Miller
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A Miller is trained to operate the mill. At HSMT their are three recognised categories.
- Senior Miller
- Trained and certified capable of operating the mill with machinery engaged to mill grain into flour.
- Assistant Miller
- Trained and certified capable of operating the mill without machinery engaged in sails only turning mode under the supervision of a senior miller.
- Trainee Miller
- A volunteer who has commenced training towards becoming an assistant miller.
Duties
A miller must keep track of the weather forecast every day and ensure that the mill is maintained with the sails faced into the wind,
A miller is responsible for ensuring that the mill is secured against any storm force winds from being forcibly turned out of the wind. A tail-winded mill, if strong winds hit the back of the sails, can be readily destroyed.
When strong winds are forecast the miller is expected to secure the mill. There is a rope, stored in the workshop when not in use, that can be tied to two stakes driven securely into the ground on either side of the tailpole, with the middle of the rope looped around the tailpole as illustrated. If the mill is facing in a South-Westerly direction, then one end of this rope may be tied to the Indian Bean Tree instead of a stake. Note how the rope is doubled to provide extra security.
