When the Slipper Sailing
Club purchased Quay Mill in 1974, it still
contained some machinery, shafting and
various items which had to be removed before
the conversion could be done. Some items
were taken by members, restored, and now
adorn the bar and the rest of the building,
but the larger pieces found refuge in the
Hackman’s barn on Hayling Island and have
stayed there for many years, until the
property had to be cleared. Several of the
sailing club members can remember removing
the heavy items from the mill to the island.
What does one do with redundant mill
machinery? The Hampshire Mills Group was
contacted and said that they could not only
move it, but also find good homes for it.
So we thought members might like to know
what has happened to it.
There was a maize or bean kibbler which is
now being restored at Basingstoke before
being fitted on the stones floor of
Longbridge Mill at Sherfield-on-Lodden.
This is a mill which the Mills Group cleaned
out many years ago preparing for a thorough
survey, but unfortunately vandals got in and
there was a disastrous fire, during which,
their kibbler was completely destroyed.
(For those who don’t know – a kibbler is a
machine with grooved plates for course
grinding various animal feed, such as
beans).
The mill has now been restored to working
order and volunteers from the Group mill and
produce flour there on the fourth Saturday
of every month. There is great demand for
the flour, which is also sold by the
adjoining restaurant and bar – worth a visit
after the sailing season!
The oat crusher (the use speaks for itself!)
has gone to Calbourne Upper Mill on the Isle
of Wight, where it will be cleaned up and
will be part of their display. The Holgate
Windmill Trust at York was interested in the
small sack hoist, but unfortunately it would
not fit in the cap of the mill, so it is now
in the store of the Hampshire Museum
Service. Also there is something the
purpose of which is still under discussion –
it could have been a dough mixer, but that
is not certain. Anyone remember?
In the north of the county at Crux Easton is
large, hundred year old wind engine, which
has been restored by the Group with a grant
from the Lottery. Various lengths of line
shafting, etc. have been most useful to
replace the old rusty ones and the mill’s
winnower and plate mill are on display in
the adjoining building. These will
eventually be driven by the wind engine as
part of the exhibition, to show that it
produced animal food as well as pumping
water to the highest point in Hampshire.
The mill complex is open several times a
year and it is worth a visit , not only to
see the sails turning but to look down the
well to the water 340 foot below - the pump
machinery at the bottom of the well has yet
to be recovered - any volunteers?
The remainder of the machinery is in the
County’s store at Chilcombe near Winchester
and it is hoped to find good homes for it in
time, but at least, it is safe there!
Hampshire Mills Group is in contact with
most parts of the Country and there are
always people restoring mills who need
replacements, so you can be sure that
Slipper Mill machinery will be welcome and
well looked after.
The Hampshire Mills Group is very grateful
that the Club had saved this machinery some
30 years ago, enabling it to be used in
mills again.
Tony and Mary Yoward 2005
