THE Bridge Mill in Bridgerule opened its doors to the public on Sunday, May 13, as part of ‘National Mills Weekend’.

There has been a water mill on the site since Saxon times, and the present Victorian building has been restored to working order by the current owners, Alan and Rosie Beat.

Visitors saw the water wheel driving the mill stones to grind organic wheat into wholemeal flour, while stewards on each floor of the building were on hand to explain each stage of the process. Bags of freshly ground flour were available for visitors to take home.

Beyond the mill, there were signed walks around the mill pond, lake and gardens of the 16-acre smallholding. The Lodestone Border Morris team performed a series of traditional dances at intervals through the day. Members of Bude Choral Society organised a plant sale, tombola, book stall and light refreshments to raise funds for their programme of public concerts, while local crafts on offer included pottery and handmade gifts.

Rosie said: “The day was blessed with warm sunshine and we were delighted to welcome more than three hundred visitors through the gate. We hope they all enjoyed themselves and come back to see us again soon.”

The mill and gardens are open again on Sunday, June 3, from 11am to 5pm for the National Garden Scheme, which is a major source of funding for nursing charities.

Also coming up; Lodestone Morris dancers will be holding an evening of traditional dance at The Rydon Inn Holsworthy on June 13.

For more details about Bridge Mill visit the website www.thebridgemill.org.uk