Poetry Corner

It was Christmas week at the Windmill
and Bob Sharp was up there again
to seek out all the places
that had let in the early rain
"Oh dear" said he in amazement
"what 'ere can now be done
to save this ancient building
that has brought to many such fun"
And then suddenly a fairy came forth
the agent of Father Christmas of course
"Your wish is my command, so let us hear from you
a little magic and we'll make the place like new"
A wave of wand and sure to see
the building was a fantasy
of shining paint, of whirling gears
that had not turned for many years
The wheat was ground
and flour followed after
the place was alive
with happy laughter
      Just like a dream - because
      when I awoke, I found it was......  

F A J Morley

It is up to us to endeavour to ensure that this is not just Frank's dream! -
Bob
Architectural Heritage Fund

The following is the entry from the Architectural Heritage Fund’s report on the Mill.  PAG means "project administration grant"

Upminster Windmill Preservation Trust
Upminster Windmill
St Mary's Lane, Upminster, Essex Listed Grade II*
PAG: £4,000 offered October 2004
The Mill was built in 1803 at the peak of timber mill construction. It is one of only 49 smock mills surviving in this country and one of only eight with building and machinery dating from the very early 19th century. It was last used for milling in the 1930s and since then only piecemeal repairs have been carried out. Suburban housing has grown around the Mill, which is located near the centre of Upminster, although it is situated within an area of parkland. In addition to its restoration efforts, the Trust has formulated a valuable scheme which clearly demonstrates how educational visits can be tied into many different elements of the National Curriculum.
Next Newsletter
The next Newsletter will be published in March. Articles about mills and/or milling by anyone will be most welcome.  Items to me by 5th March please. - JW
Work Records

We have kept a record of time spent doing various jobs at the Mill and opening the Mill to the public and to parties at other times.  The Trust will be able to show at least some of this time in lieu of cash when we apply for the funding from Heritage Lottery.  Roger is willing to take charge of collecting all the records but would appreciate some help analysing them.  Would anyone like to help him? - Bob