It is a magical experience to see the twin water wheels of Eskdale Mill turn under the natural power of Willan Beck, which tumbles down beside it in its sparkling journey from Burnmoor Tarn, and to watch the historic machinery working. It was all the more thrilling because we had the undivided attention of miller and custodian, Dave King, who demonstrated the beautifully simple processes by which oats had been milled here for many centuries, using nothing but the force of nature and mechanical ingenuity. He claims that this may be the last oat mill working in the country. Because oats have to be harvested earlier in a damp condition the grain has to be heated before it is ground.
The future of this Grade 2 listed building had been in the balance since the County Council several years ago decided to place the Mill for sale on the open market. It was saved by local people in Eskdale, and others who had a deep affection for this place, who formed a group to ensure that public access to the Mill was maintained. With the help of generous financial help from the Friends of the Lake District and the Lake District National Park Authority a newly formed charitable trust was able to submit a bid for the Mill, which the County Council helpfully agreed to sell for a sum substantially below the original asking price. The Mill transferred into the ownership of the Eskdale Mill & Heritage Trust on November 30th 2006, and Dave King was appointed to remain as custodian and manager of the Mill, to ensure that the public continue to enjoy the very special quality of a visit to this key element in the history and heritage of Eskdale. Dave is particularly interested in attracting local schools who would like to see how life sustaining industry was able to support itself from purely natural resources that left hardly any carbon footprint.
Eight trustees, assisted by an Advisory Group, are now engaged in publicising the mill and developing its attractions as a visitors centre. The Trust now invites applications for annual membership of the Trust from all who value the Mill and its surroundings and see the importance of keeping this special place accessible and open to the public. Application forms for membership of the Trust are available from Roger Putnam, Bower Bank, Irton, Holmrook. Cumbria CA19 1TD, Tel: 019467 23361. Email: rogerputnam@clara.co.uk
Karen Storr's photograph shows Dave's sons playing by the gently turning wheels that power the mill.