July 3rd 2024.
On election day, most of us make our way to a nearby school or community center to cast our votes. But in the quaint village of Thelnetham in West Suffolk, there is a far more unique option available. The Grade II-listed Button's Mill, originally built in the 18th century as a windmill for grinding wheat, was once used as a polling station for the Barningham ward. This was a one-time occurrence in its 200-year history, during the 2019 General Election.
The dedicated volunteer and event organizer, Chris Mills, was delighted when the mill was chosen as a polling station. He saw it as a great opportunity to attract more visitors to the mill and give the locals a chance to cast their vote in a truly remarkable location. The mill's location on the edge of Thelnetham Fen, along with its unique history and well-preserved condition, make it a popular tourist attraction. In fact, it is currently ranked number one among the top things to do in Thelnetham on Tripadvisor.
The windmill has undergone several renovations over the years and is now open to the public for visits. Its maintenance and operation are handled by a dedicated team of volunteers. The mill's granary has been repurposed as a meeting room and art display space, while the mill itself has a visitor center that offers guided tours.
The 2021 census shows that the village of Thelnetham has a population of 263, while the Barningham ward, which includes Thelnetham, Hopton, Market Weston, Hepworth, Barningham, Knettishall, and Coney Weston, has a population of 2,697. This makes the windmill a crucial part of the community, not just as a tourist attraction but also as a gathering place for events and meetings.
However, due to refurbishments at the village hall, the windmill will not be used as a polling station in this year's General Election. Residents will instead return to the village hall, but the windmill will continue to serve as a reminder of the unique polling experience it provided in 2019.
Visitors to the windmill have praised its beauty and the dedication of the volunteers who have restored it to its former glory. Many have remarked on the picturesque setting and the thrill of seeing the sails turning in the wind. It is truly a sight to behold and a perfect representation of the hard work and passion of the restoration team.
So while the windmill may have outshone the traditional polling stations, it is important to remember the importance of exercising our right to vote, regardless of the location. As the saying goes, "It's not about the destination, but the journey." And in this case, both the destination and the journey are equally remarkable.
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