Historic Sleaford mill to start producing flour for town's food bank – Lincolnshire Live

It has recently been fully renovated
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A Grade-II listed mill in Lincolnshire has been called on by local businesses to grind flour which will help support a town's food bank. Cogglesford Watermill, in Sleaford, will be grinding up grain from a nearby producer and donating all of the flour milled to Sleaford Community Grocers, a membership-based food bank.
The grain rumbling through the quern stones has been supplied by Cope Seeds and Grain, a family business based under a mile away on the industrial Pride Parkway. Councillor Richard Wright, the leader of North Kesteven District Council, said: "I am really pleased that through the mill and the volunteers who are helping with the milling, we are able to maximise on Cope Seeds' generosity in providing something unique, wholesome and locally sourced for the town."
The grocers, which opened in July, is run by members of the Sleaford Community Larder and the New Life Church. In the first 11 days, it saw more than 1,000 visitors.
Read more: Sleaford community grocery has seen 1,000 visitors in just 11 days
The aim behind sourcing both the grain and flour from Sleaford businesses is to help keep 'food miles' low while also providing members with affordable and sustainable sources of food. Members can visit the grocers in the Riverside precinct twice a week and purchase up to £25 worth of food for only £6.
Cllr Wright added that seeing the mill endure in "relevance and function" showed the importance of recent renovations. In the past year, Cogglesford Watermill has undergone an extensive restoration programme, and now offers visitors the opportunity to engage in a day-long milling experience.
The mill is open every Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday from 12pm until 4pm. Regular milling days are held on the second Sunday of every month.
Volunteers at the scenic East Gate spot continue a legacy of hundreds of years, milling at the same site that has provided homes with food throughout the market town's history.
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