Sustaining Community Mills

Mill trustees and volunteers hear talks on conservation, funding and managing mills as community assets, followed by group discussions and guided visits.

The morning talks at New Windmill Hall feature Luke Bonwick (Millwrighting Consultant) on “Conservation and Communities”; Andrew Brown (Director, Veolia Environmental Trust) on “What Funders Want”; and Charles Pinchbeck (Chairman, Heckington Windmill Trust) on running a community windmill. Afternoon sessions at Upminster Windmill and its Visitor Centre include small-group discussions on fundraising, sustainable business models, health and safety, maintenance and mill operation, and education and youth, alongside networking and guided visits to the windmill, archaeological site and community garden. The programme runs 10:00–16:00. Entry is free, but pre-registration is essential.