Graham Crisp

Graham Crisp, born in 1956 in New Bradwell and still living in his childhood home, describes Bradwell Windmill as a constant presence in his life. As a boy of seven or eight, he and friends would pay the recreation ground keeper sixpence for the key and explore the semi-derelict mill alone. With broken sails, pigeons inside and ladders in poor condition, it was undeniably dangerous by today’s standards — but for local children it was pure adventure.

Graham became formally involved around 1990 when Milton Keynes Council appealed for volunteers to help revive the windmill as a tourist attraction. He joined a small group of locals who formed the Friends of Bradwell Windmill. At that time, cosmetic repairs had been carried out, but significant structural issues remained. The cap mechanism — a cast iron rack and worm gear system used to turn the sails into the wind — required major professional intervention. Graham estimates that even then around £250,000 would have been needed for full restoration, far beyond the group’s fundraising capacity.

Volunteers focused on practical tasks: woodwork repairs, weeding, painting shutters and improving internal supports, including installing an iron column salvaged from Wolverton Works to steady the central shaft. The group also organised community events to raise funds and awareness. The Miller May Day, initiated by Sylvia Mead, became a highlight, featuring a May Queen, maypole dancing, the Bradwell Silver Band, school involvement and hundreds of visitors. The mill also hosted school visits, with children climbing the tower and receiving certificates.

Despite enthusiasm and steady community support, progress was limited by funding shortages. Newsletters kept supporters informed, but without substantial grants major works could not proceed. Graham recalls the excitement — and fear — of releasing the brake and watching the sails turn, the whole structure feeling as though it might lift off.

He believes restoration is vital because the windmill is central to New Bradwell’s identity. Recent tree clearance has made it visible again from the canal and surrounding areas, restoring views remembered from childhood. However, he stresses that a full overhaul is still needed and that, as a working machine rather than just a building, it requires ongoing care.

Though no longer actively involved, Graham remains deeply interested, seeing the windmill as a powerful symbol of local heritage and community spirit.