Windmills and a Dress

I was really pleased to find this dress in my favourite charity shop a few days ago. It cost me £4.50 but I like the length and the colours with the floral design. I would have prefered slightly longer sleeves that is only a minor point.

We have been doing some day trips over recent weekends and by pure chance came across this wonderfully preserved windmill in a remote part of the Somerset countryside, south of Cheddar.

We had a picnic in the windmill grounds with the peace only disturbed by bird song (including a lovely cock pheasant in the field across the road). It was far better than trying to eat in a busy touristy location!

Then we had a bonus when a local person opened up the mill and allowed us to see inside. The original workings were still there dating back to the 1800s. There was a lovely musty smell. We could climb up narrow ladders (luckily I was wearing flat shoes) to see the upper floors and Hannah and Henry could learn about the various stages of how the grain was ground into flour.

Entry was free (although we gave a donation) and we spent a happy hour there. It just proves that there are some real gems in England if you seek them out.