| HIGH SALVINGTON WINDMILL
Est. c.1756 · Grade II Listed · Furze Road, Worthing, West Sussex FRIENDS & SUPPORTERS NEWSLETTER · AUTUMN 2026 |
A WORD FROM THE TEAM
What a season it’s been! Once again the Mill has welcomed hundreds of visitors through its doors, and every visit has helped raise money to look after our wonderful working windmill. Thank you to everyone who came along, lent a hand or spread the word. There’s lots to tell you, so let’s get started.
Upgraded to Grade II* listed
We’re thrilled to share that Historic England has upgraded the windmill from Grade II to Grade II* listed. One of our directors felt the old listing was quite inaccurate, so they invited Historic England to come and inspect the building. The inspector was fascinated by the windmill and by everything we do here. Only a small share of listed buildings reach Grade II*, so this is something we can all be proud of.
You can read our new listing on the Historic England website.
Sails down for repair
August brought quite a day at the Mill! With a hired cherry picker and a big team of volunteers, we carefully lowered two of the sails and set them down on trestles. They’ll be repaired over the winter months. We’ve also bought a large marquee, so the team can keep working whatever the weather and have the sails ready in time for next season.
With warm wishes,
Lucy Brooks & Paul Minter, Co-Chairs
THE SEASON
A summer of special events
Our special events keep drawing the crowds, and this year was no exception.
Book fair: Book lovers always find something new to take home.
Classic cars and Scalextric: Our classic cars afternoon brings in enthusiasts from all over the county. On the same day, the Scalextric event gives visitors the chance to try their hand at slot car racing.
The fete: Our fete is the best-loved in the area, famous for its traditional games and morris dancers. Its old-fashioned charm keeps people coming back year after year.
Craft fair: In September, crafters from all over West Sussex filled the grounds with jams, woodwork, knitted goods, jewellery, t-shirts, cotton goods and much more. The sun shone, and plenty of visitors made a head start on their Christmas shopping.
Music at the mill: Something new this year! At the end of June, the Lancing and Sompting Concert Orchestra performed for us at the windmill. It was a fantastic afternoon. Visitors brought picnics and relaxed in the grounds while the full orchestra played light orchestral music.
FIFTY YEARS A VOLUNTEER
When the Trust was formed in 1976, a young Peter Casebow joined the experienced men who were restoring the mill. Fifty years later, Peter is 84 and still an active part of the team, sharing his advice and expertise with our volunteers. To thank him for half a century of service, the Board gave him a commemorative plaque, and one of our volunteers baked him a magnificent windmill cake. Peter is seen with his wife, Pat, and some of our volunteers.
THANKS ARE DUE
Gary Baines, Community Champion at Asda, arrives to keep our volunteers supplied with tea and biscuits – the fuel on which they work!
One of our volunteers was given a windmill-shaped biscuit. What a shame it has been eaten! But not before I snapped a picture. I hope Frank enjoyed it.
WINTER WORKS
Behind the scenes: maintenance
The mill may be closed to visitors for the winter, but the work goes on. Our amazing maintenance volunteers meet several times a month. In addition to general upkeep, their main focus this year has been the two shutter sails now under repair.
Coming soon: a bigger barn
When the sails are back in place, the team will move on to extending the barn. That will give us room for our shop and a newly refitted kitchen. We expect the work to take place during the 2027–28 closed season.
Private group visits
Did you know that as well as our regular open afternoons, we welcome groups of 10 or more for private visits? If your group would like to come along, please get in touch with Rick Vince at rickvince@highsalvingtonmilltrust.org.uk.
Mills on the Air
Every National Mills Day, we welcome members of the Worthing and District Amateur Radio Club. Using their special event call sign, GB0HSM, they make contact with other mills across the UK and beyond.
From the archives: the first insured mill
Here’s a fact to impress your friends: High Salvington was the first mill in the world to be insured against fire. That was in 1774, with the Sun Insurance Company.
In those days, there was no public fire service. Each insurance company ran its own team of firefighters, and they only protected buildings that displayed the company’s mark. No mark? Then I’m afraid your house or barn would be left to burn!
JOIN US
Could You Give a Little Time to Keep History Turning?
High Salvington Windmill is run entirely by volunteers. Every open afternoon, every guided tour, every carefully maintained sail and millstone — all of it exists because generous people choose to give their time.
If you live locally and have a few hours to spare — whether regularly or occasionally — we would love to hear from you. No specialist skills are required for many roles; just enthusiasm and a fondness for a remarkable place. You’ll find the volunteer community a wonderfully warm and welcoming one.
To get in touch, please contact Julie Gaskell or Lucy Brooks at:
enquiries@highsalvingtonmilltrust.co.uk
SUPPORT THE MILL
Become a Member
Membership of the High Salvington Mill Trust is a wonderful way to support the Mill and stay connected with everything that is happening here.
| Membership Type | Annual Fee |
| Annual — Single | £6 |
| Annual — Couple | £11 |
| Life Membership | £60 |
Payment can be made by BACS, cash, or cheque. Bank details: High Salvington Mill Trust Ltd, Sort Code: 40-47-25, Account: 81712802. You may also pay by card via our website, or at the gate on any open day. Please let us know your name and address for administration purposes.
For membership forms and enquiries, please email membership@highsalvingtonmilltrust.co.uk or write to: Membership Secretary, 69 Hayling Rise, High Salvington, Worthing, BN13 3AG.
FIND US & GET IN TOUCH
| Visit the Mill
Furze Road, High Salvington Worthing, West Sussex, BN13 3BP 3 miles north of Worthing town centre, signposted from the A27 and A24. Open afternoons: 2:30 pm – 5 pm 1st & 3rd Sundays throughout the summer |
Contact Us
General enquiries: enquiries@highsalvingtonmilltrust.co.uk Group tours — Rick Vince: tours@highsalvingtonmilltrust.co.uk Membership: membership@highsalvingtonmilltrust.co.uk Summer fête: summerfete@highsalvingtonwindmill.co.uk |
| Facebook: High Salvington Windmill · Instagram: @highsalvingtonwindmill · Web: highsalvingtonwindmill.co.uk
Kept turning by volunteers, for the community |
