Four A40s turned up plus a Fiat Abarth (the owner's A40 being garaged for work) and we all hid in the shade for our picnics before exploring the mill. It wasn't in operation that day (which was just as well because visitors aren't allowed inside - huge unprotected cogs and revolving shafts would give a Heath & Safety inspector seven sorts of fits).
The almost vertical wooden stairs proved quite an ordeal but as each floor was reached, different aspects of the milling system were revealed. And of course the view from the top-most window was amazing. Sadly we weren't allowed out onto the sail gallery which surrounds the mill at the lowest point at which the sail arms pass: that's there so the miller can set and adjust each canvas sail as he rotates the arm.
Most of the machinery is wooden apart from the steel straps and other high-loading items and the simple but massive workings of the mill stand as testament to the skills of the original designers and builders.
The railway line between Skegness and Grantham passes close by the mill - indeed there's a tiny station and a level crossing manned from the adjacent signal box. A small railway museum is housed in part of the station buildings open at limited times (ring 01529 460177).
It was a lovely meeting and Izzie Turner is to be congratulated on masterminding the day. After a very tiring journey in sweltering heat (thank heavens for the A40's huge radiator!) I personally found the peaceful surroundings of the mill were very welcome.
- Shady characters, these A40 owners!
