July 4th 2024.
On Election Day, many of us make our way to a nearby primary school or village hall to cast our vote. However, in the quaint West Suffolk village of Thelnetham, there is a former polling station that far surpasses these ordinary options. This Grade II-listed building, known locally as Button's Mill, holds a special place in the hearts of residents.
Dating back to 1778, the windmill was originally used to grind wheat into flour and has undergone numerous renovations over the years. But in 2019, for the first time in its 200-year history, it was used as a polling station during the General Election. As the volunteer and event organizer, Chris Mills, aptly put it, "I thought it was a great way to get people to come to the mill." And it certainly did, allowing the residents of the Barningham ward to cast their votes in a unique and historic location.
The mill's significance is not just limited to its role as a polling station. With a population of only 263, Thelnetham is a small parish, and the Barningham ward, which includes Thelnetham and six other villages, has a total population of 2,697. The mill is also one of only four preserved tower mills in the county, making it a treasured heritage site. After falling into disrepair in 1926, it was carefully restored by a group of dedicated mill enthusiasts in the late 70s and reopened to the public in 1987.
Today, the mill is maintained by a team of volunteers and serves as a popular tourist attraction. The granary has been converted into a meeting room and art display space, while the mill itself has a visitor center offering guided tours. Visitors have praised the mill for its beautiful location and impressive restoration efforts, making it the number one activity in Thelnetham on Tripadvisor.
However, despite its popularity, the windmill will not be used as a polling station in this year's General Election. Instead, residents will return to the village hall while the mill undergoes further renovations. But fear not, the windmill's unique charm and history will continue to attract visitors long after Election Day.
As we head to the polls once again, it's worth noting that Thelnetham's windmill is not the only quirky polling station in the UK. In Cambridgeshire, voters can cast their ballots inside a caravan, thanks to the generosity of Jackie and Alan Ward. Sunderland also boasts a windmill polling station, and in Oxford, voters can even cast their vote inside a launderette. These unusual locations add a touch of fun to the serious business of voting.
As we exercise our right to choose our representatives in government, let's not forget the unique places that make up the fabric of our communities. Whether it's a historic windmill or a humble launderette, these locations hold special meaning for those who call them home. And who knows, maybe one day your local polling station will make the list of the quirkiest places to vote.
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