Heckington Travel Guide

I was always fascinated by the character of 'Windy miller' on Trumpton as a child. It always amused me that he had to time his entry into his windmill just right - or one of those sails would come crashing down on him.

Heckington's windmill is a fine example of Victorian engineering, and is the only eight-sailed example left in the country. The door is thankfully situated well below the arc of the sails, anan entry fee of only one pound 50 means you get a good close-up view of a fully functioning flour windmill. You can also buy the flour that they grind there.

It is best to try and plan your visit with a day that they are actually grinding. They try to do this at least once a week (normally sundays), although that does of course depend on the wind actually deciding to blow !

The village of Heckington in Lincolnshire (just off the main road between Sleaford and Boston) is a fine village, almost a small town.

It has several interesting buildings, this being one of them. Originiating from the 14th century, it is seen as one of the finest examples in England of that particular type. With current seating arrangements it can seat 700, but in years gone by I expect the whole village of 1,500 or so would crowd in each week.

A congregation nowdays might just break into double figures.

As with most Church of England buildings, the place may look very well cared for, but thousands and thousands are needed to ensure the building survives for future generations to appreciate.

P.S I wonder if Dirk Turpin ever confessed his sins in this church - he was a regular visitor to the village, and stealing from the common here led to his eventual arrest.

Heckington Show - annually last weekend in July.
Fun for all the family centred around a main arena where children's races, cycle races and show jumping take place along with other entertainment which varies each year. Many trade and charity stands, horticulture, crafts etc. plus a beer tent, famous hog roast and other catering available.