The Veenpark has made 10,000 euros available for this. It mainly concerns smaller activities that take up a lot of man hours, explains Keuter. “For the really major interventions, an amount of between 80,000 and 120,000 euros is needed.”
The mill is currently not on any monument list, but Keuter is hopeful that something can be done about this. “In that case it will also be easier for us to apply for subsidies.” De Berk would then be back on top in about two years. The peat park is therefore planning to put the wind giant back into operation, including the miller. “Just like we used to do.”
The team of volunteers currently has their hands full with the statement. Renting itself just screwed on a brand new beam. Things are going in the right direction, but initially Renting did not see much benefit from the first impression. “When I saw it, I thought: just break it down, just demolish it. It was nothing more. The scaffolding, the fencing, the street beam, the short sprout, the long sprout, everything was rotten.”
He changed his mind when he got an impression of the inside. Because the heart of the mill, there was nothing wrong with it. The masonry and the thatched roof date from 1983. “Fairly new and well preserved. In that respect it was not too bad. “And I told Harry that.”
The position will be restored within a few weeks. Then it is the turn of the hood and the blades, among other things. For the really big work, a professional millwright and an extra pot of money is needed. “Then I’m talking about the tail work and the shoot. That’s not work for a volunteer.”
In the meantime, Renting and his colleagues are enjoying their repair work the most. “You must have had a blow from the mill for it,” Renting laughs. “It’s nice to work with such a club. Nice weather, a cup of coffee, a bit of bullshit. That’s what we get paid for. What more could you want?”