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Plain sailing with Heage Windmill volunteers
More than 200 years ago Heage got its own windmill. It was used to grind flour to make bread for people in the village.
Fast-forward to the 20th Century and the rare six-sailed mill had fallen into disrepair. It was taken in hand by Derbyshire County Council in the 1970s, but it is really only since the Heage Windmill Society took over the restoration and running of the mill that it has come to life again. Reporter Laura Hammond found out about the work which goes into keeping the iconic building going.
Heage Windmill has joined more than 450 windmills around the UK to mark National Mills Weekend.
For many of the participating venues the event offers a once-a-year chance to throw open their doors to the public and bring their history to life.
But for our local windmill, which opens every weekend during its season, it was just business as usual as supporters gound flour, gave tours, and let visitors sample bread and cakes made from Heage Windmill grain.
The people who make this happen are a small and dedicated band of volunteers, who work tirelessly to ensure the mill runs smoothly for the thousands of visitors every year.
Lynn Allen, who is a member of the Friends of Heage Windmill – the support group which runs the mill, said: "Our main jobs are at the weekend, when we are open. We have people milling, giving guided tours and running the shop. There is also a lot of work behind the scenes to keep the mill maintained.
"It's all very hands on. There's a lot of preparation involved."
There are around 40 volunteers who give their time to the mill at the moment, in roles ranging from selling flour at Belper and Bakewell markets, to milling, to organising events to bring more people to the mill.
They also arrange events throughout the year, including the popular Santa Day, in December.
Lynn said: "We do it because we enjoy it. There's not many people who can say they love their job, but we wouldn't do it if we didn't."
The group is always on the hunt for more volunteers. Contact Lynn on 01773 715177.
The mill was built in 1797 and restored in 2002. It is open from 11am to 4pm during the season. Flour milled there is available all year, subject to windy weather, at Belper Farmers' Market on the second Saturday of every month.
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Weather for Belper
Thursday 09 February 2012
Today
Light sleet showers
Temperature: -0 C to 1 C
Wind Speed: 7 mph
Wind direction: South west
Tomorrow
Light snow
Temperature: -3 C to 2 C
Wind Speed: 10 mph
Wind direction: South east
