National Mills Weekend sees special Exeter event

Devon Wildlife Trust is running its first weekend Milling Morning of the year at its Cricklepit Mill home on Exeter’s quayside. The aim of the event is to give people an exclusive look at a grist mill in action right in the heart of the city.

The free event will take place on Sunday 11 May from 10am until 2pm and is part of National Mills Weekend, the annual festival of the UK’s milling heritage. National Mills Weekend is the chance for everyone to explore their local windmills and watermills. The weekend is coordinated by the Mills Section of the Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings.

Cricklepit Mill is the last working watermill in Exeter to survive into the 21st Century, and represents an integral part of the city’s industrial heritage.

During the day there will be chance for the public to find out more about the process of milling. Volunteers will be on hand to answer questions and there will also be the chance to tour the ancient mill and its surrounding gardens.

Families can get involved with craft activities and have a go at grinding their own flour using the handmill. There will also be a mobile wood fired oven where visitors can make their own pizzas.

Devon Wildlife Trust’s, Jasmine Atkinson said: "We are proud to support the National Mills Weekend project by providing practical milling demonstrations along with a few special extra activities. If anyone has been hoping to come and see the mill, this is the perfect opportunity!"

Jasmine added: "The flour produced in the morning will be on sale, straight from the mill stones! Visitors will be able to see the whole process and take away some local flour to bake with!"

For more information about the Mill visit www.devonwildlifetrust.org

For people who cannot make this date the Mill’s visitor area and gardens are open 9am-5pm weekdays throughout the year and regular milling days are normally held on the second Friday of every month.