Berkshire Mills - Turning the Clock Back

Berkshire Mills - Turning the Clock Back

This talk is based on images past and present of the watermills of Berkshire. It will show the diversity of the mills, including those producing flour, paper and even one with cork production. Sadly no windmills survive in this area now. It will also show the future that mills can be put to for green energy.

Speaker information:

Mildred Cookson was born and brought up in ‘Windmill Land’ in Blackpool. Her nearest windmill was Marsh Mill at Thornton where she spent much time with the late Walter Heapy. Here at the mill Walter taught her how to cut apple wood for cogs and for stone nuts, as well giving her many useful hints. From1982 till 2012 she ran Mapledurham Watermill as a commercial venture supplying flour to local bakers, health food shops and farmers’ markets. Mildred was also responsible for the day-to-day maintenance of the mill, as well as the stone dressing.

Mildred joined the SPAB Mills Section in 1976 and the Section Committee in 1984. She is particularly involved in working with millwrights; she also established the programme of one-day training courses and the Mill Repair Fund. At present she is a trustee of the SPAB and chairman of the Mills Section Committee, and editor of the Section’s newsletter, ‘Mill News’. She is also actively involved as trustee of the Mills Archive Trust.

Booking Terms & Conditions

Accessibility: please contact the SPAB before booking to discuss any special access requirements.