News 2024
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OCTOBER 2024
Art Exhibition Resident Sustainability Artist, Jenny Marshall, held her first exhibition at the windmill of her work over the last year, with pictures inspired by the windmill, the wind and weather. Members of Heckington Windmill Trust were invited to a special preview event on 25th October. Jenny's work will be on display at the windmill until Christmas. OCTOBER 2024
Baking Workshop Thanks to support from Multiply and the Voluntary Services Centre, Sleaford, we have been able to run our first baking workshop. Participants learnt about bread, using our own stone-ground flour and made delicious pinwheels to take home! SEPTEMBER 2024
Family Harvest Day The sun shone for our annual Harvest family fun day, with plenty of visitors to the windmill. The engineers and millers were busy milling flour for sale and use in the bakehouse. With a demonstration of baking, spinners and weavers and shire horses, there was plenty for people to see and do. A great day out and some lovely photos! SEPTEMBER 2024
Heritage Open Days Once again we joined in the National scheme for sharing our amazing windmill with a wider audience and took part in the Heritage Open Days. Entry to the windmill was free for all for the weekend and we had an amazing response! One of our busiest weekends ever, which meant hard work for our teams, but it was lovely to see the windmill and site buzzing with activity! AUGUST 2024
Classic Car Run We were very pleased to welcome the vintage car group to the windmill who took some lovely photos of their visit. Please do come again! JULY 2024
Heckington Show Once again the windmill was represented at the annual Heckington Show, a two day agricultural and horticultural extravaganza. We are always pleased to be a part of the show, and had exhibits in the vintage vehicle section and also in the Heritage area. Thanks to all our volunteers for manning the stand and showcasing the windmill for all the visitors. JUNE 2024
Volunteer Week This week we said thank you to all our amazing volunteers for their hard work making Heckington Windmill the special place it is for people to visit and be a part of. Thank you all! MAY 2024
Launch of the Tuxford Book We were very pleased to be able to hold a launch party for the Tuxford Book. Written by a team of specialists on the history and manufacturing of engineers Tuxford & Sons of Boston. Tuxford Engineering are an important part of the mill's history, the 8 sails and machinery were originally built by the Tuxford foundry in Boston. We very very privileged to have 3 Tuxford Steam engines on site for the day, and an exhibition of the history of Tuxford & Sons, including displays of tools, artifacts and even a Tuxford wagon pulled by Heavy Horses! Thanks to everyone for their hard work to make this a very special occasion at the mill. APRIL 2024
Arrival of our new milling machine! Thanks to the National Lottery Heritage Fund and its players, we took delivery of our new electric stone milling machine. The stone mill, from Austria, was delivered to site and set up by our engineering and milling team. We now have the capacity to mill our own white flour again, and the millers are experimenting with spelt and alternative grains. The machine plays a very important part in the mills capacity to mill our own flour whilst the windmill is out of action. Come along and see our team in action - most Saturdays. APRIL 2024
The Viking Way Walk In May our Chairman Charles Pinchbeck and others joined the Rev Alan Robson on his walk along the Viking Way. Alan is walking to raise awareness of the Rural Chaplaincy, and is celebrating his 25 years as Lincolnshire's Rural Chaplain. Charles took along cake provided by the bakehouse which was much appreciated at coffee time! APRIL 2024
Countryside Lincs Held at Lincolnshire Showground, Countryside Lincs event showcases the best of the Lincolnshire Countryside. The mill had a stand in the education area and we were able to talk to lots of people about the mill, what it offers and how they can get involved MARCH 2024
Discover Lincolnshire Open Weekend We opened the doors to the windmill site for visitors from across Lincolnshire and the country to have the opportunity to visit the windmill for free and see what it has to offer . It was a very busy weekend, with many people coming to see the windmill, taste our cakes and see what was happening . The engineers and millers were in action running our engines and various mills - Thanks to the National Lottery Heritage Fund for supporting us on this event FEBRUARY 2024
Resident Artist In February we were very pleased to welcome Jenny Marshall to the windmill. Jenny is basing her work from the windmill over the course of this year and she is using a variety of media in her work. She works from all the different areas of the windmill, capturing it from all different aspects. Watch out for her next time you visit! FEBRUARY 2024
Winter Talks Our Winter Talks season started in February with some amazing talks by local specialists. Thanks to the National Lottery Heritage Fund for the funding that went towards putting these on. Talks included:
JANUARY 2024
Light up the Mill In January we were proud to support local family by lighting the mill red to promote awareness of Kawasaki disease Kawasaki disease is a condition that mainly affects children under the age of 5. It's also known as mucocutaneous lymph node syndrome |
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News 2023
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DECEMBER 2023
Visit from Father Christmas As part of our Christmas festivities, we were very pleased that Santa was able to drop in and provide a treat for all the children who came to visit. A great time was had by the children, and thanks to all our wonderful volunteers for their help in making sure that Santa had presents to hand and was ready to answer all the questions! DECEMBER 2023
Christmas Courses Thanks to the National Lottery Heritage Fund we have been able to host two Christmas willow wreath making courses, Christmas gonk making courses and also corn dolly making courses. These proved to be extremely popular and we are planning on running them again next year. Thanks to Jess Notley from Blooming Crafty and Jess Purdie from Prikli Pear for their expertise, humour and patience! OCTOBER 2023
Tuxford Engine Day Our engineers were delighted to be able to take our steam engine 'Maud' for a day out to Alan Rundall's workshop, where she was on display with two identical engines. The engineers fired Maud up and ran her, showing just how much the hard work to restore her has paid off. A great day was had by all! OCTOBER 2023
Destination Lincolnshire Awards Members of the Trust attended the Destination Lincolnshire Awards ceremony at The Engine Shed in Lincoln. In the category of Arts, Culture and Heritage, we were runners up to the International Bomber Command Centre. Many thanks to all our teams for their hard work over the year whose effort meant that we made it through as a finalist. Pictured are Charles Pinchbeck and Jo Lewin at the award ceremony. SEPTEMBER 2023
Harvest Family Fun Day An amazing turn out for our annual Harvest Family Day, with so many visitors who came to see the milling, heavy horses, Lincolnshire Longwool sheep, vintage tractors and stationary engines. Add in a baking demonstration, plus spinning demonstration, it was a fantastic day for everyone. Thank you to everyone who came and for the support from the National Lottery Heritage Fund. AUGUST 2023
8 Sail Brass The first performance of the newly formed 8 Sail Brass Band was held at the windmill over the Bank Holiday weekend A crowd of people packed the garden of the tea rooms to listen to an amazing array of music performed by a group of bands, who have come together from across Lincolnshire. What an amazing afternoon - sunshine and a few showers didn't put anybody off! AUGUST 2023
We've been nominated! We are thrilled to have been nominated for the Destination Tourism Awards that are being held in October 2023. Watch this space for the outcome - winners from each category go forward to the national awards! Good luck to all at the mill AUGUST 2023
Car and Bike Meets Both the local Porsche car group, and the 4 Riders Group visited the windmill and we took some lovely photos of their visit. They had a look around the windmill and enjoyed delicious cakes and refreshments in the Miller's House Tea Rooms. We are always happy to see special interest car and bike groups at the mill - a perfect backdrop for a great picture! |
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JULY 2023
Another Award for the Mill! We were thrilled to have been awarded the Trip Advisor Travellers' Choice Award! Travelers’ Choice, formerly Certificate of Excellence, recognizes businesses that earn consistently great reviews. Travelers’ Choice award-winners are among the top 10% of listings on Tripadvisor. Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice honors select accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently demonstrate a commitment to hospitality excellence. Well done everyone at Heckington Windmill for this fantastic Award! JULY 2023
Heckington Show Time! For the second year, we were very pleased to be able to take our steam engine Maud to Heckington Show. Having an engine in full steam for most of the day, was a real visitor attraction and we had lots of visitors crowded round for most of the day. The team on the stall worked hard all day and managed to talk to lots of people about the work that the windmill does. |
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WE ARE RECRUITING!
