Rare manual flour mill purchased through BOVs support

Flour mill enhances Xewkija Windmill visitor experience

The Ministry for Gozo has obtained a rare manual flour mill through Bank of Valletta’s support. This flour mill forms part of the visitor experience at the 18th century Xewkija Windmill that was restored to full working order in recent years.

The manual mill is a miniature of the actual windmill, but operated by hand, and was essential to the production of flour in both very windy or non-windy days and also during the war, when the windmills could not be utilised. Very few of these manual mills are still in existence and this particular mill is genuine and in a very good condition.

Charmaine Borg, manager of BOV’s branches in Gozo met with Clint Camilleri, Minister for Gozo and Mario Saliba, director within the Ministry for Gozo during the official presentation of the manual flour mill.

“The Windmill has been restored to full working condition through part-financing by the EU,” said Saliba. “These original artefacts are essential in enhancing visitors’ experience. Thanks to BOV’s support, the Ministry has acquired this rare manual flour mill which provided continuity in the production of flour when the grinding of grain was not possible through the windmill.”

“We must do our utmost to conserve and preserve the wealth of historic treasures found on our islands and this can only be done through education and by putting a spotlight on our national treasures,” said Borg. “Supporting the purchase of this flour mill forms part of the bank’s ESG strategy towards the conservation of the cultural heritage and environmental capital of the Maltese Islands.”

The Minister for Gozo also thanked Bank of Valletta for supporting this project that will serve as an attraction to all those visiting the Xewkija Windmill.

During past years, the Xewkija Windmill has served as a source of education for schoolchildren while the Ministry for Education organised hands-on folklore and other traditional events. Moreover, collaboration with MCAST and post-secondary academic institutions are ongoing through different aspects, including Physics, Arts and restoration.