Santa at Heage Windmill
On Sunday (11th) it was rather cold, but dry, and with little wind when Santa arrived on his musical sledge, to be enthusiastically greeted by a group of excited youngsters and their guardians. He descended from his transport and slowly made his way, accompanied by his elf helper, to his magic grotto which had been specially built inside the 225 year old windmill.
A new innovation this year was the use of pre--timed Grotto tickets which reduced the queuing time in the cold whilst waiting to see the great man. During the day over 100 children were able to meet him and to tell him what they wanted him to bring on Christmas Eve and they each even received a nice gift from him too!
But the day was not just about seeing Santa because whilst they were waiting their turn outside there was an assortment of free children’s games like Skittles, Hoopla and Ball in the bucket , all of which were well used – as was the mobile Burger van, parked near the mill.
In the adjacent mill marquee there was a variety of stalls including what prooved to be very popular, mulled wine and mince pies - especially so because of the cold weather! But other activities such as Tombola, the Bottle game and raffles, including a very largeChristmas hamper were well supported . And of course the mill’s renowned flour was always in demand.
All in all all it was a very happy, friendly, family day brought to a close when Santa had to move on soon after 3-00pm..
Thanks are extended to all who contributed in some way in making this a memorable occasion, particularly the Belper & Duffield Rotary club who loaned Santa their musical sleigh which played Christmas music throughout the day.
More News From Amber Valley Info
| Mobile speed camera locations in Derbyshire during December 2025 Derbyshire Casualty Reduction Enforcement Support Team (C.R.E.S.T) will be carrying out mobile safety camera enforce read more | |
| Appeal for information launched following series of robberies in Alfreton Police are appealing for information following a series of robberies in Alfreton. read more | |
| Belper Salon Owner Shortlisted for Two National Hair & Beauty Awards 2026 A Belper business owner is celebrating after being shortlisted for two national categories in the Hair and read more | |
| Croots Farm Shop celebrating two national accolades Popular Derbyshire farm shop Croots has been named as the regional winner in the 2025 Great British Food Awards. read more | |
| DLRAA & The Brain Tumour Charity Receives Donations From The Queens Head Marlpool On Thursday 6th November 2025, The Queens Head donated £425.00 to Derbyshire, Leicestershire read more | |
The Amber Valley Info Noticeboard
| 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 | |
| Belper School and Sixth Form Centre Closed Today Due to a significant water leak, resulting in the water being turned off at school, we unfortunately have to close the school today. read more | |
| When you need to call 999 but can't talk When you need to call 999 but can't talk - the ‘silent solution’ can help. Press 55 on your mobile when prompted, to confirm you are in read more | |
| The opening night of the Lights of Abraham Winter Lights Trail The brand new winter lights trail, the 'Lights of Abraham' opened on Friday 22nd November at the Heights of Abraham in read more | |
| Can You Help DREAM Paranormal With Their Research My name is Simon Dean, Lead Investigator of DREAM paranormal and I am looking for your help. read more | |













