Celebrate the coronation at Oldland Windmill

Oldland Windmill

We all recognise this much loved landmark which marks the border between Keymer and Ditchling, but have you ever seen inside this fascinating piece of local history and remarkable engineering?

On April 2nd, Oldland windmill starts its summer season of open afternoons offering the chance to see inside this fascinating windmill which still grinds flour. There will also be refreshments and memorabilia. If you miss the first afternoon, don’t worry, there is one planned for every month. What’s more, there will also be a special ‘Coronation celebration’ event on May 7th, where a complimentary minibus will be available from the Thatched Inn. What better spot to mark this historic occasion, which has been decorated in recognition of previous monarchs. The windmill is restored and maintained by volunteers. Visitors are encouraged to make a small voluntary donation to help with upkeep of this fabulous mill. See www.oldlandwindmill.org.uk

A history of Oldland Mill in Keymer and two Jubilees

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Left: 1887 Mill in celebratory mood Right: 2022 Jubilee Celebration

By Stephen Waite

In the week leading up to the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee weekend celebrations, Oldland Mill Trust volunteers worked enthusiastically to ‘dress’ Oldland Mill, recreating the spectacle of the Mill dressed for the 1887 celebration of the Golden Jubilee of Queen Victoria.

If you look carefully at the two pictures, past and present, you will notice a number of differences. In 1887 the site of the Mill was devoid of trees, making the mill much easier to operate back then, than it would be now. Modes of transport and costumes also differ. Amongst the people gathered at the Mill in 1887, in addition to the local dignitaries, would have been Jesse Washington White, the miller. Jesse started working at the Mill around 1869, and organised the celebration at the Mill for the 20th June 1887, providing bunting and the large Union Flag affixed to the top of the Mill. Jesse live at the Mill House and died, aged 50, in 1891.

'Welcome back to the mill' celebration at Oldland Windmill Hassocks

Photo: Jacob Neller

Our local windmill is celebrating the fact that, after two quiet years, it can now open more fully to the public. On 1st May, from 11am to 4pm, join in a ‘Welcome Back to the Mill’ Special Event Day. Enjoy Ditchling and Hammersmith Morris, Punch and Judy, a barbeque and live music provided by The Millers Blues Band, South Downs Folk singers, Ditchling Singers and Kevin Russell.

In addition, you will be able to come and see inside the oldest regularly working windmill in Sussex. Refreshments, memorabilia and Oldland Mill’s own flour will be available for sale. On 3rd April, from 2pm to 5pm, Oldland Mill is also holding its first open day for two years where a team of volunteers will have refreshments available.

Please note, no vehicles are allowed at the mill. Please park in Grand Avenue near the Thatched Inn and either walk up Oldlands Lane or make use of the complimentary minibus. Further details on the website: www.oldlandwindmill.co.uk/newsite