THE Bridge Mill in Bridgerule opened its doors to the public on Sunday, May 15 as part of National Mills Weekend.

There has been a water mill on this 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 locally grown 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 those wanting to bake their own bread at home.

Beyond the mill, there were signed walks around the mill pond, lake and gardens of the 16 acre smallholding.

Members of Bude Choral Society organised a plant sale, prize draw, book stall and light refreshments to raise funds for their programme of public concerts, while local crafts on offer included pottery and herbal remedies.

Rosie said: “The day was blessed with warm sunshine and we were delighted to welcome a record number of some four hundred visitors throughout the day. We hope they all enjoyed themselves and come back to see us again soon!”

The next opportunity to visit the mill will be on Sunday, May 29 when the gardens are open for the National Garden Scheme (the yellow book) to raise funds for nursing charities.

Following that is the Bridgerule Open Gardens 10th anniversary event on Sunday, June 19, to be opened by TV and radio gardening broadcaster Anne Swithinbank.