Windmills. Watermills. Tidal Mills. Even Horse Mills.

Historic sites like these, scattered throughout the UK, are celebrated annually in early May by the Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings. In 1996, the former Denby Dale Radio Society joined that effort by creating the Mills on the Air special event which, this year, takes place on Saturday the 9th of May and Sunday the 10th of May.

The Nunsfield House Amateur Radio Group, who organise this event now, stress that this not a contest but a recognition of the historical importance of each of these sites. Hams wishing to call CQ from any of these sites need to register on the event website and provide full information in the online form. Operators must, of course, secure permission from each of the mills to operate there.

Of course, there will be awards - and shortwave listeners are encouraged to participate as well. This year, the organisers are asking that all award applicants consider making a donation to their local historic mill or directly to the Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings.

For details about registering or to find out more about logging contacts, visit nharg.org.uk

Meanwhile, the Society has been collecting stories from volunteers, owners or even amateur historians about the various mills in the UK, Ireland or Europe and how they evolved. The stories will be published in a book. Submission deadline is the 1st of May, Visit the society website at spab.org.uk for information on how to contribute.