Heage Windmill Officially Open
Heage Windmill is open… … and that’s official. Although this popular visitor attraction opened its 2023 season on April 1st, Saturday April 22nd saw the official opening by Jack Kirkland, Chairman of Bowmer & Kirkland, and Heage Windmill’s new Patron.
Accompanied by his partner Thiago and children Eva and Max, Jack said he felt honoured to be following in the footsteps of his father, John Kirkland, who was a long-time Patron of the windmill, and delighted that Heage Windmill is continuing its association with Bowmer & Kirkland, whose headquarters overlook the windmill. ‘I’ve got you in my sights’ he quipped to the assembled volunteers and visitors.
The opening ceremony began - as is the custom of the last few years - by our special guest driving a vintage 1947 Fordson Tractor towards Heage Windmill where he was greeted by Trevor Ainsworth, Chairman of the Trustees.
Trevor spoke of the challenge facing Heage Windmill as it emerged from Covid but was delighted to be looking forward to another full season in 2023 comprising mill tours, special events and the milling of flour, continuing Heage Windmill’s standing as an award-winning visitor attraction.
‘However, we have work to do’ added Trevor, referring to the major repairs ahead that will eventually necessitate the removal of the sails, fantail and cap in order to treat wet rot in key structural timbers. He was confident, though, that when the repairs are completed, the windmill will endure long into the future.
Trevor thanked his ‘dedicated’ team of Friends and Trustees but hoped that more volunteers will come forward to help and support the windmill, a point emphasised when he handed over to Roger Hatcher, Trustee and Chairman of the Friends of Heage Windmill. With the average age of volunteers being around 70, Roger was especially keen to see younger volunteers coming forward, adding that the windmill was aiming to widen visibility to a more diverse audience, involving a greater presence on Facebook and Instagram.
With the restored windmill in its 21st year, Roger reported that visitor numbers were back to pre-pandemic levels and pointed to nearly 50 five-star reviews on Google and Trip Advisor. As well as saluting the work done by the Friends and volunteers, Roger thanked the Mayor of Ripley, Councillor Nigel Weaving – himself a Trustee – and his Consort for attending, with special thanks to the owner of the land around the windmill, Richard Hallas.
Finally, Roger expressed his hope that the windmill’s long-standing relationship with Bowmer & Kirkland ‘will extend well into the future’ adding that ‘Heage Windmill has been here for 226 years and, as we are but temporary custodians, we must help ensure the windmill survives for another 226 years.’
After cutting the ribbon, Jack Kirkland was presented with a bag of the windmill’s own flour, and his children Eva and Max were gifted a windmill wind spinner each plus a small bag of flour to share, followed by the family enjoying a tour of the windmill.
More News From Amber Valley Info
| Derbyshire Wayfarer Ranger Goes Digital Derbyshire Wayfarer Ranger tickets can now be purchased through an app, making them more convenient for bus and train users. read more | |
| Young Person Travel Discount Scheme Extended For Another Three Months Derbyshire County Council's b_line 3 card, which offers discounts for those aged from 19 up to their 22nd birth read more | |
| Care Home Sale Update Plans are being revised for the future of eight Derbyshire care homes after a planned sale fell through. read more | |
| Derby Residents Urged To Have Their Say In Two Consultations Consultations have been launched into future options for two services delivered by Derbyshire County Council. read more | |
| Over 350 New Objections Add Momentum to Fight Against Major Green Belt Housing Estate The Save Kilburn and Horsley Green Belt (SKHGB) committee has handed in more than 350 new objec read more | |
The Amber Valley Info Noticeboard
| 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 | |
| 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 | |
