Five great mills

Heckington Windmill

There is no doubt that Heckington Mill is an imposing structure - the only eight sailed working windmill in the world! It is owned by Lincs County Council but operated by a group - the Heckington Mill Trustees. Originally built in 1830 for Edward Ingledew as a five sailed mill it suffered damage in a severe thunderstorm and was repaired in 1892 using eight sails from a Boston Windmill. It ceased to work in 1946, was purchased by Kesteven Council in 1953 and in recent years has undergone extensive regeneration work, the latest £1.65 million project coming to an end this spring. Situated in an interesting village with its own railway museum at the station and a tearoom and shop at the mill - this makes for a very pleasant afternoon visit. www.heckingtonwindmill.org.uk

38 This tower mill is only 53 miles from Market Deeping and for 6 months of the year it offers many rural life experiences for both adults and children to enjoy. It is the oldest mill in North Norfolk capable of working and visitors are allowed to make the very steep climb right to its top to stand on the fan-wheel platform, some 55 feet above ground, from whence there is an unrivalled view. The less ambitious can view the countryside from the outside staging at second floor level which was used by the miller to set the sails. The current mill was built in 1846 and it was more recently renovated by the current owners but it existed in several forms prior to this date. It is believed to be on the site of a post mill erected in 1769. These days the mill mechanism is not operated but you can follow the milling story through the building and its artefacts. The on-site bakery still produces the sort of bread you just want to eat on its own, plus there are tempting cakes to buy. At certain times children can make their own bread and have it baked whilst they explore other things. Outside there are museum areas for visitors to discover the past and also see a variety of farm animals. Expect any visit to last longer than you had planned…..especially if you get lured into the teashop after your exhilarating climb to the top! John Woolhouse

Bircham Windmill

Five great mills National Mills Weekend May 12th & 13th

Maud Foster Windmill

Maud Foster Windmill stands close to Boston town centre and it is the remarkable story of one family - the Reckitts. Brothers Thomas and Isaac had the Mill built in 1819 but after making improvements to the Mill, installing a steam engine to grind bones for fertiliser and a bakehouse, the business still failed in 1833 after a series of poor harvests. This did not deter Isaac Reckitt who eventually moved to Hull and entered the starch business becoming Reckitt & Sons of ‘blue’ fame. His great grandson, Basil on hearing of the Mills dereliction in the 1950s arranged for two Reckitt family trusts to finance essential repairs. He was present in 1988 to re-open the mill after extensive repairs by the current owners, the Waterfield family! This is a particularly attractive mill and it is possible to purchase organic flour and porridge oats from the mill. Call 01205 325188 or visit www.maudfoster.co.uk Image: The Maud Foster Mill partnership

Moulton Windmill

Rising up across the fen landscape Moulton Windmill claims to be the tallest working mill in the UK and one of the tallest worldwide and only just over 30 minutes drive from the Deepings! The Mill was also featured in the first series of BBC2’s Restoration with Tim Wonnacott as its celebrity advocate. It dates back to 1822 when it was built by Robert King. Its sails were damaged in a harsh gale in 1895 and a steam system was then used to power the mill. A.W. Tindall leased it from the Kings until 1920 after which the Biggadike family took it over and milled small quantities of animal feed until 1995. The Friends of Moulton Mill have restored and refurbished the Mill and it is open Thurs - Sunday and Bank Holiday Mondays from 10.00 am - 4.00 pm (Tower by guided tour only - last tour 3.00pm). Entry to The Granary Tearooms and Shop is free. More details on www.moultonwindmill.co.uk/ Image: Thomas Woolley

Cogglesford Mill

A short walk from Sleaford town centre along the towpath of the very attractive River Slea, is this historic mill. The young children with clipboards as well as some older folk, when we were there, are testament to the interest for all ages. The mellow red brick building dates from the mid-1700s but there has been a mill here since before Domesday. From the millers’ graffiti and tally marks dating from the 1600s to the mill wheels themselves, which still grind today, there is history aplenty. Special events and regular milling days which are the second Sunday during the spring, summer and autumn months, are particularly fascinating. Watching the mill in operation is a privilege. Flour and other local produce are available in the shop as well as light refreshments. Further information is available at: https://community.lincolnshire.gov.uk/ CogglefordWatermill or telephone: 01529 413671 Ros Rendell