4:20pm Wednesday 8th September 2010
By Warwick Payne
CIVIC dignitaries came to a re-launch at the City Mill in Winchester with television presenter Philippa Forrester doing the honours.
The former Peter Symonds College student re-opened the historic mill in 2000.when restoration works were being planned.
The National Trust has made several improvements since then and the latest refit is now complete.
As a result, she was invited back to see the finished article on Friday (September 3).
She said: “I first came here as a child, and I was thrilled to be called back here in 2000.
“Now, 10 years later, it has been transformed and I can feel the difference with the extra space downstairs and the ability to see what’s happening with the waterwheel.”
During her visit, she signed copies of her books The River, Halcyon River Diaries and Get Out and Explore Your Local River.
The recent refit at the mill has included overhauling the venue’s shop and providing a new seating area overlooking the River Itchen.
Visitors can also get closer than before to the waterwheel and see how the mill’s power is generated.
The VIP day on Friday (September 3) included milling and baking demonstrations along with guided tours.
Winchester mayor, Cllr Richard Izard, and the city’s MP, Steve Brine, were amongst the guests.
The mill, which is managed by Anne Aldridge, was rebuilt in 1744 but most of its materials date from the 15th century.
It started producing flour in 2004 after a 90-year break and now turns out 10 tons of it per year.
The waterwheel was rebuilt in 2005 and new millstones were shipped over from Holland two years later.
Visitor numbers at the mill have doubled from 16,000 in 2001 to 32,000 last year.
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