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.
More News From Amber Valley Info
| 22,000 more properties to join Amber Valley food waste collections The second phase of weekly collections begins on 30 November, following higher-than-expected participation in the read more | |
| Images released after Ripley robbery Derbyshire Police have released images of three people they'd like to speak to about a robbery in Ripley. The incident happened at around 3:40am read more | |
| Independent property brand Cope&Co celebrates exciting chapter with new Alfreton shop Derby's biggest independent property brand, Cope&Co, has opened another branch of its estate ag read more | |
| Free Business Crime Partnership Launched to Help Protect Derbyshire Businesses Police and Crime Commissioner Nicolle Ndiweni-Roberts has announced the launch of a new countywide bus read more | |
| Could Retailers Run Their Business From Derbyshire County Council's Countryside Sites? Is anyone looking for a business venture? Derbyshire County Council is looking for retailers a read more | |
The Amber Valley Info Noticeboard
| Pottery Close Halloween Event Taking a Break This Year The popular Halloween event at Pottery Close will not take place this year, as the organisers have not had enough time to prep read more | |
| Food waste recycling is coming to Amber Valley From June 2026, Amber Valley Borough Council will introduce weekly food waste recycling across the borough as part of a phased roll-ou read more | |
| Stallholder Bookings Now Open For The Tansley Big Day Out We're excited to announce that Tansley's Big Day Out 2026 will take place on 6th & 7th June 2026! read more | |
| Christmas and New Year bin collection dates Over the festive season, bin collections will operate on revised schedules. Some collections may take place up to two days earlier than u read more | |
| Launch Of WOMBLE MANIA! At the Heights of Abraham, Opened by Marcus Robertson, Son of Wombles author, Elisabeth Beresford, officially launched WOMBLE MANIA! at the Heights of Abraha read more | |