Heckington Windmill Trust are looking to employ a part-time Assistant Tea Room Manager
Please follow this link for a Job Description.
Applications in writing with CV to [email protected]
Closing Date: Monday 31st July 2023
Heckington Windmill Trust are looking to employ a part-time Assistant Tea Room Manager
Please follow this link for a Job Description.
Applications in writing with CV to [email protected]
Closing Date: Monday 31st July 2023
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JULY 2023
Milling Black Wheat We had a very successful day at the mill today. We milled 25kg of the Black Wheat, sieved, bagged up half of it, and distributed it to volunteer bakers to test. We also milled a further 25 kg of Oatmeal, and we milled 50 kg of wholemeal on the Hurst Frame. This is a record for us - milling three different flours, using two different mills, and three different powers sources (Maud, Paul's Crossly, and our 2xHR). We had family groups come especially to see the milling and engines, having seen it advertised on Facebook. A great day at the mill all round! |
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JUNE 2023
It's Volunteer Week! As part of the National Volunteer Week, we celebrated our volunteers by saying thank you for all their hard work and effort over the years. Big thanks to everyone who has helped out at the windmill and for making it such a special place to volunteer and to visit! JUNE 2023
Heckington Windmill At Lincolnshire Show We took Heckington Windmill stand to Lincolnshire Show in June and attended the County Agricultural Show, showcasing everything that is good about the windmill! Our team of volunteers talked to visitors over the two days and sold lots of products, whilst telling them all about the windmill and what we had to offer on site. JUNE 2023
New Photos These photos have been shared with us by Sleaford Drone Operator who has taken some stunning images of the windmill and site from above. Many thanks to them for sharing! |
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MAY 2023
Swaton Show Tractor Run We were pleased to welcome the Swaton Show Tractor Run to the windmill. Part of the annual local village show (which includes the International Egg Throwing Championship!), is a tractor drive out to the windmill and back. Tractors and vintage vehicles gather at the windmill for a coffee and cake break, before heading back to Swaton village. MAY 2023
New - Stoneground Oat Flour! We are very pleased to announce that we are now producing our very own stoneground oat flour. This is made using a farm mill, powered by a stationary engine. The rolled oats are passed through the millstones, which grind it to a find flour, ready for baking. Whilst our oat flour cannot be classed as gluten free due to the environment in which it is made, Oat Flour is very low in gluten. For sale in our Shop at the Windmill or via our website Shop. Download our recipe leaflet here MAY 2023
The Big Help Out! To mark the occasion of the Coronation of His Majesty King Charles, we joined in The Big Help Out! Promoting and recruiting new volunteers we opened the windmill and site free of charge. The mill was open on Monday 8th May, with steaming, milling of oat and wheat flour, baking demonstrations and activities for all. A really busy day and thanks to everyone who came, and special thanks to those who signed up to become a volunteer! MAY 2023
The Coronation! On the occasion of the Coronation of His Majesty King Charles, the windmill streamed live the coronation for everyone to see and we opened the site for visitors. Lots of decorations and bunting was put up to celebrate our new Monarch. MAY 2023
Sonia Celebrates 100 On 1st May, long-standing volunteer Sonia Pacey celebrated her 100th Birthday at the windmill with Afternoon Tea for over 40 of her family and friends. Sonia has been making jam and marmalade for the windmill for over 20 years, and at 99 years old she has decided to finally hang up her hat! A big thank you to all her family for their kind donations to the windmill to mark Sonia's 100th Birthday APRIL 2023
Heckington Windmill hosts Lincolnshire Breadbasket Event We were thrilled to be asked to host this year's Lincolnshire Breadbasket event where discussions took place around the availability of wheat, local farming and milling. Members attended from across Lincolnshire and included, farmers, bakers, millers and food producers and outlets A great day of learning was had by all. APRIL 2023
Heckington Windmill attends Countryside Lincs We were very pleased to be invited to attend the Easter event at Lincolnshire Showground, Countryside Lincs, where everything about Lincolnshire is celebrated. Our new Engagement and Development Officer Toni, attended the event with some of our handling collection boxes, enabling families to learn about milling and the windmill heritage. |
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MARCH 2023
New Member of the Windmill Team! We are thrilled to announce the appointment of Toni Borg who is joining us on a 3 year contract funded by the National Heritage Lottery Fund. Toni's role is Engagement and Development Officer and her role will be to work with the volunteer teams, recruiting and training volunteers, organising events and activities at the windmill. We would like to welcome Toni to the team, and are really looking forward to working with her. FEBRUARY 2023
Windmill model goes on show When the engineering team found an old concrete windmill, they decided to put it back together and get it working again. The team restored the mill, fitting new sails, fantail and parts and it is now on show welcoming our visitors to the site. Pictured is Geoff Stead who is a member of the team of restorers. WE ARE RECRUITING! Heckington Windmill Trust are looking to employ a part-time Heritage Engagement and Development Officer starting in February 2023 for 3 years. |
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News 2022
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DECEMBER 2022
Father Christmas at the Mill! Over the weekend of 3rd and 4th December, we held our annual Christmas event with a visit to Father Christmas being the highlight of most children's visit. He was helped out by his elves and managed to hand out over 60 presents to the children who visited! OCTOBER 2022
Sonia Retires! On 1st October 2022, long-standing volunteer Sonia Pacey produced her very last batch of homemade preserves for sale in the shop at the mill. Sonia has been making jam and marmalade for the windmill for over 20 years, and at 99 years old she has decided to finally hang up her hat! Everyone wishes her the very best and we send a big thank you to her for all her hard work and dedication over the years. SEPTEMBER 2022
Heckington In Bloom Many congratulations to the Heckington in Bloom team for winning the Silver Award in the small town category this year. Everyone at the windmill is so proud to be a part of this and many thanks to the exceptional hard work of the gardening team (and others!) for making the site look amazing for the whole of the summer. Plans are already underway for 2023! SEPTEMBER 2022
Harvest Family Fun Day We were thrilled by the number of people who came to our annual Harvest Family Day at the end of September! It was an amazing day and everyone thoroughly enjoyed the atmosphere around the windmill. With tractors, vintage machinery, rare breed sheep, spinning & weaving and salt dough making. The highlight was the working shire horses in the adjacent field - a wonderful sight! We had a record number of people into the windmill. Thanks to everyone who came and special thanks to our volunteer teams who worked so very hard on the day to make sure everything was right for our visitors! SEPTEMBER 2022
Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II It is with profound sadness that we have heard the news of the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. At this sad time, we express our deep condolences to the Royal Family and send our thoughts to King Charles III. We offer our deepest gratitude to Her Majesty for her exceptional service to the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth throughout her lifetime. AUGUST 2022
