After leaving there it was a short drive up some
very narrow lanes to Crux Easton. The mill was
advertised as open but unfortunately that proved to
be incorrect. However you can walk right up to it
for close inspection. The shutters have been
removed from the sails and the fantail is currently
tied. Perhaps someone can give an update on this
mill.
Editor: The sudden and unexpected death of
John Christmas has thrown the Crux Easton plans into
disarray. I asked Tony Kirkby for an update and he
writes:
The sails at Crux Easton were removed as some were
rotten, and some ripped.
The rotten ones John Christmas sent off for
repairs; I still hope to find out who carried out
the work as there is more to be done.
All the bearing blocks were removed as they were
very slack. We were going to machine out and fit
bronze bushes to avoid rusty stains on the sails.
The rocking ring/bracket holes are also slack and
the bolts knackered; we need to drill out and fit
bronze bushes and shouldered bolts.
The tail fan is falling apart at its joints and
needs removing and repairing but it couldn't be
removed as the cherry picker wasn't high enough to
reach it last time.
The bottom main shaft support bearing is badly worn
and was due to be investigated.
