Sint Anna, Weert
Facts and practical information
Sint Anna is a corn mill on the Keenterstraat in Weert-Keent in the municipality of the same name in the Dutch province of Limburg.
The mill was commissioned in 1911/1912 by Toon Tindemans, miller's apprentice at the St. Antoniusmolen of Weert-Laar, to be built for the local farmers. Until then they had their grain ground on the Boonesmolen or Clercxmolen. The construction used parts from the Clercxmolen, which was demolished. When the mill was sold in 1924, it also had a suction gas engine to grind during windless periods. In 1931, the mill was equipped with Dekker streamline blades to operate more efficiently. On that occasion, the mill was named after St. Anna. In the 1940s, the wings were fitted with the van Bussel system.
The mill remained in operation until the early 1950s. Then the miller had to stop his business and the mill came to a standstill. In the early 70s, the municipality bought the Sint Anna and had the now dilapidated mill restored. In 1973, the mill was grinding again. Gerie Fijen became the first volunteer miller.
The mill's rods are fitted with the old Dutch fencing with sails. The mill is equipped with one pair of 16der artificial stones. Between 2009 and 2011 a new major restoration was carried out. The mill received new rods and much work was done inside the mill to repair wood rot caused by wood-boring insects. The mill's biotope was also significantly improved by the removal of a large number of trees. In 2012 and 2014, in addition to volunteer miller Gerie Fijen, three new volunteer millers were appointed. The mill is currently managed by a foundation. Stichting Sint Anna, Molen van Keent organizes the opening of the mill and the numerous activities at the mill.
The mill has a number of facilities for people with disabilities. For example, a video system has been installed in the mill so that all the mill attics can be viewed on a large screen by people in wheelchairs. There is also a feeling table in the mill for people with visual impairments. The mill also has an adapted toilet facility.
The St. Anna can be visited when it is running and also every second Wednesday afternoon of the month and every Saturday from 11:00 to 17:00. In the period from April to October additionally every first Sunday of the month at noon.
Limburg