Cycle Friendly Accreditation Awarded! We are very pleased to announce that we have been awarded Cycle Lincolnshire Accreditation for being Cycle Friendly! The award is given to establishments who have passed the criteria for welcoming cyclists, providing storage and repair equipment. Drop in and see us on your next trip! JUNE 2022
National Lottery Heritage Fund Grant Award! Heckington Windmill Trust are delighted to announce a grant has been awarded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund for a 3 year Engagement and Development Project. Read the full press release here..... MAY 2022
Tractors at the Mill The annual memorial tractor run on Sunday 8th May started in Swaton and finished at the windmill. Over 50 tractors, vintage vehicles and cars traveled around South Lincolnshire countryside before arriving at the windmill just in time for lunch! As well as tractors we also had a display of vintage stationary engines, and Maud our steam engine was in full steam. MAY 2022
8 Sail Saunter The inaugural Heckington 8 Sail Saunter Road Race took place on Sunday 22nd May. With over 80 runners taking part, the race started and finished at the windmill. A rather windy race meant that times were a bit lower than anticipated, but a great day was had by all. Watch this space for the 2nd 8 Sail Saunter next year! APRIL 2022
Pocklington Family Reunion Hollie Pocklington from the Louth branch of the Pocklington family has written a book on their family history and decided hold a launch party Heckington Windmill! Our windmill was purchased and restored to working order with 8 sails in 1890 by her ancestor John Pocklington. The Pocklington family, who have a long history of milling and baking, spent a lovely day at the windmill catching up and having a good look around the mill. |
Sonia with Chairman Charles Pinchbeck and her last batch of jams
Photos courtesy of Rob Savage
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News 2021
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NOVEMBER 2021
Mini Millers The first Mini Millers session was a great success, with 13 children taking part! They started with a tour of the windmill learning about making stone-ground flour and had a go themselves with the hand turned quern stone. Then it was into the Bakehouse to make their very own batch of Chocolate Chip Muffins. After a quiz, the muffins were fresh out of the oven and ready to take home! The next session is making Salt Dough Christmas Decorations JULY 2021
Maud's First Outing Steam engine Maud had her first trip away from the mill to Heckington Show at the end of July! She took pride of place at the show in the stationary engines display, running in full steam for all the visitors to see. Lots of people came to see her and were so pleased to be able to view her close up in action. The mill also had a stall in the Heritage area of the Show where our team shared their love of the windmill with visitors. |
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JULY 2021
Steaming Day The sun was shining on Saturday 3rd July when Maud had her first outing of the year. She was in full steam, and we had a lovely selection of other engines on display. The hurst frame was running and the team were milling flour on the ground floor of the mill. A great day was had by all. Watch out for other steaming & milling days coming soon! |
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March 2021
New Tea Room Manager! We are really excited to welcome Liz Ward to our team as our new Tea Room Manager for the Miller's House Tea Rooms. Liz will be developing new menus and getting the Tea Room ready for you to visit later this Spring. I am sure you will join us in wishing Liz a warm welcome. News 2020October 2020
2nd Grant Award for Windmill Thanks for a grant from Museum Development East Midlands we employed Catering Consultant John Payne of Alchemy Consultants to carry out a review of our catering operation. Under John's guidance the team on site are looking at a new menu and plans for the Tea Room in the Spring. We also hope to have a new Tea Room Manager in post shortly. Watch this space for more information July 2020
Windmill Reopens after lockdown We are pleased to be able to reopen the windmill after the Covid19 lockdown which started in March. We have received a grant from Heritage Lottery Fund which has enabled us to open the site safely and make contingency plans for the future. We have installed hand sanitiser stations, an increased cleaning regime, more space around tables, screens and a booking system for windmill visits. Please do come and support us - we look forward to seeing you soon! January 2020
Grant Award for Mill We are pleased to announce that we have received an AIM Hallmarks Grant Award, supported by Arts Council England, of £5000. AIM, the Association of Independent Museums has awarded this grant to enable us to refurbish and replace our retail units in our shop. This will give us more space for some new, exciting stock lines ready for the summer months. News 2019September 2019
Another Award for the Windmill! We were really pleased to find out that the BBC Countryfile Magazine has voted our Miller's House Tea Rooms number 2 in their "Top 7 Quirky Tea Rooms in the Country". How wonderful is that?! September 2019
Lots to see at our Harvest Weekend Despite the blustery weather, it was lovely to see lots of people at our Harvest Weekend. There was plenty for families to see and do, including Lincolnshire rare breeds (Lincoln Longwool Sheep and Lincolnshire Buff Poultry), vintage machinery, our steam engine Maud, plus demonstrations and stalls local craftsmen and women. Free entry for children into the windmill encouraged plenty of people to explore our unique 8 sailed windmill. August 2019
Milkshake Monkey visits the windmill! Channel 5 Children's television star Milkshake Monkey visited Heckington Windmill in the summer, where he was learning all about the wind and windmills. Watch out for the two episodes which will be screened in the autumn May 2019
Heckington Windmill wins TWO prestigious awards We are very pleased to announce that Heckington Windmill has been the 2019 Project of the Year Award & the Building Conservation Award at the recent RICS East Midlands award ceremony. Thanks to our architects Cowper Griffiths of Cambridge, local builders Newman Moore and the entire professional and project teams. April 2019
Since the damage to the machinery in the cap and stones, we have been unable to turn the sails and mill. But we are very pleased to announce that we are now milling again! The installation of our Hurst Frame and the Ruston Engine which drives it has been successfully completed by our engineers and millers. Theses stand-alone millstones and their engine mean we are now producing our own wholemeal flour independent of the wind. The flour is being used in our Bake House and is for sale in the shop. As the Hurst Frame cannot produce white flour, we are buying it from our friends at Sibsey Trader Windmill, and dressing it in our Bolter. The work needed to repair last year’s damage to the windmill machinery has been costed and we now await confirmation of when the work will be carried out, so we can again turn our sails to the wind March 2019
Heckington Windmill Awarded Museum Accreditation We are very pleased to announce that Heckington Windmill has been awarded with official Museum status from the Arts Council England. This is wonderful news and a credit to everyone who has worked so hard to achieve this award. |
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News 2018
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June 2018
High winds damage the windmill Storm Hector arrived in Heckington last weekend and unfortunately caused some damage to the windmill. The millwrights have assessed the repairs and are in contact with Lincolnshire County Council (who own the windmill) to set a time frame for the repair work. Until this time we are unable to mill our own flour, but Sibsey and Alford windmills have very kindly agreed to keep us supplied with stone-ground flour until we can start to mill our own grain again. June 2018
HECKINGTON WINDMILL TRUST RECEIVES QUEEN'S AWARD! We are very pleased to announce that Heckington Windmill Trust has been awarded the QAVS - Queen's Award for Voluntary Services. This is known as the MBE for voluntary groups and it is a very great honour to all the volunteers and members at Heckington Windmill that the Trust has been given this award. Read more here... 
