The Traditional Corn Millers Guild (TCMG) was founded in March 1987, the idea being that millers needed a body where things of mutual interest could be discussed and which would promote the craft of traditional milling using horizontal mill stones. The guild membership would be open to both watermills and windmills, that are powered by water or wind respectively, and in regular use milling cereals rather than just demonstrating how the mill works.
Membership has grown to 28 full members and 10 associate members by the end of September 2025.
Oldland Windmill first approached the Guild in 2014 and subsequently joined as Associate Members. But at that time flour production was in its infancy and full membership was not possible.
To improve performance with the milling process, some engineering upgrades were required to the mill itself in order to broaden the working range of wind speeds. The brake-wheel was strengthened by fitting clamps and modifications were made to the sweeps, during major refurbishment in 2018 and 2019. This included reducing gaps between the shutters and fitting improved cranks which control shutter movement.
By 2020 Oldland Windmill was in a better position to start grinding wheat in greater quantities, due to the modifications made, and the vision of Stuart Meier who was the Lead Miller at that time.
By 2022, the mill was producing flour in saleable quantities, as the following figures demonstrate:
– 2022: 1470kg
– 2023: 840kg
– 2024: 1840kg
– 2025 (to date): 1230kg
The regular production of flour motivated the Milling Team to apply for full TCMG Membership during the spring of 2025. This required a number of initiatives including improvements in the milling process plus training and documentation to be put in place to meet the TCMG Assessment Criteria.
First and foremost was the need to write an HACCP (Hazzard Analysis and Critical Control Point) on mill operations especially those relating to milling and packing. This was admirably completed by Mick Fitter with inputs from the Lead Millers and Flour Packers.
The milling area on the Spout Floor was improved to include personal milling attire, certified weighing scales and hand washing facilities with hot water and a paper towel dispenser.
Documentation and milling records were improved to include farm and mycotoxin certificates for all grain purchased, records of any rodent control and all relevant housekeeping.
Lead Millers and Lead Flour Packers completed certification to Level 2 Food Hygiene and Safety for Retail.
The comprehensive assessment took place on 13th May 2025 by an experienced TCMG miller and full member with Milling and Flour Packing Leads representing Oldland Mill Trust.
Initial feedback indicated that the assessment went very well however the TCMG Constitution requires all full member applications to be presented to an AGM for assessment and agreement. The 2025 AGM was held on Saturday 15th November when our application was considered by the full members present.
We are delighted that our application was successful so Oldland Mill Trust is now a full member and can proudly use the TCMG logo on its products and publicity material.
The Traditional Corn Millers Guild (TCMG) was founded in March 1987, the idea being that millers needed a body where things of mutual interest could be discussed and which would promote the craft of traditional milling using horizontal mill stones. The guild membership would be open to both watermills and windmills, that are powered by water or wind respectively, and in regular use milling cereals rather than just demonstrating how the mill works.