Fergus explains the mill's workings

Boy tries out the bike

The event kicked off at The Falkland Centre for Stewardship at four o’ clock on Friday 24th April. First to arrive were a couple of photographers, and no-one else. Then bit by bit, a small crowd emerged. Things began to gather momentum, not least the millstones as all sorts of different people jumped on the bike to try their hand (or rather feet) at making their own flour.
It was very fortunate that Andrew Whitley, founder of the acclaimed Village Bakery was able to come along. Master baker that he is, it was good to hear his approval of the quality of the milled flour.
In terms of user testing, everyone was very enthusiastic about the idea, and people of ages were cycling away. Unfortunately the bike was too big for the smallest children to try, however the bike stand is designed so that a child’s bike can be mounted in it. It remains to be seen how young a child can power the mill.
The mill itself however attracted great interest from the kids. Two young brothers, Otis and Felix, were fascinated by the workings of the mill:

“So they’ll get squashed when the wheel gets wound down?” asks the elder brother about the wheat grains.
“Yes”, I reply.
“And then it goes all the way down into the bucket!” says the younger, proud at his observation.

As the project was in fact selected by O2 as one of fifteen ‘Champion’ recipients of the ‘O2 It’s your community’ award, the event was also an opportunity for the presentation of the cheque for £1000 by Derek MacAllan from O2, and a photoshoot.
As well as trying out the mill, it was also a chance to try for the first time a fine mountain bike donated by the Edinburgh Bicycle Cooperative, who came on board as sponsors.
It seems it was a resounding success, and there was much discussion of the potential development of bike power for dough kneading machines and all sorts. The revolution has begun!

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