Bunbury Mill has reopened for the spring and summer season with one of the oldest companies in the country onboard as a supporter.
The watermill museum is backed by Cheshire-based breakfast company Mornflake as part of a sponsorship scheme which keeps the ten-ton water wheel turning.
Last year, volunteers welcomed a record 2,798 visitors and already their diary is busy with bookings from WI groups, cyclists and schools.
Bunbury Watermill Trust chairman Ken Broster said: “We operate a scheme which invites local people and businesses to sponsor a ‘bucket’ on the wheel.
“Mornflake has been a great friend of the mill over the years and has returned for a third year as a bucket sponsor.
“The company also supplies oats and chaff for use in the mill.
“Seeing the grain ground into flour is a big part of the visitor experience and people come from miles around to see the process.”
Mornflake is the country’s fourth oldest independently run company with the Lea family at the helm since 1675.
Managing director John Lea was a founder supporter of the Bunbury Watermill Trust whose volunteers maintain the attraction year-round.
Mr Broster added: “Bunbury can trace its milling history back to the 11th century.
“The present building dates back to 1843 and for many years it was used for the production of animal feed.
“In 1963 flood breached the dam and the mill was seriously damaged and abandoned.
“NWWA, later United Utilities, reopened it to the public in 1977 and the Trust, which is entirely run by volunteers, acquired it in 2012 for
the princely sum of £1.
“Since then visitor numbers have risen dramatically – from 675 in our first year to last year’s bumper attendance.
“People see our sign as they drive past or look up ‘things to do in Cheshire.’
“Advance bookings are also popular and we are pleased to have a good number in the diary for the new season.”
The Grade II listed mill offers visitors a chance to weigh grain, start the wheel and hand grind wheat.
Other attractions include a café, picnic area and wildlife pond.
Mornflake marketing manager Richard Jones said: “We like to celebrate our historic roots in Cheshire and supporting the mill is one of the ways we can do this.
“Sponsorship also presents an opportunity promote the goodness of oats and get this message across to children.
“Mill volunteers help illustrate the journey of the oat from field to bowl.
“They do a great job at bringing history to life and putting Cheshire on the map as a visitor destination.”
For more information on opening times and how to support the registered charity visit www.bunburymill.com
For more information on Mornflake history and products visit www.mornflake.com
(Pic: Mornflake ambassador Sian Williamson with Bunbury Watermill Trust chairman Ken Broster and volunteer David Andrews)
