Your October 5 issue gave excellent and much appreciated coverage of the latest stage in Holgate Windmill's restoration (Wind of change). May I please clarify the published statement that City of York Council could not afford to do the work.

The city council owns the mill, and has funded that part of the restoration work which they are statutorily responsible for. This is principally the renovation of the brick tower.

Other elements of the work are being undertaken by the council and specialist contractors, but funded from the grants that the windmill's preservation society have obtained.

Most philanthropic bodies who donate money for good causes, will not give direct to local authorities. They will give more readily to registered charities like ourselves.

That is why we have been able to raise much of the money that has been spent on the mill. However, the vital contribution made by City of York Council must not be overlooked.

Paul Hepworth, Press officer, Holgate Windmill Preservation Society, Windmill Rise, York.