We are happy with our range of flours, but an ambition for one day is to source part of our supply from heritage wheats, of the sort which the windmill was built to grind in 1813, and extend our range to include ‘Wicken Heritage Flours’. Such ancient wheat varieties are scarce – but the ‘Old Burwell’ landrace wheat from our neighbouring parish was famous in the 19th century, and maybe someday will be available to grind again at Wicken Mill.
What challenges have you faced with the business?
Plenty! We decided from the start to make flour using only the power of the wind – no electric motors to drive the flour grinding machinery. We are one of relatively few traditional windmills which run purely by wind, some using electric drive when the wind is low.
In extended periods of light winds we might be becalmed for many days without being able to run the mill. We pay close attention to Met Office forecasts of wind resource, and when appropriate build up stocks of flour while the wind is strong.
The past year has been complicated for everybody. At the mill, grain prices have risen rapidly particularly due to the war in Ukraine affecting the world market, and also supplies of accessories needed for the business have become scarcer and more expensive. On the other hand we have been little affected by the general increase in energy costs – when the wind blows it is still free!
What's the most rewarding aspect to running the business?
The pleasure on the faces of returning customers, mixed with the surprise that many feel when driving through Wicken and coming upon a windmill still at work.
What advice would you give to new businesses that are just starting out?
Not easy. There are sound economic reasons why traditional flour mills went out of fashion. Any proceeds we make go towards future repairs of the mill.
What's next for your business?
There are limits to flour production at the windmill – the wind blows sufficiently to drive the mill powerfully on about 10 to 12 days per month. With more volunteer millers we could perhaps increase flour output, partly by working the mill on more of the windy days, and also by running more machinery simultaneously: the windmill can be quite labour intensive.
Eventually major repairs will be needed again – for example we last replaced a sail in 2018. We must search out supplies of good timber, and also seek support for purchases of materials. We are determined that the windmill will not fall into ruin again, as it was back in 1971.
