Photographs of voluntary work during the restoration process. A considerable amount of work was carried out including providing mechanical components, building dry stone walls and generally improving the site.
Alan Gifford comments: "Heage windmill is surrounded by dry stone walling, much of which was in a poor condition. Volunteers learnt how to do this traditional craft to cut costs. This image gives some idea of the scale of the operation."
Alan Gifford comments: "There was only a rough earth/stone floor in mill basement and this had to be levelled before a set of stone slabs could be laid in what was to become the Interpretation /reception area."