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
| Upgraded play areas in Amber Valley near completion Children and families across Amber Valley will soon be able to enjoy seven newly upgraded play areas following a £300,000 i read more | |
| Construction of Derbyshire towns first wheeled sports facility turns a corner A long-awaited wheeled sports facility in Heanor will soon be ready to welcome skaters, BMX riders, sco read more | |
| Council moves forward with its proposals to Keep Derbyshire Together Derbyshire County Council has submitted its initial proposals for local government reorganisation to government, read more | |
| Amber Valley Residents Encouraged to Move More A vision for Amber Valley where everyone is able to be active and move more every day, no matter their age, background or where they l read more | |
| Belper North Mill Volunteers Association are the Top Team! The Volunteers won the Best Team award at the Visit Peak District and Derbyshire Tourism awards Ceremony in Nottingham, 20 read more | |
The Amber Valley Info Noticeboard
| 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 | |
| Cold Callers claiming to be working on behalf of Derbyshire County Council Policehave seen and increase in reports of 'cold callers' where people are claiming to be working on behal read more | |
| Subscriptions For Amber Valley Borough Councils 2024 Garden Waste Service Are Now Open The garden waste collection service is available to all residents in Amber Valley except for r read more | |
