Mill open day draws the crowds

Alderford Mill was busy on Sunday as 180 people turned out for the mill’s first open day of the year.

Crowds gathered to see the mill in action, grinding flower in the traditional method with the working water wheel – lovingly restored by volunteers – powering two mill stones.

First reopened in 2009, the mill in Sible Hedingham was last actively used in the 1950s.

Set on the River Colne, the mill is owned by Essex County Council and looked after by the Friends of Alderford Mill.

From April until October, it is open on the second Sunday of each month from 2pm to 5pm.

Every other month, the mill will be used to grind flour, with the next working day on June 14.

On May 9 and 10, the mill will be open from 10am to 4pm as part of National Mills weekend.