A DVD showing the extensive restoration of Sidbury Mill and its rich history is now available. The watermill was transformed during a ten year period by Judith and John Stephens, who moved to Sidbury in 1995. More than eight hours of footage was recorded

A DVD showing the extensive restoration of Sidbury Mill and its rich history is now available.

The watermill was transformed during a ten year period by Judith and John Stephens, who moved to Sidbury in 1995.

More than eight hours of footage was recorded over the years by Judith and once the restoration was complete, Glyn Lewis, a Sidbury resident, edited the film into a 35 minute account.

Judith said: "When we first came down here there was so much to do and we knew we weren't going to do it quickly.

"I had a video camera and I thought it was important to record each stage as we did it. "At that time there was no thought as to what we were going to do with it except just to keep as a record for ourselves."

Now the mill is in full working order and wholemeal stone ground flour is produced at the site and sold in many East Devon shops including Drew of Sidbury and Trumps in Sidmouth.

Judith added: "We have been delighted that instead of the building being converted into yet another house and losing the mill and the mill workings, we have been able to restore it and get it working again.

"It played a big part in the history of this village over the centuries and it is nice for it still to be part of the village. It is back to being a village business"

The mill dates back some seven hundred years and much of its detailed history was provided by Alan and Barbara Softly, the Sidbury village archivists.

The DVD entitled 'The Restoration of Sidbury Watermill' was also narrated by Alan and permission was granted by Clovelly Recordings to use their recording of 'The Watermill' by Ronald Binge, played by The Band of Her Majesty's Royal Marines, Flag Officer Plymouth.

* The DVD is on sale at Paragon Books, Sidmouth and is priced at �7.99.