Wicken Mill: The Windiest Windmill in Great Britain
A Working Flour Mill Competes for the Title of Windiest Windmill in the UK
Wicken Mill, a historic flour mill near Soham in Cambridgeshire, has been making waves in the world of windmills. This working mill has entered an international competition to be crowned the windiest windmill in Great Britain, and it's already sailing ahead of the pack.
But what's the secret behind Wicken Mill's success? The answer lies in its innovative technology. The mill has been counting the number of sail revolutions it completes every year, and the results are impressive. Kelvin Law, the miller and amateur millwright, was surprised to discover that the mill had completed nearly 99,000 revolutions in a year, just shy of the 100,000 mark.
A Restored Landmark
Wicken Mill has a rich history dating back to 1813. Despite its closure in 1933, the mill was meticulously restored from 1987 by dedicated millwrights from the Wicken Windmill Partnership. This restoration effort has allowed the mill to continue operating and generating income, which is essential for its maintenance and preservation.
A Unique Privilege
Kelvin Law emphasizes the privilege of being involved in the operation of this unique and special place. The team at Wicken Mill has complementary skills, and their passion for traditional milling methods is evident. They prefer to mill using the wind, a traditional approach that sets them apart from other mills that rely on electric motors.
A Flour Mill with a Difference
Wicken Mill sells its flour to a variety of customers, including commercial outlets in Northamptonshire, a village shop in Leicestershire, and home bakers. The rarity of the mill lies in its restored state and its reliance on wind power for milling. This traditional approach not only adds to the mill's charm but also ensures a high-quality, authentic flour product.
Competing for the Top Spot
Wicken Mill is competing against other mills in Great Britain, the Netherlands, and Germany, and the millers are already planning to climb the leaderboard this year. With their innovative technology and dedication to traditional methods, they are determined to surpass the 100,000 revolutions limit. But will they succeed? The competition is fierce, and only time will tell.
A Thought-Provoking Question
As Wicken Mill continues to sail ahead, it raises an interesting question: What is the future of windmills in a world increasingly dominated by technology? Will traditional methods like those used at Wicken Mill continue to thrive, or will they be replaced by more modern approaches? The answer may lie in the success of Wicken Mill and other like-minded mills, and it's a question worth exploring further.
