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Swindon man builds electricity-generating windmill in garden

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Gareth Ross Buddell, 49, has used plans of a 12th century windmill to build a replica at his home in the village of Bishopstone.

And next he is looking to test its capabilities on a windy hillside, where, he says, more than 10,000 of the structures would once have been visible across the UK.

(Image: Dave Cox)

He imagines a cluster of them on the hill and said: “I think they would look fantastic. 

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“You could use them to pump up water for the farms at the top, or for heating, or you could run a line down to the school and get the school free electric. The possibilities are endless.”

Gareth purchased over 1,700 survey drawings of the Bourn Windmill in Cambridgeshire, approximated the measurements and then reconstructed a quarter-size copy in his garden.

(Image: Dave Cox)

The mill is built mainly of green oak and can rotate to be directed at the wind. He sewed the sails from a charity shop-bought curtain.

Gareth has no formal profession but briefly studied classical boat building at Falmouth Marine School and restores furniture.

(Image: Wikimedia Commons)

He said: “I am high-functioning Asperger’s (syndrome). So apparently I’m very clever. And I have always had carpentry skills.”

The mill’s generator produces 100 amps at 12 volts when spinning at its optimum speed.

But although the mill currently looks “beautiful” on Bishopstone’s High Street, the wind is insufficient to turn the sails.

(Image: Dave Cox)

Hence he will take the portable mill to higher land to test its functionality.

He envisions the windmills, which he claims are “symbols of hope and faith for the future”, being maintained by village groups.

Gareth said: “God gives you the wind; you have just got to mill it!

“A green oak windmill costs less than £500 to knock up – and it is 100 per cent renewable and recyclable.”

(Image: Dave Cox)

Gareth says the structure is “an agricultural building on farmland” and so believes it is exempt from planning permission.

“I’ve had no complaints,” he said. “The comments have all been real positive.”

Unlike wind turbines with dangerous blades that move at high speed, the sails move at a low speed.

Gareth intends to send the design to King Charles to get the eco-conscious monarch’s opinion.

He said: “I’d love to see him build a few of them.”

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