Harvey Hannington
Volunteer cook
Tell us a bit about yourself – what do you do when you’re not volunteering?
I’ve had some previous jobs in kitchens, but right now I’ve gotten heavily into baking, setting up my own bakery from my living room, taking orders online and then cycling these all over London on my bike. (I’m on Instagram if you’d like to message me for a loaf and delivery!)
What sort of volunteering work do you do with FoWG?
I’ve been helping out with all things kitchen based. With a brand new kitchen being put in the windmill centre, we’ve been running various projects like meals for the local residents’ school holiday programme, or the new pop up café selling various baked goods using the flour milled next door.
How did you get into volunteering with FoWG?
I had been looking around for flour at the height of lockdown when you couldn’t get a bag for love nor money. I had come across the windmill on my search, which was a surprise − I had no idea there was one on my doorstep. After doing some reading, I saw you could get involved, and wanted to learn more about the windmill. I filled out the form on the website and got a message back days later about some of the upcoming projects that were going on, and have been here ever since!
What is your favourite thing about volunteering?
It’s great to be involved in a local cause, especially with something effectively hidden on the doorstep. Being able to say you’re involved in keeping a part of history alive is a big bonus as well.
What is the one piece of advice you’d give to someone looking to volunteer?
Make sure you get involved with something you’re passionate about. The windmill is great because there’s so many different opportunities and different things you can get involved with, from milling to education to tour guides, so there’s really something for everyone here.
How do you feel you have benefited from volunteering with FoWG?
It’s given me a brand new outlook with regards to the local area, and how I can help the community. It’s also given me new experience with running a café and kitchen, within a friendly environment, and a steady supply of flour to bake with!
Finally, tell us a surprising fact about the windmill that people may not know.
Whilst it’s not commercially supplying now, up until 1934 the windmill supplied flour to the West End’s hotels and cinemas.
