Hornchurch & Upminster MP, Julia Lopez, visited Upminster windmill on Friday to push a volunteer recruitment drive to care for the 200 year-old building.
The much-loved local landmark was lovingly restored to its former glory by a dedicated team of volunteers, the Friends of Upminster Windmill, with grants from the National Lottery Heritage Fund and Veolia Environmental Trust. It has taken over 10,000 hours of labour to restore the windmill to full working order since it ceased commercial use in 1935. Starting in 2015, restoration works were finally completed in late summer of 2023 when the Windmill reopened to the public for tours. Upminster Windmill was built for James Nokes, a local farmer, in 1803. It is a Grade II* listed building and in terms of quality, completeness and significance it is widely considered to be amongst the very best remaining English smock mills.
The windmill is complemented by a nearby visitor centre, helping to bring the past to life for local school children, as well as a beautiful community garden.
The Friends of Upminster Windmill are now seeking new volunteers to join their ranks, with a particular focus on those that may be able to help expand their education and outreach programmes. To view the full range of volunteer roles available and to register your interest, visit the team at their next open day on Sunday 3 March, 10-4pm, or visit their website at: https://www.upminsterwindmill.org/volunteer
Julia Lopez MP said:
‘It was wonderful to see the iconic sails of Upminster Windmill in full swing today. The windmill is a huge part of our local heritage that had been in a poor state of repair for far too long and it is thanks to the dedication of volunteers at the Friends of Upminster Windmill that it is once again in full working order. I would highly recommend dropping in on the open and volunteer days.'
