When it comes to casting a vote in the UK, many of us head to familiar locations like local primary schools or village halls. But some polling stations offer a much more unique experience, and one such example is Button’s Mill, an 18th-century windmill located in the West Suffolk village of Thelnetham. This historic landmark, dating back to 1778, was once used to grind wheat into flour and has undergone numerous refurbishments over the years.
In 2019, during the General Election, Button’s Mill served an unusual purpose – it was used as a polling station for the first time in its 200-year history. Chris Mills, a local volunteer and event organiser, expressed his enthusiasm for the selection of the windmill, noting that it was a great way to attract people to the site.
The windmill was a temporary solution, as the village hall was undergoing renovations. While it may not be used as a polling station in the current General Election, it remains a popular tourist destination, offering guided tours and showcasing the mill’s history. The granary is also used for meetings and art displays.
Button’s Mill isn’t the only quirky polling station in the UK. Across the country, voters are finding themselves casting ballots in unconventional locations, adding a touch of the unexpected to the election process.
In Cambridgeshire, Jackie and Alan Ward have transformed their caravan into a polling station, complete with an expandable tent. This unique setup adds a festival-like atmosphere to the voting experience.
Meanwhile, in Sunderland, voters are treated to a trip to Fullwell windmill, a historical landmark offering a unique setting for the election.
For those in Oxford, the Ace Launderette has been a long-standing polling station, serving as a venue for casting ballots during the 2019 election and subsequent leadership changes.
These quirky polling stations offer a refreshing perspective on the traditional voting process, highlighting the diverse and unconventional locations that can be used for such an important civic duty. The UK’s General Election is a time for voters to make their voices heard, and these unique locations contribute to a memorable and often surprising election experience.
