Mills have their day as crowds get a look

Bardwell Windmill and Pakenham Water Mill are examples of commitment from local people who have restored both to working order and on Sunday people had a chance to take a closer look at these fascinating structures.

At Bardwell the day raised £1,000 which will go towards further restoration projects. Owned by the Wheeler family and with support from the Friends of Bardwell Windmill the mill’s cap and fantail and later a new set of sails have been installed.

Fund-raisers are now aiming to get a second pair of mill stones, repaint the sails and carry out an £80,000 restoration on the tower brick work.

On Sunday Simon Wooster was non stop baking his popular bread and Oliver the steam engine was underway. He will be powering a threshing machine at the August 23 threshing day when the mill will be threshing locally grown wheat.

Jonathon Wheeler said: “Without the help of the Friends we would not be able to do such work. Their support has been a vital ingredient.”

Pakenham Watermill’s beautiful setting drew crowds on the open day. Maypole dancing, a bread making contest and model boats were among the attractions.