Volunteers celebrate the Queen's Award for Voluntary Service - June 2018
March 2018
In memory of Pete Lett who was tragically killed recently, The Windmill Trust are going to install a Defibrillator at the mill which will be accessible for public use. Whilst having a Defibrillator on site would not have saved Pete, we think having one placed south of the level crossing would be good for the those living around the mill. We are hoping to raise the funds for the cost of the defibrillator which is £600; if you would like to make a contribution, you can leave it with the staff at the windmill during opening hours on a Friday, Saturday or Sunday 11am to 4 pm or post it in an envelope through the Miller’s House front door. We also have a book of condolences available in the Piggeries for people to share their thoughts and memories of Pete. February 2018 Heckington Windmill suffered a very sad loss on Sunday 25th February, when engineering volunteer Pete Lett died after a tragic accident at the mill. Pete will be missed enormously for his enthusiasm and experience and most of all his kind and good nature. Our heartfelt condolences go out to his wife and daughters. |
Members of the Trust were invited to attended a Royal Garden Party on 31st May
Donate Here
You can donate towards this fund online. Thank You 
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Safe Arrival of "Maud"
January 2018 We are very pleased to announce the safe arrival of "Maud", a Tuxford Steam Engine on loan to the Trust. As an historic part of the history of the windmill and Lincolnshire, the Tuxford engine is a true gem and we are very pleased to be able to share her with all our visitors! |
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Events & News 2017
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Royal visit by HRH The Princess Royal
October 2017 We were extremely honoured to welcome HRH The Princess Royal, Princess Anne to the windmill to formally open the Heckington Windmill Regeneration Project on Friday 13th October. The Princess Royal spent almost two hours on site looking around the regenerated buildings and exploring the windmill. Over 300 invited guests and visitors watched her unveil a plaque, formally opening the completed project works, before being presented with a hamper of Heckington Windmill products, presented to her by Sonia Pacey and Marc Millward, our oldest and youngest volunteers |
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MAY
BUILDING WORKS COMPLETE We are very pleased to announce that the main contrator Newman Moore has completed the building work on the main visitor buildings on site. We will now start on the fitting out of the internal spaces ready for the summer. The buildings are looking fabulous and we are extremely pleased with the quality of the work completed. APRIL
MILLER'S HOUSE TEA ROOMS RE-OPENS The Easter Holiday weekend saw the re-opening of The Miller's House Tea Room with visitors flocking to the windmill. The staff and volunteers in the Bakehouse and Tea Room were very busy making and serving our homemade cakes and produce in the newly refurbished tea room. Visitors enjoyed homemade cakes served in the Miller's House and also in the courtyard at the front of the windmill providing the perfect view of the windmill in action. JANUARY
WORK CONTINUES ON SITE The builders are hard at work on site, with the roof going onto the toilet block and clearance of the granary and cart shed ready for work to start on the visitor centre. The footings are being dug on the mill house extension and the old kitchen has been removed ready for the refurbishment inside. Some lovely aerial shots of the site by Kevin Bourne of 1-4-U Media in Billingborough who has taken these from a drone mounted camera. Watch out for more of his shots including a 360 view of the windmill! |
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Events & News 2016
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DECEMBER
FATHER CHRISTMAS VISITS THE MILL Despite the cold and wet weather, and the building work on site Father Christmas managed to make it to the windmill. He set up his grotto in the nissen hut and helped by his elves handed out presents to visiting children. OCTOBER WORK CONTINUES ON SITE The builders are hard at work on site, with the roof going onto the toilet block and clearance of the granary and cart shed ready for work to start on the visitor centre. The footings are being dug on the mill house extension and the old kitchen has been removed ready for the refurbishment inside. Some lovely aerial shots of the site by Kevin Bourne of 1-4-U Media in Billingborough who has taken these from a drone mounted camera. Watch out for more of his shots including a 360 view of the windmill! SEPTEMBER
THRESHING WEEKEND SUCCESS The annual Threshing weekend saw over 800 visitors to the windmill site, who were able to enjoy a variety of activities including many stalls from local traders. Displays and exhibits of stationery engines and farm machinery, including the working steam powered threshing machine which thrashed our corn for the coming year. New this year was a baling machine set up at the rear turning the wheat stalks into straw bales. A baking demonstration was held in the newly refurbished bakehouse and it was the last busy weekend for the Miller's House tea rooms before closure for the winter for it's refurbishment. The bakehouse will serve as a temporary tea room over the winter. 2ND PHASE OF BUILDING WORKS STARTS - SEPTEMBER 2016 The building work to convert the granary, cart shed and garage into a visitor centre and toilets has started on site and is due for completion in Spring of 2017. This marks the second part of the building work on site with the work on the Mill House following on later in the year. Come along and see for yourself the exciting work that is taking place! UNE
HERITAGE LOTTERY GRANT APPROVED! A 7 year campaign by Heckington Windmill Trust has raised a staggering £1.7m which will see the world’s only working 8-sail windmill developed into as a top class visitor centre celebrating the county’s food and engineering heritage. Funding has come from over a dozen organisations across the UK with a whopping £1.4m from the Heritage Lottery Fund. Over 95% of the money has come from outside Lincolnshire which is great news for the county and shows the national importance of our project. It’s a tremendous achievement by the local community and thanks to everyone's continued hard work and commitment to the project. JUNE WORKING TOWARDS MUSEUM ACCREDITATION Heckington Windmill is very proud to have been appointed "Working Towards Museum Accreditation" status by the Arts Council. Michelle Adams, the Trust's Collections Manager had submitted a very comprehensive application at the end of last year and we have recently heard that we were successful. The Trust now has a year in which to implement the requirements which will enable people to explore collections for inspiration, learning and enjoyment. MAY BAKEHOUSE COMPLETION We are very pleased to have finished the renovation work on the bakehouse. We now have a fully fitted out professional baking kitchen with demonstration room. New storage, heating and decoration complete the fit out. The baking group are already making good use of the building, busy baking cakes for the Millers House Tea Rooms. Come along and see for yourself. Try the cakes or join the baking group! APRIL WINDMILL OPEN EVENING Friday 29th April Over 100 people came to our open evening at the village hall where we will showcased the very best that the mill can offer. The evening included a baking demonstration, updates on the Regeneration Project, free tasting of cakes & goodies baked by the mill house tea rooms and Heritage presentations by the Village Trust and Heckington St Andrew's church. MARCH
WORK STARTS ON SITE Building work has started on the Bakehouse conversion work the builders, Lindum Group working hard a converting the old offices into a fully useable bakehouse and kitchen with a flexible demonstration and hands-on baking area. Plans are already underway for a launch at the end of May and a baking group is being formed to take on the development of special produce to sell in the Miller's House tea rooms. If you love baking, demonstrating or just want to have a go, contact Veronica Marris to find out more about the baking group. |
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MARCH
VISIT LINCOLNSHIRE OPEN WEEKEND
12 & 13 March 2016
We were very pleased to welcome over 600 people to the windmill at the weekend! Visitors were given free entry to the mill as part of the wider Visit Lincolnshire Weekend. People enjoyed the first of the Spring sunshine and enjoyed fresh cakes and produce baked by the Mill House Tea Rooms team. Specialties included Lincolnshire Plum Porter fruit loaf made with 8 Sail Damson Porter brewed by the 8 Sail Brewery next door.
HLF PROJECT UPDATE
We are very pleased to confirm that work has started on the refurbishment of the Bakehouse. Plans include a full demonstration and hands-on baking room, together with a professional kitchen & bread ovens.
Come along and see what's happening a the windmill!
BAKING GROUP
As part of the works, we are putting together a baking group of people interested in baking, bread & cake making, who will meet on Fridays to try out new ideas and recipes for the windmill tea rooms. All made with Heckington Windmill flour of course!
Contact Veronica or Laura at the Tea Rooms for more information or Read more here....
[email protected]
VISIT LINCOLNSHIRE OPEN WEEKEND
12 & 13 March 2016
We were very pleased to welcome over 600 people to the windmill at the weekend! Visitors were given free entry to the mill as part of the wider Visit Lincolnshire Weekend. People enjoyed the first of the Spring sunshine and enjoyed fresh cakes and produce baked by the Mill House Tea Rooms team. Specialties included Lincolnshire Plum Porter fruit loaf made with 8 Sail Damson Porter brewed by the 8 Sail Brewery next door.
HLF PROJECT UPDATE
We are very pleased to confirm that work has started on the refurbishment of the Bakehouse. Plans include a full demonstration and hands-on baking room, together with a professional kitchen & bread ovens.
Come along and see what's happening a the windmill!
BAKING GROUP
As part of the works, we are putting together a baking group of people interested in baking, bread & cake making, who will meet on Fridays to try out new ideas and recipes for the windmill tea rooms. All made with Heckington Windmill flour of course!
Contact Veronica or Laura at the Tea Rooms for more information or Read more here....
