Lecture 'A miller blows with every wind'

Local historian Hans van den Broek gives a lecture entitled “A miller blows with every wind”.

Local historian Hans van den Broek, a member of the H.N. Ouwerling local history society in Deurne, regularly came across matters relating to the milling profession during his research into early medicine and local history. Coincidentally, a few years ago he had interviewed several millers from Deurne about their work for the local history society. The lecture will be held in Zaal De Koekoek in Lieshout. Admission to the lecture is free, even for non-members of the local history society.

In his story, he shares with you the recurring discussions about the height of the milling wage, the honesty of the miller, the desired water level at a watermill, and why mills turn counterclockwise. He talks about the rise of the windmill and whether or not a mill should or could be located outside the city. And also why neighbourhoods with mills sometimes had a bad reputation. In addition, he shares excerpts from songs and verses about millers and the preference for the “colour” white. You will also hear interesting facts about the language used in the milling world, occupational diseases and accidents, miller's clothing, grain cleaning, the importance of the weather, the language of the sails, the patron saints of millers and, finally, some wise advice. As you can see, it is a varied presentation with a fascinating insight into what went on around a mill, with lots of unknown and interesting facts.