Tractor Man Opens Heage Windmill
Over the 22 years since the windmill was restored the weather for the annual ‘formal’ opening has varied from ice and snow to rain and biting winds. However, on Saturday 20h April, it was a warm barmy and sunny day, so it was in bright sunshine that John Allsop drove his Fordson Tractor down the track to mill, escorted by two other tractors, driven by local men, David Horsey and John Gould.
They were welcomed, in front of the mill by a large gathering of people , including many children , by Alan Eccleston , Chairman of Heage Windmill Society, and Cllr. Angela Ward, Chair of Friends of the Windmill.
Alan welcomed everyone present and particularly thanked the team of volunteers who make the mill such a great attraction. He introduced John Allsop and said he was born and bred in Heage and had a long standing love of the mill, as well of course, for his beloved tractors. It was John who, many years ago, suggested he organised a tractor rally at the mill and this has blossomed into rallies of all sorts of vehicles being held at the mill which help support the mill.
Angela spoke on behalf of Friends and mentioned the ongoing need for more volunteers to keep the standards set at the mill at the high level they are now. Alan then invited John to cut the yellow ribbon barring the way to mill and, in so doing, he said he sincerely hoped the mill would enjoy a great season and that that weather would be kind throughout. A thought endorsed by all present, by a loud round of applause. John’s family came to support him and brought along ‘Fordson’ the family dog.
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