[email protected]
Events & News 2015
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SEPTEMBER
THRESHING WEEKEND Glorious weather meant that this year's annual Threshing Weekend held on the last weekend in September was a tremendous success with lots of visitors and activities at the windmill. The threshing machine was in action providing a trip down memory lane for everyone and more importantly providing the windmill with grain ready for milling. Grown locally, this grain will be ground at the windmill over the next year and used in all the tasty bread and cakes on sale in the tea rooms. The flour produced (white, wholemeal, bran and self-raising) will be on sale in the windmill during the year. ROLLING STONE BEER LAUNCH Friday 25th September saw the launch of the first ever beer made at the 8 Sail Brewery that was made using locally grown barley, malted in nearby Grantham, ground at Heckington Windmill and brewed next door at the brewery! A National or perhaps even an International first! The light ale was launched on Friday evening to a large crowd of supporters and beer aficionados, and received an excellent response. The launch was the start of the annual Threshing Weekend which takes place at the mill over the weekend. HARVESTING THE WHEAT FOR THE MILL The binder (and combine) were in action recently cutting the sheaves of wheat that will be used at the Threshing Weekend on 26th & 27th September. The wheat is cut by traditional binder to provide the sheaves required for the threshing machine. The wheat will be threshed on site using a traditional steam powered thresher and the corn used in the windmill for the next year to grind into flour. Come along and see it in action 11am - 4pm Saturday & Sunday 26 & 27 September FLOUR TRAVELS TO WARWICKSHIRE! This must be bespoke breadmaking at its best - Heckington Windmill (Lincolnshire) flour is transformed into one of Crustum's excellent loaves - Nick the owner and master baker at Kenilworth's very own artisan bakery shows off one of the two loaves he very kindly made today from flour I brought back last week from Attract Marketing's windmill client near Sleaford - both Crustum and Heckington are well worth a visit! AUGUST
REMINISCENCE DAY AT THE MILL Saturday 8th August saw a large number of visitors at the windmill who came along to share their memories and stories about the windmill and Heckington village. The Sleaford U3A group who are working with the Windmill Trust had put together displays and a collection of artefacts to help jog memories of the past. Any stories or information or items that you have are always welcome. Contact Lesley Pinchbeck who will be pleased to help. Email: Lesley Pinchbeck or phone 01529 460306 JULY
TRIP ADVISOR CERTIFICATE OF EXCELLENCE WINNERS! Heckington Windmill was very pleased to receive Trip Advisor's Certificate of Excellence for 2015. Visitor reports that have contributed to our award include "This is a very special windmill and is run by the community. The best bit according to my husband is the micro brewery next door selling very nice local beer. Also a cafe selling very nice and reasonable priced food" and "We absolutely loved this mill. We were lucky to be there on a windy day and it was amazing to see it in beautiful, noisy, powerful action. That really made the visit. The volunteers were friendly and knowledgeable, and there is a mixture of information signs or people happy to explain what they are doing" JUNE
HECKINGTON WINDMILL TRUST AGM The 32nd Annual General Meeting of the Trust was held on Friday 19th June at the Bakehouse. 22 members attended the meeting, which was followed by two short films clips. One showing the BBC Countryfile clip from last summer when the sails were removed and the other an old film showing the decline of windmills in East Anglia in the 1930's, including some old footage of Heckington Mill. A copy of the Annual Report is available here... ARRIVAL OF HURST FRAMES Sunday June 14th saw the arrival of two new (old) Hurst Frames on site that have been loaned to the Trust. The first is on loan from Peter Ireland who has given permission for this frame to be installed on the ground floor of the windmill, which, with the recently acquired Ruston oil engine, will allow us to mill even when there is no wind. The second is an old iron farm mill which will be a portable set of mill stones for outside milling. On loan from , this frame and set of stones requires some work to get it up and running again. MAY
A very busy Whitsun Bank Holiday weekend included "Boozy Bread" Baking Demonstrations using beer from the 8 Sail Brewery. Sherry made a plum loaf using Damson Porter with a recipe supplied by Tony the brewer. She also made beer soda bread using kibbled beer from the brewery topped with apple & cheese. There were plenty of samples for everyone and Tony did a roaring trade in Damson Porter and Kibbled Beer for people wanting to take home and try their hand at baking. We also had almost 700 visitors to the site over the weekend, who visited the Vintage Fair & Flea Market BAKERIES USING MILL FLOUR We have taken delivery of our first loaves of bread baked especially for the mill, by Welbourne Bakery, Lincoln. They have been using our stone-ground flour to produce loaves which will be used in the tea rooms. We are selling our flour to Welbourne Bakery and also to Shrub and Grub at Thorpe Latimer, Sleaford. Also Sonya Hundal, artisan baker of Greenfields Bakery tested our flour and reports that it "produced a good firm dough when used with a sourdough levain and a small percentage of rye flour. Produced highly fragranced rolls, great colour and bursts. The children found them delicious, even the 'burnt' bits which I explained bakers' like to refer to as caramelisation" BLOOMING MARVELOUS! May bank holiday weekend brought sunshine and showers, but despite the wet weather, the mill was busy with visitors. On Sunday Sherry Forbes gave a fantastic baking demonstration on how to make cakes using flowers. She also baked a Flower Loaf using windmill flour. Pictured are some of the visitors having a go at decorating the cakes. APRIL
SELF RAISING FLOUR NOW ON SALE We were very pleased to take delivery of the specially made self-raising flour "tumbler", which has been made by Geoff Stead. This hand-made, wooden barrel is used to mix our own stone-ground white flour with baking powder to make self-raising flour. Following intensive testing of the flour, we are now pleased to include Heckington Windmill Self-Raising Flour as part of our growing product line. This, and all our other products are available to buy from the windmill. The VOLUNTEERS MEETING held on 17th April saw over 20 volunteers, new and old attend to hear about the updates on the regeneration project and to discuss the plans and ideas for the future. On Saturday 18th April the Lincolnshire British 2 Stroke Motorcycle club met at the mill for a rally and tea and cakes at the mill house. VINTAGE CAR RALLIES MEET AT THE MILL Saturday 26th April saw three different groups meet at the windmill as part of National "Drive It" day which encourages owners of old and vintage vehicles to take to the roads. We were very pleased to welcome Lincs Rover Club , The Triumph Sports Six Club and the Austen A30/A35 Club Lincs Group. ESCAPE TO THE COUNTRY FILMING AT THE MILL Tuesday 14th April It was fantastic to watch Jim and the team with the 'Escape to the Country' film crew this afternoon. The bread and biscuits were all made fresh this morning by Linda Hewett, Fulbeck Bread - one of our volunteer baking demonstrators. Jonnie Irwin who presents the programme sampled some of the baking during a break from filming which took place all afternoon. The programme will be shown during the autumn on the BBC. ... oh yes and the bread was delicious EASTER SPECIAL EVENTS & OPEN WEEKEND The Bakehouse - Baking Demonstrations! The Easter bank holiday weekend was busy in the Bakehouse, with a variety of tasty treats being baked over 3 days, using our very own Heckington Windmill Flour. On Friday and Monday Sherry Forbes demonstrated how to make Greek Easter Bread, the demonstrations were very lively, full of laughter and enjoyed by all. The lemon and orange zest added that extra final ingredient to an unusual but delicious bread, and the egg on top was divine. The feedback was 'fabulous demonstrator' and 'delicious bread and the egg is the best I've ever tasted' Nicky Bellamy demonstrated how to make Ginger Cake, Shortbread and Fruity Flapjack on Saturday, WOW .. what a