Belmont Mill is an 18th century oat mill based in the beautiful village of Belmont in Offaly. It has been lovingly restored by the owners Tom Dolan (Ballinasloe ) and his wife Sandy Lloyd. The waters from the Brosna river power the great waterwheel and the shelling stone turns to demonstrate the first stage of milling. In the converted stable yard, there are workshops with artists and Mark Keenan, a violin maker. Above the restored kiln room is an exhibition of work by Rosemary Langtry and Carol Bergin. On site, there is also boat builder Dougal MacManhon, who builds and repairs all wood Shannon One boats.
This Sunday September 25 from 2 - 5 pm, families can see all this and children can have fun painting or sewing pictures, working with the artists, and making pots with ceramicist Jennifer Comber. Dip into the oat tub for a lucky prize. Besides the background sound of water, there will be music by the string quartet from the Cisterian College Roscrea, and local traditional musicians. Relax and have a cuppa with some homemade baking.
Come for the fun and help to raise funds for a very worthy cause, Midlands Simon Community.
The aim of the Midlands Simon Community is to enable people to move out of homelessness by providing a wide range of services and supports, including vital emergency accommodation, settlement services, housing with support; addressing any difficulties people face with health, addiction or poverty; and providing a voice and a network of volunteers who offer many supports such as help with returning to education or employment, or someone to simply listen.
Midlands Simon Community are providing these essential ongoing supports and care to those affected by homelessness across the Midlands region. Since 2005 Midlands Simon has now supported over 900 people.
For information on the Midlands Simon open day please contact the Belmont Watermill on (090 ) 6457598 or visit www.belmontmill.com
