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Flour mill receives funding for urgent repairs

BBC/Oli Constable Miller Simon Dodd from Worsbrough Mill holding a bag of milled flourBBC/Oli Constable
The mill has been a part of local heritage for nearly 400 years

The stones of a flour mill that had ground to a halt will turn again after £40,000 was raised for urgent repairs.

Worsbrough Mill, located in Worsbrough Mill Country Park, Barnsley, is one of the last remaining working flour mills in Yorkshire and has been in use since 1625.

The funds raised will pay to restore the 16.4 ft (5m) upright oak shaft that drives the mill’s mechanism, according to Barnsley Museums and Heritage Trust.

A online appeal has raised more than £6,500 to date and Barnsley Council said it would make up the difference to ensure the repair work to get the mill running again can begin.

The council has not given an exact figure for its contribution.

However, Robin Franklin, cabinet spokesperson for regeneration and culture, said the funds would "build on donations already given by the public and local businesses".

He said the trust would continue to source further funds to support their long-term plans for the mill and the town's four other council-run museums.

BBC/Oli Constable A water wheel at Worsbrough Mill in BarnsleyBBC/Oli Constable
Worsbrough Mill uses water power from the nearby River Dove to grind the flour

Worsbrough Mill produces a range of organic flours used by bakeries and kitchens across the UK, along with the Worsbrough Mill Cafe.

It is capable of grinding around 16 tonnes of grain each year thanks to water power from the nearby River Dove.

Barnsley councillor Jake Lodge welcomed the council's financial support for the mill and thanked people and businesses who had already donated to their appeal.

The mill, he said, "forms part of Barnsley and Worsborough's industrial heritage for the last 400 years".

The mill is also used as an educational tool for children from primary schools to visit on a regular basis to learn more about the mill’s heritage and the part it plays in the community.

David Exley, chair of the Barnsley Museums and Heritage Trust, said a timetable for when the work would be completed and the mill could begin producing flour again had not been set.

He added how grateful they were for the support of the public and the council ahead of the mill's 400th anniversary next year.

"The passion and commitment shown by the community in preserving the mill speaks volumes, and we’re excited to celebrate this milestone with everyone who helped make it possible,” he said.

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