combination. Simple and quick recipes using our very own flour, and ingredients that you have in your cupboard at home, everyone can have a go at making these. The feedback from the was 'incredible food' and 'very tasty' ..... the volunteers soon finished anything that was left .. the Ginger Cake being a particular favourite of the millers ! EASTER AT THE MILL Easter was very busy at the windmill with over 500 visitors to the windmill! The Easter egg hunt around the windmill proved to be very popular with our younger visitors who were each rewarded with a chocolate egg for finding the hidden eggs. The Mill House was busy serving tea and cakes, with the new picnic benches in the garden being used for the first time with the wonderful Spring weather APRIL ARRIVAL OF RUSTON OIL ENGINE! As well as a very busy Easter holiday, we had plenty of visitors turn up to see the arrival of our new Ruston Oil stationery engine on Good Friday. This has been purchased using a grant from the Arts Council and will be installed in the cart shed and used to power a set of mill stones on the ground floor of the windmill. This will mean that not only will we be able to mill when there is little or no wind, we will also be able to provide access to milling for those less able to climb the narrow stairs up the windmill tower. MARCH
DISCOVER LINCOLNSHIRE WEEKEND Saturday 28 & Sunday 29 March Open 12 noon - 4pm FREE Admission all weekend! FEBRUARY
HOLY TRINITY SCHOOL VISIT Holy Trinity School at Tattershall visited the windmill in February 2015 - comments and photos from their visit show what a wonderful time they had. They said that "the baking demonstration was amazing and the link between the making of the flour in the mill and how the wind pushes the sails and the stones grind the grains and the food baked was made really clear to the children" See their website for pictures of the day: Holy Trinity-Oak Class visit & Holy Trinity-Willow Class visit JANUARY
WORK STARTS ON SITE! 2nd January Work started on site with Boston Asbestos clearing the old roofing from the Granary and cart shed to make the area safe. The next step is to remove the remaining asbestos roofing from the bake house and brewery and replace with a new galvanised roof. Events & News 2014FATHER CHRISTMAS AT THE MILL
Saturday & Sunday 13th & 14th December Father Christmas was at the windmill with presents for all children. HALLOWEEN WEEKEND SPECIAL 1st & 2nd November The mill was open all weekend and with the mill dressed in its best cobwebs there was a special spider hunt for the children. The mill saw plenty of visitors over the unseasonally warm weekend and we were milling on both days with baking demonstrations in the bake house. BROWNIES VISIT & MORRIS MEN
11th October 2014 The local Brownie pack had a treat during the recent visit to the windmill with the arrival of Grimsby Morris Men who performed in front of the windmilll for the Brownies. The Morris Men had made a surprise trip to the windmill and included a tour of the brewery, which they all very much enjoyed! Pictures show the Morris Men with Brownies. THRESHING WEEKEND A BIG SUCCESS
4th & 5th October Over 600 people attended this year's threshing weekend giving an all time record attendance at the windmill on the Sunday. Despite the poor weather and rain on Saturday, crowds turned out in numbers on Sunday to watch the steam powered threshing machine in action. In addition to the many stalls, there were also displays of vintage tractors and stationery engines, baking demonstrations in the bake-house, WWII display of memorabilia in the mill house and short-wave radio operating in the courtyard. 8 SAIL BREWERY GREEN HOP BEER FESTIVAL 4th & 5th October Whilst the threshing weekend was the highlight for the windmill, the brewery were holding a Green Hop beer festival over the weekend. Visitors were able to tour the brewery and sample the different beers on offer. The brewery shop was also open for sales. BREWERY WINS AWARD! Celebrations were also underway for the 8 Sail Brewery who have recently won 2 Golds and a Silver at the recent SIBA (Society for Independent Brewers) Awards Read more here.... NEW SAILS LAUNCHED!
1st October 2014 Over 150 people gathered to celebrate the official launch of new sails at an evening event on 1st October. Patron of Heckington Windmill Trust & Lord Lieutenant of Lincolnshire, Mr Tony Worth, officially started the sails, aided by Mr Nick Worth of Lincolnshire County Council. AWARD FOR HECKINGTON WINDMILL!
11th September 2014 Charles Pinchbeck, Chairman of Heckington Windmill Trust, has been awarded with the North Kesteven District Council's Community Champions Award for Contribution to Arts and Culture. The award was made at the awards Venue at Navenby on the 11th September. Photographs show Charles Pinchbeck with local Councillors Stewart Ogden and Sally Tarry with the award at the mill the following day. There are more photographs of the event on the NKDC website at N-Kesteven.gov.uk LINCOLNSHIRE HERITAGE OPEN DAYS
Saturday 13th & Sunday 14th September Baking Demonstrations & working windmill grinding the malted barley for the brewery. Also on show were war time displays and visitor comments included "Fantastic event that helps children appreciate heritage local to them" & "Very informative, lots of interesting facts, wonderful pictures" SELF-RAISING FLOUR ON THE WAY
After the excitement of the sails going up, it’s good to see progress is continuing in other areas. Geoff Stead is making a flour blender for the mill which will allow us to produce self raising flour in bulk. The blender is based on the design of a butter churn, a large barrel that pivots on a stand. Geoff is progressing well and we hope to have white self raising flour in the shop before Christmas WINDMILL WORKING AGAIN!
30th August 2014 August Bank Holiday weekend saw the first of Heckington Windmill's flour being produced for the first time in almost 5 years. Volunteers spent a busy weekend learning how to operate the mill and then put the stones into action and produced a good quantity of flour. This has been bagged and is now for sail in the mill shop. 8 SAILS FITTED
18th August 2014 We are very pleased to announce that the new sails have been fitted! The millwrights will be returning on Monday 18th August to install the tie-bars and test the machinery. We are hoping to be milling again by the following weekend. Details will be posted here as soon as they are available. As soon as the machinery is tested and the set to work, we will start a short training programme to give the old hands a chance to practice and introduce our new milling volunteers to the art of milling wheat with eight sails! If you would like to get involved, please contact Jim Bailey on 01529 462019 MILLERS TRAINING SESSION
20th July 2014 Our first Millers Training Session took place on the 20th July with a total of 8 people joining in. Martin Hanson and Jim Bailey introduced some of our new milling volunteers to lifting and cleaning millstones. Our three operational stones were prepared for milling, stone nuts oiled and the stone floor cleaned on completion. SINCE SLICED BREAD - SUMMER BAKE
19th July 2014 Since Sliced Bread Summer Bake at Boston College Spalding on the 19th July. At the invitation of Boston College, Fi Burke, the visual artist supported by friends and fellow artists, Artisan baker Sonya Hundal and Mill Manager Jim Bailey spent a very enjoyable day providing windmill based art activities for children, fresh bread from Greenfield Bakery and flour from the mill. The whole event was well supported by the people of Spalding and the sale of flour and bread prompted thoughts of repeat visits. WE WERE ON TV! BBC's COUNTRYFILE
7th July 2014 Countryfile on BBC on Monday 7th July, when they presented part of the show from the windmill BAKE SALE RAISES FUNDS FOR PROJECT
One of our young volunteers, Kurtis Wright, has raised over £100 towards the Regeneration Project. Kurtis and team baked and decorated hundreds of cup cakes ready to sell at an event at his school, St George's Academy Sleaford last week. Pictured are Kurtis, his teacher Mrs Louise Roberts and the boxes of cakes ready for sale. Well done Kurtis! WINDMILL ON BBC'S COUNTRYFILE PROGRAMME
29th June 2014 On Sunday 29th June the windmill featured in the BBC Countryfile programme on Lincolnshire. The team filmed the removal of the sails and this was shown at the end of the Countryfile programme on TV. The Sleaford Standard feature can be seen here SAILS REMOVED FROM WINDMILL!
