WINDMILL ON MY MIND



CAT AND FIDDLE WINDMILL

 The Cat and Fiddle Windmill, which is situated just outside Ilkeston, has been without it's sails for far too long. Following my recent inquiries I have learnt that the reason given by the owner for the sail shortage is that he can't source suitable pieces of wood for the sail arms.

It's high time that Erewash started helping the owner to get this Mill back to it's former glory as a lovely local landmark. At the moment it is more symbolic of the way Erewash Council drifts and slides along, more interested with it's own internal affairs than it's external effects.

I am hoping action can be taken on the Windmill as soon as practicable. If anyone wants to see how a piece of heritage can be a community asset and a tourist magnet take a look on the Web at http://www.jillwindmill.org.uk/

CAT AND FIDDLE WINDMILL

The iconic image of Cat and Fiddle Windmill is part of our local heritage. It dates from about 1788 and is the only surviving Post Mill in Derbyshire. Standing as it does on a hill just outside Ilkeston, it is very prominent on the local skyline providing a stunning local landmark.



CAT & FIDDLE WINDMILL

 It was offered many years ago to the Conservative controlled Borough Council but unfortunately they didn't take up the offer. Yet another missed opportunity.

It could have made a good base for a field study centre and visitor attraction. At the moment this lovely windmill is a bit like Erewash Borough Council it lacks motivation. It would be nice to see it's sails back on so we can see it in all it's glory.

EREWASH ERRORS

When I look back over Erewash history it grieves me to recollect the missed opportunities. At one point when the Conservatives held sway they were offered the Hermits Wood at Dale Abbey for a "peppercorn" they turned it down because of running costs. It would have made a top class nature reserve owned by the public for ever. About the same time they had the offer of the Cat & Fiddle Windmill plus Cottage, I think the figure talked of was 20k.  Imagine that as a Nature Study Centre and visitor attraction. Guess what? They turned it down because of running costs. 

They then built the Long Eaton Town Hall for about two and a half million pounds and they would have spent another £250,000 on a nuclear bunker underneath if they could have secured the grant from Thatcher's Government. I kid you not! These Erewash Tory folk appear seriously misguided.