Earlier this year Kent County Council decided to divest its eight windmills to reduce long-term maintenance costs, despite strong public opposition previously. Bids are being invited for comparison after 13 Nov. KCC say any new owner must show the financial capability and long-term commitment to preserve the mill as a working community heritage asset, open to the public. It cannot for example be converted to an Airbnb.

The point was made that listed status alone may not protect the mill if future owners fail to maintain their commitments. Providence Chapel is an example of a listed building that has deteriorated badly over time. Union Mill must not suffer the same fate.

Three possible futures were discussed; other variations are also possible.

1. An external bidder takes over
This could work if a reliable benefactor or organisation can prove they have the resources and commitment, but there is uncertainty about the long-term safeguards.

2. KCC retains ownership
KCC’s current policy says it will maintain any windmills it keeps, especially working mills such as Union Mill. However, questions arise whether this is secure, especially as KCC could change their policy as they did previously. Uncertainties are also possible when KCC is replaced by unitary councils in April 2028.

3. Cranbrook Windmill Association takes responsibility
This may offer the best community protection, but it would be a major financial and organisational burden. The mill needs around £50,000 per year on average, including running costs and major refurbishments every 8–10 years. The association currently raises about £7,000 per year, perhaps expandable to £15,000, but still leaving a substantial funding gap.

Public support beyond money: will be needed. Volunteers are needed for stewarding; social media, fundraising, publicity, website support, grant applications, and legal advice. The contact email for possible volunteers is volunteering@unionmill.org.uk. We are grateful for the three who have joined following the July meeting.

Community help is needed to secure the windmill’s long-term future as heritage icon for Cranbrook.

Dr Nick Vinall, Chair, Cranbrook Windmill Association

We were delighted to have succeeded as one of three local causes to be selected by the Co-op to participate in their Local Community Fund for 2020/21. The original bid was for a grant to purchase two specific items:

a) To buy Caleb's engine to help improve our visitors’ experience - see below.

and (b) to upgrade the floodlights on the mill to LED for eco-efficiency reasons.

Now that our sweeps have been returned we are trying out the best positioning for the new lights and they should be installed early in 2023.

We are VERY GRATEFUL to the Co-up for this grant and to all our local supporters who chose us.

CALEB's STEAM ENGINE

In 1873, a steam engine was built by Caleb Oyler Russell to power light machinery in the mill's workshop. After the mill ceased business in 1958, the engine was sold to the miller at Cross in Hand Windmill, East Sussex. Fortunately, it turned up on Ebay a few years ago and was bought by Matt Yeoman and his father, who are steam engine enthusiasts. Matt loaned it to us, before we had to close to the public due to Covid, and it was on display at the mill for one season. However, he decided it really belongs in Cranbrook and has sold it to our Windmill Association.

You can watch a short video of the engine working (powered by compressed air) by clicking on the image.

You can read more about Caleb and his family HERE

FLOODLIGHTING

Each evening the Mill has been floodlit, and is a remarkable sight for the Town and for Visitors alike. The original tungsten filament lighting has been replaced with energy efficient LED lighting designed to enhance the evening view of this Grade 1 Listed Building. The 4 LED colours (R, G, B, W) enable the mill to highlight different events.
(Click on image to enlarge.)