13th June 2014 A lovely sunny day on Thursday 13th June saw the millwrights return to the windmill to remove the sails ready for the cap to be painted and the new sails to be fitted. There were lots of people on site wanting to view and record this historic moment, including the BBC, local press and radio BBC Countryfile were filming the sails being removed, followed by BBC Look North, with Radio Lincolnshire interviewing in the afternoon. The local press and public were on hand to watch the sails come down. Fay had provided a magnificent spread in the bakehouse for the film crews with cakes, bread, rolls and biscuits all made with mill flour. Much appreciated by everyone! THREE (VERY DIFFERENT) GROUP VISITS!
31st May 2014 On Saturday 31st May we were about to start a guided tour with a group of Brownies from Parva House (the local residential Girl Guide house at Little Hale) when about 20 Honda Goldwing motorcycles arrived for a completely unplanned visit. The Brownies thought they were great and were even allowed to sit on some of the bikes! Then on Friday 6th June, the WI were celebrating their centenary by transporting a baton around the country, visiting all WI’s. The Lincolnshire South Federation of the WI organised their part of the celebration by carrying the baton around the area on all forms of vintage transport. The baton was handed over from one WI to another at the windmill. MILD IN MAY BEER FESTIVAL
29th May 2014 Held over the Whitsun Bank Holiday weekend and despite cloudy weather the mill was very busy with plenty of people coming to see the new sails and take a look around the site. Fay was once again in action and for the first time we were able to hold the very popular baking demonstrations in the newly cleaned and painted bakehouse. SAILS UPDATE
23rd May 2014 If you happened to pass the mill on 23rd May you might have seen the millwright working on the mill. He was removing the tie bars from the sails in preparation for the removal of the sails. The new shutters have now arrived and are being stored in the Nissen hut. The Nissen hut will be open for everyone to see during mill opening hours. SAILS ARRIVE ON SITE!
14th May 2014 We were very pleased to see the 8 new sails arrive at the windmill today, 14th May. This is an historic occasion and will be the first time that all 8 sails have been replaced since the windmill was first built back in 1892. Watch this space for more news on dates of when the millwrights will start the installation process later in the summer. NATIONAL MILLS WEEKEND Three events for the weekend included: SINCE SLICED BREAD Saturday 10th & Sunday 11th May Fi Burke's Contemporary Art Exhibition was part of her work here at the Mill over the last 6 months as part of the Since Sliced Bread Project. Read more here... 20-49 MOTOR CLUB CLASSIC CAR TOUR Sunday 11th May Classic & vintage cars from 1920 - 1970 visited the windmill with a fantastic display of old and new cars. HAM RADIO MEETING Sunday 11th May Lincoln Short Wave Club operated from two historic windmills on 11 May as part of the Mills on the Air Weekend. Read more here... EASTER EVENTS AND OPEN WEEKEND 17th April - 21st April The mill was very busy with an Easter Egg Hunt for the children and Baking Demonstrations. There was also the opportunity to have a look around the site and see the buildings that are due for conversion later in the year. VOLUNTEERS GO TO WORK! Saturday 11th April A large team of volunteers turned out on Saturday morning to start work on clearing the site. The bakehouse, cartshed and nissen hut were cleared and the skip was overflowing! A second day was held on Good Friday where the remainder of the site was cleared and ready for work to start. Pictured is just some of the helpers on the day- special thanks to everyone who turned up and helped. HECKINGTON WINDMILL SETS SAIL! Friday 4th April 2014 The re-launch of the Regeneration Project, was a very successful evening with over 110 people attending. The evening included an update on the project and there were presentations by Tony from the 8 Sail Brewery, visual artist Fi Burke and an update on the sail replacement programme. Delicious refreshments included cakes and biscuits made with Heckington Mill flour and oat 17th REGIS CLASSIC CAR TOUR visited Heckington Windmill along with the LINCOLN STEAMPUNKS Saturday 5th April It was lovely to see such a large crowd gathered at the windmill and the combination of the Steampunks and the classic cars was just wonderful. Thank you to Lincoln Steampunks for the photos. Love the costumes! More details about the classic cars and their fundraising can be found at www.theregisclassictour.co.uk MOTHER'S DAY
Sunday 30th March Visual artist, Fi Burke joined us again with creative activities as part of her very successful Arts Council funded visual arts project - Since Sliced Bread. Mother's Day Visitors had the opportunity to have photographs taken in traditional Victorian costumes, some of which can be seen here. DISCOVER LINCOLNSHIRE WEEKEND Saturday 22 & Sunday 23 March Baking Demonstrations & Mill Tours |
Read the Annual Report Here...
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Events & News 2013
Father Christmas at the MillSaturday & Sunday
14th to 15th December Father Christmas was at the windmill with presents for all children. Autumn EventsECHOES OF THE PAST
Sunday 27th October Lincolnshire Showground. Mill Manager, Jim Bailey attended this event aimed at people researching their family history. He was recording any interesting mill related stories for the archive. HALLOWEEN OPEN WEEKEND 26th & 27th October Special Halloween events for all the family. Plus baking demonstrations and a prize raffle. "SINCE SLICED BREAD" 26th & 27th October Graphic Artist Fi Burke held two workshops over the weekend for families to come and join in. See her blog for further information CRAFT FAIR 20TH October More than 12 stalls selling everything from arts, photography, woodwork, jewellery, ceramics & Macmillan Cancer Support. |
Father Christmas at the Windmill 2013
"Since Sliced Bread" Doh! workshops
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Summer Events
LINCS FM LIVE AT THE MILL!
Lincs FM visited the windmill as part of their “Big Month Out”. Recording live at the mill from 11.30 to 1pm on Monday 19th August.
They recorded live from the mill and broadcast on the same day.
HECKINGTON SHOW WEEKEND
Saturday 27th & Sunday 28th July
Baking Demonstrations took place on both days at the Windmill Sat & Sun 1-3pm with a Beer Festival at the 8 Sail Brewery over the weekend. We were also extremely busy in the Heritage Marquee at Heckington Show, selling flour, oats and souvenirs.
A LINK WITH MILL HISTORY
We were very pleased to show Anne Winch around Heckington Windmill in July. Her maiden name is Tuxford and her ancestors, the Tuxford family, built the 8 sailed Skirbeck Mill in Boston around 1813. It was Skirbeck mill that provided John Pocklington with the sails, cap and fantail that were used to repair Heckington Windmill after the great storm of 1890.
Lincs FM visited the windmill as part of their “Big Month Out”. Recording live at the mill from 11.30 to 1pm on Monday 19th August.
They recorded live from the mill and broadcast on the same day.
HECKINGTON SHOW WEEKEND
Saturday 27th & Sunday 28th July
Baking Demonstrations took place on both days at the Windmill Sat & Sun 1-3pm with a Beer Festival at the 8 Sail Brewery over the weekend. We were also extremely busy in the Heritage Marquee at Heckington Show, selling flour, oats and souvenirs.
A LINK WITH MILL HISTORY
We were very pleased to show Anne Winch around Heckington Windmill in July. Her maiden name is Tuxford and her ancestors, the Tuxford family, built the 8 sailed Skirbeck Mill in Boston around 1813. It was Skirbeck mill that provided John Pocklington with the sails, cap and fantail that were used to repair Heckington Windmill after the great storm of 1890.
BBC Radio LincolnshireJune 2013 - Amanda White from BBC Radio Lincolnshire’s “Pirate Gold” programme visits Heckington Windmill to find a clue which proved very difficult to solve.
