The day the Hairy Bikers came to visit our windmill
Favourite TV chefs Si King and Dave Myers visited Derbyshire landmark Heage Windmill last year, but the occasion had to be kept quiet until an episode of their Hairy Bikers Go North show was screened this month. Heage Windmill trustee ALAN GIFFORD explain
DURING the spring of 2020, Heage Windmill Society was contacted by a crew of film makers, working with the BBC, enquiring if we were willing to receive a private visit from the Hairy Bikers, as part of a projected forthcoming series centred on the North of England. Of course, we agreed.
The months rolled by and we wondered if it was to happen. Eventually we had notice that they would be with us in late August that year – but we had to keep it secret!
The celebrity duo, Si King and Dave Myers –The Hairy Bikers – actually visited the Windmill on August 29 last year, filming for their latest series, Hairy Bikers Go North, currently being shown on BBC 2.
Our team tasked with meeting them were millers Anthony Sharp and Tim Castledine, whilst Lynn Allen, who bags much of our flour and is visitor centre manager, was on hand as a guide.
The weather was very kind for the event, with a brisk northerly wind positioning the sails directly overlooking the car park, enabling Si and Dave to have a full on view of the mill as they arrived on their bikes.
After formal introductions the sails were set in motion and they were taken on a tour of the mill to explain the layout of each of the floors, with answers being provided to their many questions.
After the tour, a short milling session was carried out. Although they were in an environment new to them, their professionalism helped us to share with them the technicalities and joy of milling in a 224-year-old mill.
It is well worth noting that whilst chatting later in the day, they did compliment us on the quality of our stoneground flour, which they had previously used for making Derbyshire oatcakes at Chatsworth. Following the milling session, further discussions were held regarding more general matters such as volunteering and operating issues, including the need to attract the younger generations to join in safeguarding the mill’s future.
It must be said that the Hairy Bikers and the film crew were so friendly towards us, putting our team at ease, which resulted in it being a tremendously rewarding and memorable event. The programme was shown on BBC2 on November 4, and the details of their visit had remained a secret until we had the confirmed schedule.
All who then watched the broadcast were very pleased with the programme and, of course, the coverage of the windmill and her flour. We have subsequently had many messages of support from followers of the windmill and the general public.
Overall, it was a very pleasant and satisfying experience for all involved with the operation of our dear ‘old lady.’
The Hairy Bikers were so friendly...which resulted in it being a tremendously rewarding and memorable event. Alan Gifford