Free mill weekend returns

TOMORROW will see the return of the free Anderson’s Mill Heritage Weekend which showcases the site’s more-than 150-year history.

Across Saturday 10 and Sunday 11 May there will be live demonstrations of weaving, embroidery, blacksmiths and more, and members of Bendigo Amateur Radio Club will be contacting mills in the United Kingdom.

Cheryl Just, president of Anderson’s Mill Heritage Weekend Incorporated said the event has a relaxing atmosphere and it is a great way to discover the past.

“It’s nearly all heritage things; you can see the blacksmiths working and the waterwheel going,” she said.

“For most children they don’t even see the workings of things anymore… the blacksmith will spend time talking to them and explaining what he’s doing.

“For most children it’s really fascinating to do that.”

This will be the seventh event at the mill to showcase its history and Ms Just said she hopes the mill will eventually be restored.

It is currently owned by the State Government.

“There’s a beautiful little office down there… over the years that has become derelict inside and what we would love to see is to see it completely restored,” Ms Just said.

“It would make a beautiful museum.

“It’s such an important part of Victoria’s industrial history.”

More information can be found on the Anderson’s Mill Heritage Weekend Facebook page.