THE Bridge Mill, at Bridgerule has been awarded a plaque by the mills section of the Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings (SPAB) in recognition of good practice in mill conservation and repair.

The presentation was made on Sunday, May 14, by millwright and historian Martin Watts at the Bridge Mill’s annual open day as part of National Mills Weekend.

Mr Watts said: “Plaques are awarded to projects that accord with the SPAB philosophy of repair and demonstrated high standards of workmanship, and nationally only a dozen or so projects have been recognised in this way over the last 20 years.

“The restoration of this mill was difficult because the water wheel and critical parts of the machinery had been removed for scrap, but these have been sympathetically rebuilt to a high technical standard. Alan and Rosie Beat have breathed new life into this wonderful mill and provided it with a new future within its community.”

The presentation was celebrated by local musician Phil Williams, who performed a song he’d composed about the Bridge Mill, followed by the traditional dancing of the Lodestone border morris team, plus madrigals and other songs by Bude Choral Society, Bradworthy Baroque, and the Tamarside Singers of Bridgerule.

Red Dog Bakery offered a range of fresh-baked bread made with the Bridge Mill flour.

Other regular features of the open day included the mammoth plant sale, local craft stalls, and refreshments and light lunches.

Meanwhile, the mill was grinding organic whole meal flour in the traditional way between millstones driven by waterpower, with stewards stationed on each floor to explain how it all worked. There was also a slideshow of the mill restoration.

Owner, Mr Alan Beat, said: “More than 500 visitors came from far and wide to help us celebrate our 20th year of opening for National Mills Weekend and to see the award being presented. It was a memorable day for us and we hope everyone who came enjoyed themselves as much as we did!

“The entrance money all goes towards the upkeep of the mill, and we really appreciate your support.”