Brixton Windmill, fresh from the success of its bread and beer celebration, is hosting two more must-see events this week.
Bat walk
On Thursday (12 May) you can take part in a “bat walk” at the windmill. Lambeth bat expert Dr Iain Boulton will lead the free walk starting from the gates of Windmill Gardens at 8.30pm. Bat detection equipment will be provided. Walking shoes are recommended.
New sailcloth
This weekend (14 and 15 May) is National Mills Weekend, a celebration of the mills throughout the UK. Brixton’s contribution is a newly designed sailcloth that will be attached to the common sails of Brixton Windmill for one day only on Saturday. Work is due to start at 8.30am.
The cloth has been designed and printed by local design company Eley Kishimoto, creative ambassador for Brixton Windmill’s bicentenary year and part of the Brixton Design Trail team.
Brixton millwright Paul Selwood will be on hand to turn the cap and remove the brake from the sails so – with the right weather conditions and a good breeze – there will be an opportunity to see the sails turn.
Full tours of the Windmill are sold out, but short tours of the first floor of the mill, with an opportunity to learn about the history and workings of the Windmill, are free and available from 1.00-4.30pm on a first-come-first-served basis.
Guided tour
On Sunday, a guided walk of Brixton Hill and the surrounding area with a Blue Badge tourist guide will hlp participants to find out more about some of the oldest landmarks in the area, including the site of Bleak Farm, get a glimpse of Brixton Waterworks and learn about the treadmill at Brixton Prison.
For further information visit www.brixtonwindmill.org or email info@brixtonwindmill.org.uk.