Pictured here with Mill Manager Jim Bailey. |
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Local MP Visits the WindmillStephen Phillips QC MP visited the mill on the 17th May to hear about our plans, the sail replacement programme and to walk round the site.
He visited the Mill House Tea room, 8 sailed Brewery and of course had time to climb the mill tower to view his constituency. He left with a loaf of bread baked in the mill by Fay Knight. News Review...From the Grantham Journal, February 2013:
".... a delight to find a cosy little restaurant at Heckington." Read more here.... |
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Lincolnshire Heritage DayA group from Heckington Windmill attended the Heritage Day in Stamford on Sunday, 19th May and it proved to be a very popular day. It was a very good day for the windmill, we sold out of flour and we talked in depth to at least 30 people about the mill, and took 3 provisional outreach talk bookings. Photo attached shows Jim and Pat Bailey on the stand in Stamford.
News Articles...Read all about Heckington Mill in the News in these articles:
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Windmill Features in Hull Daily Mail
Heckington Windmill recently featured in a lovely article written by Louise Beech for the Hull Daily Mail in April 2013.
Comments from their visit were:
Anna Lugar, 10: I was really ace at grinding the flour. It was hard but I reckon I could have made loads.
Katy Beech, 13: I'm really glad we came. I love my mouse.
Mae Lugar, 14: I loved being so high up and seeing Aunty Loulou so terrified.
Claire Lugar, 38: I was really impressed with the dedication of the volunteers. They really know their stuff and share it so eloquently.
Louise Beech, 42: This was a fascinating historical place. It took me back in time.
Click here to read the full article
Comments from their visit were:
Anna Lugar, 10: I was really ace at grinding the flour. It was hard but I reckon I could have made loads.
Katy Beech, 13: I'm really glad we came. I love my mouse.
Mae Lugar, 14: I loved being so high up and seeing Aunty Loulou so terrified.
Claire Lugar, 38: I was really impressed with the dedication of the volunteers. They really know their stuff and share it so eloquently.
Louise Beech, 42: This was a fascinating historical place. It took me back in time.
Click here to read the full article
Self Raising Flour DevelopmentOur first batch of self raising flour has been made and given to Pat Bailey, Fay Knight and Michaela Spenger to test out on a variety of recipes.
The results were presented in the Tea Rooms on Sunday 10th February and tasted by visitors and mill staff alike. We were looking for consistency, presentation and taste. The results were good for the first attempt and after some discussion, a minor amendment made to the raising agent ratio for the next batch. This has now been mixed and the next baking session about to get underway. The next tasting will take place in the Tea Room on Sunday 24th February at 2pm. All are welcome to come and try our scones, cakes and biscuits, all we ask is fair and honest feed back. |
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Heritage Lottery Success!Heckington Windmill Trust are very pleased to announce the award of a £990,200 Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) grant.
Heckington Windmill Trust Chairman, Charles Pinchbeck is naturally delighted. He said “This grant truly recognises the significance of Heckington’s Windmill. It is a huge vote of confidence in the commitment and hard work that has been put in, not just by the members but by the project’s many supporters - Lincolnshire County Council, North Kesteven District Council, Heckington Parish Council, the Charles Haywood Foundation, Bicker Trust, local businesses and the many individuals who have played a part in our success”. The grant, which is subject to finalising the terms for the acquisition of the building and yard, will enable Heckington Windmill Trust to restore the wider mill site and create a world class visitor attraction around the mill and its Victorian industrial complex. Read more here... |
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Events & News - 2012
Louth MG Owners Club VistOn Sunday 15th July Louth MG Owners club visited the windmill as part of their annual tour.
The MG Owners attracted their largest ever convoy of 104 cars (usually 70 – 80). Of the two hundred or so drivers and passengers, we recorded 178 coming into mill. The mill was very busy and we sold out of our back-stock of flour. Thanks to all that were involved with the visit - it was a great success! |
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Work Begins on the Sails!May 2012 - The survey of the shutters has now been completed at the Millwrights’ yard in Alford. Mouchel, the company that is managing the contract for Lincolnshire County Council has agreed the schedule of repairs, and the work is now 75% complete.
All being well, (this includes the weather and other mills not taking the millwrights away from our work) our sails should be in place soon. Keep your fingers crossed! |
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Heckington Quiz NightHeckington Players organised a quiz night with musical entertainment in April. With 32 teams taking part and over 150 people attending, it proved to be a very successful evening. In what was a very closely fought contest with two teams sharing the first place prize, and 3rd place only one point behind.
Thanks must go to Heckington Players, young and old, and especially Andrew Key for organising a packed evening of entertainment. Also to the Windmill Greengrocers in the village for kindly donating all the salad items for supper. All proceeds are being donated to the Windmill Regeneration Project. The fantastic sum of £700 was raised. Many thanks to Heckington Players! |
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ITV Calendar NewsThe windmill was on Calendar news with a feature on the new sails and the Lottery Bid. Click on the movie opposite to watch
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Helpringham School VisitAs part of the community consultation for the Lottery Bid, Helpringham School visited the mill on 27th March and were very keen to have a look around the mill.
A baking demonstration was held in the Mill House Activity Room with tours of the mill for all. A highlight of the visit was going out onto the stage to see the sails close up. |
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Discover Lincolnshire WeekendWe were very pleased to take part in the Discover Lincolnshire weekend which was held on 10th & 11th March, opening from 12 - 5pm on both days. With free entry to the mill a very successful weekend was had by all, with plenty of visitors to the mill.
Attractions included the launch of our new recipe leaflet, a baking demonstration in the mill, a book fare and the completion of the maintenance of the stones. Visitors were also able to have a look around the old bakehouse to see what is being planned. Many thanks to all who helped over the weekend |
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Heckington's new sailsA trip to see Heckington Windmill's new sails being made at Alford took place in February 2012.
Millwrights Messers Thompson & Sons kindly showed a group of over 50 friends and volunteers around their work and explained how the sails are made. All 8 sails are nearing completion and work will then start on removing the existing shutters, checking their condition and then fitting them to the new sails. It is hoped that the new sails will be fitted by the summer of 2012. A highlight of the visit was to see the original notebook of the millwright who made the first set of sails for Heckington back in 1892 which is still in use today. |
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Past Events - 2011
Heckington Mill FilmA short film produced by WAG Screen in late summer 2011 sets out the story of the Pocklington Family.
The producers spent the first day recreating old Pocklington family photographs from the early 1900s. The second day was spent filming the meetings between John Pocklington, who had brought the 8 sails in Boston, and the man who owned the then derelict mill. Local amateur actors from Heckington Players took part in the filming and a film première was held in Heckington Village Hall in November 2011 with an attendance of over 100 people. |
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Victorian WeekendAn open weekend was held in September 2011 with a theme of Victorian Heritage.
The 2nd Heckington Scout group took part with Victorian games in the mill house garden, complete with a Punch & Judy show. |
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Children In NeedMatt Baker from BBC The One Show stopped off at Heckington Windmill on his Rickshaw Challenge to cycle from Edinburgh to London.
He was welcomed at the mill by huge crowds who had turned out to show their support. His stop was on Day 6 of his route from Lincoln to Peterborough on Wednesday 9th November 2011 |
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Father Christmas at the MillFather Christmas made his regular stop at the mill in December 2011 with toys for all the children.
Over 100 people turned out to see him and were entertained with balloon modelling whilst waiting in line for a word with Santa Claus. |
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Patron - Mr Toby Dennis, Lord Lieutenant of Lincolnshire
Registered Charity No: 1139207 Company Registration No: 07210264 |
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Photographs by Jason Tomlinson & Heckington Windmill Trust and are copyright. Please ask for permission to reproduce. Thank you