Millstones start turning at Brixton Windmill

The Windmill
The Windmill

The dedicated team at Brixton’s very own 19th century windmill have celebrated grinding flour on electric-powered millstones for the first time.

The 198-year-old mill, has was lovingly restored by a group of local enthusiasts in 2011, and last week they saw the machinery put to work for the first time.

Writing on the Friends of Windmill Gardens website, Kim Winter said: “Our millwright Paul Selwood first ran the stones during his regular maintenance visit on Friday 8 August.

DAILY GRIND: Pic by Kim Winter
DAILY GRIND: Pic by Kim Winter

After a slight hitch to do with the way the motor was set he got the stones going, and a group of Friends were able to witness the first grinding of flour since the stones were restored in 2011. All went well, and a good half a bucket of flour was produced.”

The team also managed a second go at the stones on Monday (August 11).

The Friends are currently looking for around 12 volunteers to be trained in milling the flour. Anyone interested would have to commit to several hours of work every month, and training is expected to take place in October. To find out more email info@brixtonwindmill.org.uk.