WORSBROUGH Mill finally has a new miller after a national search.
Simon Dodd takes over from previous miller Richard Moss admitting he has ‘big boots to fill’ in taking over from the man who has retired after being at the helm for 20 years.
Simon, a teacher, says he ‘jumped at the chance’ when he saw the job advertised.
“I started doing a day a week at another organic water mill in Cumbria in 2008. I did 18 months there and thoroughly loved it,” said Simon, 51.
“I went back to my previous job teaching in a primary school for the next ten years, but when this job came up I couldn’t believe it. It is my dream job. I see myself staying here for years, and I’m going to enjoy it for as long as I can do it.”
Simon started work at the mill two weeks ago, but this week former miller Richard has returned to train him up and, as Simon puts it, tell him ‘what noises the mill should and shouldn’t make’.
“It’s an ancient craft really, it’s not as simple as popping grain in the mill,” Simon says.
“You’ve got to measure the water flow, and it’s about using your senses, and feeling the rhythm and the noises that the mill makes.
“It’s a completely different experience for me, my background is in sciences and I have been in industries where you have to be very accurate and precise and this is more of a touch thing.”
The mill, which has been in operation since 1865, produces around ten tons of flour a year, but Simon says one aim over the next few years is to increase the mill’s output.
And Simon is hoping that his background as a teacher can help him with the mill’s second function.
Worsbrough Mill is a ‘living museum’ alongside working as a mill it is open to the public for tours and events.
“Hopefully I can communicate effectively, as it’s about that imparting of knowledge and telling stories and making it interesting and relevant.
“I can hopefully look at the next generation and help them to understand how the mill works.”
