On 25 th June we joined four other engine enthusiast for the second visit to Nutley Windmill. This year though we knew just where to go so arrived even before Neil Harris who organises the engines at this event.
Six this year, lined up along the hedge – where all the ants were! I realised I was standing on a nest as soon as we arrived, then the dog decided to lie on one and regretted it, although she had no idea why she felt so uncomfortable.
Nutley have their village fair on the previous day but on the Sunday they open the mill and we had a steady flow of visitors all afternoon. Nothing massive but a really relaxing time.
One motor cycle, one tractor, one boat converted to a paddle boat and a 1925 fire engine which used to belong to St Francis Hospital in Haywards Heath. Colin tried to buy it over forty years ago but he was told it was going to a childrens playground. What a waste! However, the present owner bought it around that time ad he’s made a very ood job of restoring it but as he said, it had been garaged so it wasn’t too bad ar all. I had a long chat to him about it’s history.
Forest Row model Club had a stand there and they have a shop with souvenirs and secondhand books for £2 each. I bought three, all hard backs and very good value. Neil’s children enjoyed grinding flour by hand. He said he’d hardly seen them all day. The men in charge of the mill gave several guided tours and demonstrations but Colin is still waiting for enough wind to see the sails go round on their own. Perhaps it’ll be third time lucky – if we are invited back next year.
The refreshments were going well with big mugs of tea or coffee – proper ones, not polystyrene!!
The weather? Very overcast but pleasant, especially for our four footed friends. We always like these little do’s without all the rules and regulations and everybody is so friendly, with beautiful views over the Ashdown Forest as a bonus. What could be better? Thoroughly recommended.
Report by Joan Boyer, Pictures by
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