De Molen is a hidden gem in Foxton. The working windmill is used for grinding flour, and welcomes visitors. De Molen was completed and officially opened on 13th April 2003. Built to plans and specifications obtained from the Netherlands, it is a replica of a traditional 17th Century Dutch flour mill. The running gear, millstones and sail stocks were made and installed by Vaags Molenwerkn in the Netherlands, and the mill has been built using NZ-grown timber, by mainly voluntary labour. De Molen is equipped with the latest design in composite millstones as well as two new experimental wind blades.
De Molen, windmill at Foxton
We had a family get-together over the weekend, on Robin’s side of the family. We were camping in our caravan not too far away at Foxton Race Course. His sister Kaye and her hubby, who live in the South Island, had been on holiday further north and were starting on their journey home. A couple of phone calls later we had arranged a lunch date with them, plus Robin’s brother Gary and his wife, who drove up from Levin. We met for lunch at the Dutch Oven café, and had a nice meal and catch-up.
The Dutch Oven
There was plenty to talk about, as usual. Both Robin and I were adventurous and chose Dutch items from the menu, very tasty indeed. Robin chose Broodje Frikandel, a Dutch style hotdog, and I had Klein Ontbijt, ham, eggs & and imported Dutch cheese on toast. It’s always good to try something new. De Molen, The Dutch Oven and Millside Café are run by the same entity, The Foxton Windmill Trust Inc. which is a non-profit organisation. All proceeds go into the upkeep and running of de Molen.
Ready for lunch
The weather was lovely so we had an outside photo as well, with the three siblings and Kaye’s hubby – who incidentally has Dutch blood in his veins but had never been to Foxton to see the windmill.
Robin, Kaye, Jan, and Gary
We said our goodbyes and we all went our separate ways. Kaye and Jan were staying the night in Wellington and booked on the Inter Islander Ferry the following day. They were a little apprehensive as bad weather and high winds had been promised – could well have been a very rough trip.
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