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North Leverton Windmill – Fun-time at Christmas-time
The eerie glow that has been reported around North Leverton over
the last couple of week-ends was revealed on Saturday 6th
December when North Leverton Windmill was seen at it has never
been seen before – the Windmill was floodlight at the end of a
fun-day held at the mill.
The event was extremely well attended, and support continues to
grow. The weather was ideal, cold and crisp. The fun started
mid-afternoon with a tug-o-war competition. The contest started
with six teams, however thanks to the efforts of the Master of
Ceremonies, Mr Mark Hodgson, this number soon grew. As the
afternoon progressed, the ground got muddier and muddier and the
contestants dirtier and dirtier,
Members of the Sealed Knot battled on, the farmers team although
beefy could not compete against the strength of the Leverton
ladies and the family team put in a sterling effort. However the
final was between Wheatley cricket club and Watkins Farmers and
Contractors. After almost an hour and half of ‘taking the
strain’, Watkins were declared the first winners of the Bob Gray
Challenge Cup.
Following the tug-o-war, traditional games were played and The
Sealed Knot performed a mini enactment of how civil war life
would have been. The onlookers marvelled at the demonstration
whilst being warmed by mulled wine, coffee and mince pies.
And of course, the mill played its part. The tractor engine was
used to power the mill stones and the numerous visitors were
amazed to watch wheat turned to flour before their eyes. The
flour was then bagged and sold, fresh and ready to be made into
fresh bread and mince pies for Christmas.
Probably the highlight of the event was the lantern parade by
the children of North Leverton School. The children walked along
Mill Lane by lantern, singing Christmas carols on route. The
scene was amazing, and decorative lights on the windmill also
added to the Christmas atmosphere. Once at the Mill, the
children and gathered crowds sang traditional carols and proved
that community spirit still lives on. At the end of the service
performed by Reverend Joanna Hayes, the mill was floodlit, an
amazing achievement in itself as there is no electricity at the
Windmill. Thanks to Mr Mick South for shedding light on the
event.
No charge was made for the event, donations were requested and
the proceeds will go to the newly formed North Leverton Windmill
Trust. Works will start in the New Year when two sails will be
removed and the Mill Tower will get a new coat of tar.
Thank-you to everyone who supported this event.
The
Windmill is open every Saturday, when visitors are welcome. No
charge is made, just donations to the upkeep of the windmill are
requested.
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